Liturgical Leaflet for an Active Participation in the Celebration of the Eucharist
ASH WEDNESDAY Year C
T he Beginning of a Spiritual Journey
G uided by the Spirit of the Lord, today we undertake the journey of
a sincere conversion and of rediscovering the implications of our
baptismal commitments in our daily life.
As we begin the Lenten Season, the call to conversion, symbolized by
the imposition of the ashes, resounds even louder and clearer. It is a call
to penance, to prayer rooted in faith, to authenticity, to the rejection of
any form of ostentation. This Ash Wednesday should mark for us a “back
to basics,” which will enable us to prepare ourselves for a lasting sharing
in Christ’s Resurrection.
position of the ashes soon after the turn to Him with all our heart.
Liturgy of the Word.)
R –A reading from the Book
Collect (Opening Prayer) of the Prophet Joel
Entrance Antiphon P –Grant, O Lord, that we may “Even now,” says the Lord,
(To be recited only when no En- begin with holy fasting this cam- “return to me with your whole
trance Hymn is sung.) paign of Christian service, so heart, with fasting, and weep-
You are merciful to all, O that, as we take up battle against ing, and mourning. Rend your
Lord, and despise nothing that spiritual evils, we may be armed hearts, not your garments, and
you have made. You overlook with weapons of self-restraint. return to the Lord, your God.
people’s sins, to bring them to Through our Lord Jesus For gracious and merciful is
repentance, and you spare them, Christ, your Son, who lives and he, slow to anger, rich in kind-
for you are the Lord our God. reigns with you in the unity of ness, and relenting in punish-
(Wis 11:24.25.27) the Holy Spirit, God, for ever ment. Perhaps he will again
and ever. relent and leave behind him a
Greeting All – Amen! blessing. Offerings and liba-
P – In the name of the Father, tions for the Lord, your God!”
and of the Son, and of the Holy Blow the trumpet in Zion!
Spirit! Proclaim a fast, call an assem-
All–Amen! bly. Gather the people, notify
P –The grace of our Lord Jesus the congregation; assemble
1st Reading Jl 2:12-18 the elders, gather the children
Christ, the love of God, and the In this “liturgy of lamentation” and the infants at the breast.
communion of the Holy Spirit, the prophet Joel exhorts his Let the bridegroom quit
be with you all! own countrymen and us to a his room, and the bride her
All –And with your spirit! sincere conversion, fasting, and chamber. Between the porch
(Today the Penitential Rite at prayer of supplication. This will and the altar let the priests,
the beginning of the Eucharistic produce its fruit if we trust in the ministers of the Lord,
celebration is replaced by the im- the Lord’s compassion and re- weep, and say, “Spare, O
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Lord, your people, and make Christ, as if God were appeal- Father, who sees in secret, will
not your heritage a reproach, ing through us. We implore repay you.
with the nations ruling over you on behalf of Christ, be When you pray, do not be
them. Why should they say reconciled to God. like the hypocrites, who love
among the peoples, ‘Where is For our sake he made him to stand and pray in the syna-
their God?’ ” to be sin who did not know sin, gogues and on street corners
Then the Lord was stirred so that we might become the so that others may see them.
to concern for his land and righteousness of God in him. Amen, I say to you, they have
took pity on his people. Working together, then, received their reward. But
The Word of the Lord! we appeal to you not to receive when you pray, go to your in-
All –Thanks be to God! the grace of God in vain. For ner room, close the door, and
he says, “In an acceptable time pray to your Father in secret.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 51 I heard you, and on the day of And your Father, who sees in
R – Be merciful, O Lord, for salvation I helped you.” Be- secret, will repay you.
we have sinned! hold, now is a very acceptable When you fast, do not look
R. M. Velez
time; behold, now is the day of gloomy like the hypocrites.
salvation! They neglect their appear-
E ance, so that they may appear
The Word of the Lord!
All –Thanks be to God! to others to be fasting. Amen, I
Be mer-- ci--- ful, O say to you, they have received
Verse before the Gospel their reward. But when you
A D E A fast, anoint your head and
All – (Praise to you, Lord Jesus wash your face, so that you
Christ, King of endless may not appear to be fasting,
Lord, for we have sinned! glory!) except to your Father who is
If today you hear his hidden. And your Father who
* Have mercy on me, O God, voice, harden not your
in your goodness; in the great- sees what is hidden will repay
hearts. you.”
ness of your compassion wipe (Praise to you, Lord Jesus
out my offense. Thoroughly Christ, King of endless glo- The Gospel of the Lord!
wash me from my guilt and of ry!) All – Praise to you, Lord Jesus
my sin cleanse me. R. Christ!
* For I acknowledge my of- Gospel Mt 6:1-6.16-18
fense, and my sin is before me Ostentation and hypocrisy are Homily
always: “Against you only a continuous temptation for all.
have I sinned, and done what Blessing and Giving
Today, Jesus warns us against of Ashes
is evil in your sight.” R. such a danger, and strongly
* A clean heart create for me, urges us to do what is right, P –Dear brothers and sisters,
O God, and a steadfast spirit with the right intention. let us humbly ask God our Fa-
renew within me. Cast me not ther that he be pleased to bless
P –The Lord be with you! with the abundance of his grace
out from your presence, and All – And with your spirit!
your Holy Spirit take not from these ashes, which we will put
me. R. P –A reading from the holy on our heads in penitence.
