The sight of Catholics going about their business on this day, with ash crosses marked on their foreheads, reminds us that faith is not a purely subjective or private matter. Many are fond of saying: "I am spiritual but not religious." Why do they say that? It is like saying: "I have words but I do not have language." Since we are enfleshed spirits, our spiritual exercises for Lent will necessarily have an observable effect. It remains that as missionary disciples we are called to manifest our faith to the world so that others may know the joy of the Gospel. This does not mean that we are going to congratulate the world or conform ourselves to it. Our message is that of the Gospel which was, from the beginning one of metanoia or repentance. This change of life is a response to the revelation of God's grace and is enabled and sustained by the Holy Spirit. To this end we can take St Paul's words to the Corinthians as our own as we encounter a wounded world: "We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us, we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (1 Cor 5: 20)
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