Acceptance, Simplicity, Humility

March 6, Ash Wednesday starts the season of Lent this year. The Church enters into this season of repentance leading to a renewal of life. We call on our leaders both in the Church and in government to make good use of this occasion.

This is timely for leaders both in the Church and in government not to throw mud to each other. Acceptance of one’s failure to have served selflessly is much better. Acceptance of our failures and abuses is a challenge.

Simplicity is a challenge for both of these respectable breed in the service of the masses. The lifestyle of our leaders must reflect the real situation of our simple folks. As Pope Francis says, they should “smell like that of the sheep.”

Humility is servanthood. As Scripture tells us, they need not Lord over their people nor claim who among them, as leaders, is the greatest. Only with humility of their leaders can society and the Church be renewed.

As the minister imposes ashes on our forehead and says, “You are dust and unto dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel”, we are called to live a life of acceptance, simplicity and humility.