* Give me back the joy of
Gospel according to (Pause for silent prayer.)
your salvation, and a willing Matthew O God, who desire not the
spirit sustain in me. O Lord, All – Glory to you, O Lord! death of sinners, but their con-
open my lips, and my mouth Jesus said to his disciples, version, mercifully hear our
shall proclaim your praise. R. “Take care not to perform prayers and in your kindness be
righteous deeds in order that pleased to bless () these ash-
2nd Reading 2 Cor 5:20– 6:2 people may see them; other- es, which we intend to receive
Conversion and reconciliation wise, you will have no recom- upon our heads, that we, who
with God should be a constant pense from your heavenly Fa- acknowledge we are but ashes
disposition in our life. Even ther. and shall return to dust, may,
more so on a day such as this, When you give alms, do not through a steadfast observance
when God’s grace is given us blow a trumpet before you, as of Lent, gain pardon for sins and
with greater abundance, as St. the hypocrites do in the syna- newness of life after the likeness
Paul reminds us in this passage gogues and in the streets, to of your Risen Son. Who lives
we are about to hear. win the praise of others. Amen, and reigns for ever and ever.
I say to you, they have received All – Amen!
R –A reading from the Sec- their reward. But when you The priest sprinkles the
ond Letter of Paul to the give alms, do not let your left ashes with holy water in si-
Corinthians hand know what your right is lence. Then he places ashes
Brothers and sisters: doing, so that your almsgiv- on those who come forward,
We are ambassadors for ing may be secret. And your saying to each:
Repent, and believe in the and lead them by her example, our sins, may become worthy to
Gospel. Mk 1:15 let us pray! R. celebrate devoutly the Passion
Or: C –That all our spiritual and of your Son.
civil leaders may inspire us with Who lives and reigns for ever
Remember that you are and ever.
dust, and to dust you shall re- their life of humility, honesty,
All – Amen!
turn. Gn 3:19 and dedication, let us pray! R.
Meanwhile, some of the C –That all educators – parents Preface of Lent III
following antiphons or other and teachers – may inculcate in
appropriate songs are sung. the young the desire to do their P –The Lord be with you!
duty with the right intention, and All –And with your spirit!
Antiphon 1 Jl 2:13 not in order to be praised, let us P –Lift up your hearts!
pray! R. All –We lift them up to the
Let us change our gar- Lord!
ments to sackcloth and ashes, C –That all those who are op- P –Let us give thanks to the
let us fast and weep before the pressing others with their ag- Lord our God!
Lord, that our God, rich in gressiveness, greed, and heart- All –It is right and just!
mercy, might forgive us our lessness may desist from their
sins. wrongdoing and learn to respect P –It is truly right and just, our
and love their neighbor, let us duty and our salvation, always
Antiphon 2 Jl 2:17; Est 13:17 pray! R. and everywhere to give you
Let the priests, the min- thanks, Lord, holy Father, al-
isters of the Lord, stand be- C –That all of us may begin this mighty and eternal God.
tween the porch and the altar Lent with the proper disposi- For you will that our self-
and weep and cry out: Spare, tions of humility, sorrow for our denial should give you thanks,
O Lord, spare your people; do past sins, and the determination humble our sinful pride, contrib-
not close the mouths of those to amend our lives, let us pray! ute to the feeding of the poor and
who sing your praise, O Lord. R. so help us imitate you in your
kindness.
C –That broken families might And so we glorify you with
Antiphon 3 Ps 50:3 discover the cure for their
Blot out my transgressions, countless Angels, as with one
wounds through forgiveness, voice of praise we acclaim:
O Lord. rediscovering each other’s gifts,
All – Holy, holy, holy Lord,
even in their differences, let us
Responsory Bar 3:5 pray! R. God of hosts. Heaven and
earth are full of your glory.
Let us correct our faults Hosanna in the highest!
which we have committed in P –Lord God, we come to You
ignorance; let us not be taken aware of our sinfulness and with Blessed is he who comes in
unaware by the day of our the sincere desire to be renewed the name of the Lord. Hosan-
death, looking in vain for lei- in heart and mind. May our lives na in the highest!
sure to repent. be a constant hymn of praise to
R. – Hear us, O Lord, and You. Through Christ our Lord. Memorial Acclamation
show us your mercy, for All – Amen!
we have sinned against P –The mystery of faith!
you! All – When we eat this Bread
V. – Help us, O God our Sav- and drink this Cup, we
ior; for the sake of your proclaim your Death,
name, O Lord, set us free. O Lord, until you come
R. – Hear us, O Lord, and Preparation of the Gifts again!
show us your mercy, for
we have sinned against P –Pray, brethren . . .
you! All –May the Lord accept the
sacrifice at your hands, for
the praise and glory of his
Prayer of the Faithful name, for our good and the All – Our Father . . .
