Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News
BULAWAYO – Catholics across the globe observed Ash Wednesday yesterday, marking the solemn beginning of the Lenten season, and in Bulawayo, the faithful turned out in remarkable numbers to receive ashes and begin their 40-day spiritual journey toward Easter.
The epicenter of the local observances was St. Mary’s Cathedral, Minor Basilica, where Archbishop Alex Thomas presided over a packed evening Mass—the third Mass of the day at the cathedral—yet still found the sanctuary filled to capacity.
“Even though it was in the evening, the third Mass of the day, still the Basilica was filled to the brim,” Archbishop Thomas observed, noting the devotion of Bulawayo’s Catholic community.
In his homily, the Archbishop emphasized the profound symbolism of the ashes being placed on foreheads—a ritual that distinguishes Ash Wednesday from all other liturgical observances.
“For us, ashes are a profound symbol of our faith, a reminder to repent of our sins,” Archbishop Thomas told the congregants.
He noted the consistency of Catholic observance, pointing out that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday remain the two days each year when even less frequent churchgoers make their way back to the pews.
Lent: A Crossing Over to New Life
The Archbishop framed the Lenten season as a transformative journey, drawing parallels between the faithful’s spiritual renewal and Christ’s victory over death.
“The purpose of this Mass was for one to prepare themselves for the feast of Easter. Therefore, Lent is a crossing over from sin to a new life, just as Jesus rose from the dead—He crossed over from sin and death to a new life. It is time to seek new life,” he preached.
“Lent is also a time for spiritual renewal, to change from old to new.”
He reminded the congregation that the Easter season brings the renewal of baptismal promises, “a reminder that we have moved away from our past life to a new one.”
Embracing Mortality in a World Obsessed with Youth
In a striking contrast to modern cultural trends, Archbishop Thomas urged Catholics to embrace the Lenten call to humility rather than following the world’s obsession with appearances.
“While the world spends billions of dollars trying to hide aging by makeup and other things, the Church begins the season of Lent to accept our weaknesses. We should not follow the trends of the world; rather, follow the trends of Christ,” he said.
“We acknowledge during Lent our mortality—not to feel bad about it, but to remember that we are not the center of the universe, but God is the center of all. We are not on this earth forever. Sooner or later, we will leave this world for good.”
Lent, he explained, is a time “for us to know who we are, what we are, and what priorities we should embrace in our lives.”
A Call to Authentic Repentance
Drawing from the day’s first reading from the Book of Joel (2:12-18), the Archbishop highlighted the prophet’s call to interior conversion over empty external rituals.
“Render your heart to God, not external appearances,” he urged.
“But many people here are ever so worried about how they appear: your face, the size of your body, the type of clothes you adorn. But for God, we have nothing.”
He called for a universal commitment to the Lenten disciplines, extending the invitation to all ages:
“A fast must be called for all ages—the newlyweds, the elderly, and young people. The praying has to be for all, with priests interceding, pleading for all people.”
Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving: The Three Pillars
Archbishop Thomas reminded the faithful that Lent offers three essential tools for spiritual growth: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
“The season of Lent is a time to experience the compassion and mercy of the Lord, and as we experience that compassion and mercy, we are called upon to be compassionate with each other, doing works of charity. This is why almsgiving is a very important aspect of Catholic faith,” he stated.
He clarified that the purpose of fasting extends beyond mere self-discipline:
“The goal of the 40 days of fasting is not to prove how one can possess self-control. We remember the fasting of Jesus for 40 days, and He overcame the temptations of the devil. Thus, to be able to overcome temptation, to throw away the temptation of the devil, we need the power to be closer to God.”
The Archbishop encouraged the faithful to “detach from physical hunger and seek spiritual hunger, since souls are thirsting for God. Detach from external physical material things and focus more on what will draw you closer to God.”
He also noted the physical benefits of the discipline:
“Fasting at least once a week will assist the body to shed off toxins for the good of the body. Fasting assists in purifying the soul so that we focus all attention on God.”
Beyond food, Archbishop Thomas called for fasting from harmful speech:
“Abstain from harsh words, gossiping, and talking ill of others knowingly and unknowingly. Disarm from harsh words and slander. Instead, try to measure your words and cultivate kindness in families.”
Archbishop Issues Challenge: Put Down the Phones
In a message particularly directed at younger congregants, Archbishop Thomas issued a bold challenge regarding technology use during Lent.
“During the next 40 days of Lent, can we all agree that for the first 15 minutes of the morning, we restrain from picking up your cellphone? Instead, pick up your Bible and read, and let the Lord speak to you. If you are to use your phone, let it be for something Godly, not ungodly messages from your WhatsApp,” he proposed.
He called for responsible use of social media, acknowledging its potential while warning against its dangers.
“There is lots of good information we can share on social media, yes. But please note that this little phone in your pocket is doing too much harm to yourself and others around you. Be responsible Catholics. Let us not be slaves of our gadgets. Let us not be slaves of social media.”
The Archbishop did not mince words regarding behavior during Mass:
“Some of you, even during Mass, are using your cellphones, and I have seen this more often, especially by the youths. We will begin to confiscate these gadgets when one is found using them during Mass.”
He stressed that during Mass, one should switch off their phone and put it away entirely.
From Data Bundles to Deeds of Mercy
Archbishop Thomas challenged the faithful to redirect resources toward those in need during the Lenten season.
“Give generously to others who are unfortunate. Use that money you have reserved for your data and assist someone who is poor. Instead of being on social media, let us find time to spend with the elderly who have been abandoned by their children in old people’s homes,” he urged.
He issued a direct challenge to the youth:
“You young people, can you find some time to visit the elderly in old people’s homes and in our communities? Sit down with them, talk to them, say a prayer with them.”
The Archbishop discouraged the typical social patterns of “drinking, partying, and social media,” instead encouraging the faithful to “participate in the needs of the Church, as there is a lot to be done.”
As the Lenten season begins, Catholics in Bulawayo and around the world now embark on the 40-day journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, preparing their hearts for the joy of Easter.
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