Ash Wednesday has become a virtual sacrament of Catholic identity as people throng churches to get ashes which paradoxically is just what the Gospel counsels againstexternal signs of devotion It also begins not simply the 40 days preceding Easter but the whole paschal cycle which continues past

As the religious landscape becomes more pluralistic people especially the young wonder what is most characteristic of Christianity Today rsquo s Gospel presents a paradox Love of enemies compassion mercy and forgiveness appear as the core of Jesus rsquo teaching in Luke rsquo s ldquo Sermon

quot Cursed rdquo be the one who trusts in human beings ldquo the wicked rdquo are like chaff that the wind drives away and ldquo Woe rdquo to you who are rich and filled now Harsh words for a Sunday in grey February In Luke rsquo s Sermon on the Plain in contrast to Matthew while the po

Rarely are the three Lectionary readings so integrated as they are this Sunday They all portray Gods call though in diverse and dramatic fashion Isaiah the confidant of kings receives Gods call in an overwhelming vision of the Holy One in the temple and responds simply Here I am send me Paul

Todays readings exemplify the diversity of Scripture Jeremiah and Luke express the strong biblical motif of the prophet called by God but opposed and rejected by those to whom he is sent Each reading has overtones of violence Jeremiah is told to gird up his loins that he will be a pillar of iro

In the early church the Epiphany cycle included other manifestations of Jesushis baptism and the wedding at Cana Today rsquo s liturgy focuses on the third manifestation the wedding feast at Cana the first of Jesus rsquo signs that is symbols of the divine power at work in the incarnate Word