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WHEN ASHES SPEAK: A REFLECTION ON THE BEGINNING OF LENT AT QUIAPO

Mar. 01, 2026 10:18 AM

Ash Wednesday at the Minor Basilica & National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno quietly marked the beginning of the Lenten season. The observance was marked by solemnity and deep devotion. From the early morning hours, streams of devotees filled the church, patiently lining up to receive the blessed ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance and humility. Multiple Masses were celebrated throughout the day to accommodate the faithful, while ministers were stationed inside and outside the church to administer ashes to the large crowd.

During the 12:15 noon Mass, Reverend Fr. Jade Licuanan, Rector and Parish Priest, shared a reflection that invited the faithful to look beyond the ritual and rediscover the true meaning of Miyerkules ng Abo.

In his homily, he reminded everyone that Lent is not just another Church tradition. It is a personal journey of preparation for the Paschal Mystery — the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The ashes placed on our foreheads symbolize repentance, but more than a visible sign, they point to something deeper — “Tunay na Pagbabago sa Isip at Puso.”

Remembering Our Mortality – One of the most powerful messages of Ash Wednesday is the reminder that life is temporary. The words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” bring us face to face with a truth we often avoid. Everything we hold onto — our plans, achievements, and even our time — will one day pass.

But this message is not meant to scare us. Instead, it teaches wisdom. When we accept that life has an end, we begin to live differently. We become more intentional. We value people more. We choose kindness more often. In a way, remembering our mortality teaches us how to live more fully while we still can.

The Beauty of Simplicity – Lent begins in simplicity. The altar is stripped of decorations. No grand visuals, no unnecessary adornments. Yet it remains meaningful and beautiful — because Christ is at the center.

This quiet simplicity reflects our own lives. We often think life needs to be full of success, recognition, or material things to matter. But Lent reminds us otherwise. Even without excess, life can still be meaningful when it is centered on Jesus. Simplicity is not emptiness. It creates space — space to listen, to reflect, and to allow God to work within us.

Holiness in Relationship – Another message that stands out during Ash Wednesday is that holiness is never lived alone. We sometimes think holiness is something private, but in reality, it is shaped by how we treat others.

Holiness grows in patience with difficult people, in forgiveness when it’s not easy, and in choosing kindness even when we are misunderstood. Whether others treat us well or not, every encounter becomes an opportunity to choose goodness. Goodness is formed in relationships — in the ordinary, everyday moments where love is tested and lived out.

Lent gives us 40 days to return to what truly matters through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer deepens our relationship with Jesus Nazareno. Fasting teaches discipline and humility. Almsgiving opens our hearts to generosity and compassion. These are not just religious practices, but simple ways to slowly renew the heart.

As the ashes eventually fade from our foreheads, their meaning should remain within us. Ash Wednesday reminds us that life is short, simplicity is enough, and holiness is found in how we love others. It invites us to move beyond ritual and into real change.

 

 

 

Kristan Bernardo HDN–NPJN Media Writer