P –As we begin the Lenten good of all his holy Church. P –Deliver us, Lord . . .
All – For the kingdom, the
Season, let us be aware of our power, and the glory are
many moral defects, the vio- Prayer over the Offerings yours, now and for ever.
lence of temptation, and our
need to be helped by God. Let us P –As we solemnly offer
then plead: the annual sacrifice for the Sign of Peace
beginning of Lent, we entreat
All – Grant us a new heart, you, O Lord, that, through
Breaking of the Bread
O Lord! works of penance and charity, All – Lamb of God, you take
C –That the Church may fear- we may turn away from harmful away the sins of the world:
lessly preach conversion to all pleasures and, cleansed from have mercy on us! (2x)
Ash Wednesday
Lamb of God, you take
away the sins of the world:
TO POST OR NOT TO POST?
grant us peace! Kalakbay at Katoto
Communion
P –Behold the Lamb of God, E xperts now say that
people all over the
world now take 60 billion
or showered with ashes.
Check out your social me-
dia pages. I bet my bottom
behold him who takes away the
sins of the world. Blessed are photos a year, most of dollar you will see hun-
those called to the Supper of the them taken with one and dreds if not thousands of
Lamb. only one goal in mind – to photos of people with their
All – Lord, I am not worthy
that you should enter under my post them on social media foreheads seared, bleared
roof, but only say the word and via all available and popular and smeared with the ul-
my soul shall be healed. platforms! (Read: TikTok!) timate sign of something
more internal – the start
Communion Antiphon The rationale behind this of our personal journey of
(To be recited only when no universal phenomenon prayer, fasting and alms-
Communion Hymn is sung.)
seems to be this. Picture it, giving all through Lent.
He who ponders the law of
the Lord day and night will post it, flaunt it! If there is
yield fruit in due season. no photo posted, it never And here is where the big-
happened – as simple as ger picture (no pun intend-
Prayer after Communion that! No one reads texts ed) comes in. The Gospel
P –May the Sacrament we have by themselves anymore. If reminds us to go easy on
received sustain us, O Lord, that they do, it is because text is the external emotion and
our Lenten fast may be pleasing meant to caption the pho- focus more on the motion!
to you and be for us a healing to. What did McLuhan say … on the deeds and the
remedy. about the “medium [be- reason behind the exter-
Through Christ our Lord.
All – Amen! ing] the message” again? nal deeds. “Take care,” he
says, “not to perform righ-
Today, the prophet Joel, teous deeds so that people
seems to agree with all might see them!”
digital natives. Blow the
trumpet, and gather every- Give in to some emotion,
P –The Lord be with you.
All – And with your spirit! one, he says! It was almost by all means. Go through
like Joel tells us to flaunt the motion I might add! But
P –Bow down for the blessing. it! Flaunt what, you might know one important thing
(Pause)
–Pour out a spirit of com- ask? No, not photos, but … It is not the posting on
punction, O God, on deeds! Not evidences, but social media that defines
those who bow before the reality behind the need you and your holiness, but
your majesty, and by to make such a public show the deeds behind the feeds
your mercy may they of powerful emotions – … what cannot be shown
merit the rewards you the truth about a merciful in text, photos or videos!
promise to those who do
penance. and gracious God, slow to
All – Amen! anger, and rich in kindness
P – May almighty God bless
and fidelity. Sorry, not pho- The Lenten
you: the Father, and the tos, but deeds! Season
Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All – Amen! Today, we seem to fol- 1. The time of Lent was
P –Go in peace, glorifying the low Joel’s no non-sense originally established by
Lord by your life! show of religious emotion. the Church as a prepara-
All – Thanks be to God! We had ourselves marked tion for Baptism which
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took place during the cel- This was done to complete Holy Friday, Holy Saturday,
ebration of the Easter Vigil. the 40 days of fast since the and Easter Sunday.
Eventually, it became a fasting was interrupted on
period of repentance of sin Sundays. 4. For a long time, fast
for all the faithful in prepa- and abstinence were con-
ration for Easter. 3. The yearly commemora- sidered as among the best
tion of the Passion, Death, ways of doing penance.
2. The time of preparation and Resurrection of Christ They are still useful, but
for Easter, at first, lasted has been observed in the since circumstances in
three weeks, which corre- Church since the earliest the world have greatly
sponded to our 3rd, 4th, and times. Originally, the com- changed, the Church does
5th weeks of Lent. Later, memoration lasted three not impose them any lon-
two more weeks were add- days: Friday, Saturday, and ger as a command, except
ed: our present 1st and 2nd Sunday. Eventually it was on Ash Wednesday and
weeks of Lent. And much extended to a whole week, Holy Friday. She invites her
later, four days more were what is now called Holy children to choose ways of
added, pushing back the Week, which has its cul- doing penance which are
beginning of Lent to Ash mination in the “Sacred best suited to their own
Wednesday as at present. Triduum” – Holy Thursday, condition.
