Ash Wednesday
Lord, protect us in our struggle against evil.
As we begin the discipline of Lent,
make this day holy by our self-denial.
Opening Prayer, Ash Wednesday Mass
Today marks the start of the Lenten season of 2003. Ash Wednesday begins the season of penance and reconciliation that will culminate in Easter. In exactly 40 days, Christians will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ!
I’ve always been struck with the concept of penance. In our current age, the idea of denial and self-mortification seems foreign. Why give up anything at all?
The Church prescribes fasting and abstinence during this season, as a form of penance. It used to be a huge pain when such discipline was imposed on me in my youth. Now, having grown older, my appetite has decreased, and so my body hardly notices the effect of fasting. It no longer becomes a chore, but perhaps a welcome break from the high-calorie diet of an affluent society. Fasting is starting to lose its meaning as a form of penance for me.
Upon further thought - the concept of penance meant controlling one’s appetite or desires. Not only for food, but (especially) for other forms of wants. It can take the form of denial from certain addictions (mindless computer games are a narcotic for me) and spending a little more time in prayer.
Penance cannot be effected without an act of willpower. It has to be a concious choice - to avoid one course of action and to choose another. The end result of this exercise is that one is strengthened and empowered to exercise freedom. A freedom of will and not being slaves of our passions and habits.
Ultimately, this freedom leads to reconciliation with God. It allows us to choose our priorities in life and to realise our human potential. It provides a chance for us to escape the chains of circumstances and to listen to our calling.
On a personal note, I tried to attend a lunchtime service at the Novena Church. I found a long line of cars at the Thomson Road U-turn. The church carpark was full and traffic choked the road outside the church. In frustration, I changed my mind and returned back to the office.
After parking the car, I walked up to Fort Canning in search of a little peace. This park is one of the lesser known gems in Singapore - a quiet oasis of green in the midst of the city.
A short walk up the hill brings leads one away from the noise of traffic. I’m soon surrounded by chirping crickets, crooning birds, buzzing bees. The midday sun is less harsh under dense canopy while the gentle breeze cools the skin. Umm… peace and tranquility.
In the middle of the week, the park is silent and empty, a stark contrast to the crowded roads and skyscrapers next door. Its a miracle that one can find a refuge like this in urban Singapore.