Praying the Communion Antiphon: A Time Set Apart Ash Wednesday.

 Praying Communion Antiphon

Praying Communion Antiphon Series Icon.

A Time Set Apart – Ash Wednesday

Rooted for the Season of Love

Communion Antiphon (Psalm 1:2–3)
He who ponders the law of the Lord Day and night
will yield fruit in due season.

 

Thinking About the Words

“Ponders.”

The word suggests more than reading.  It carries the sense of murmuring, turning something over quietly, almost repeating it under one’s breath. It is the difference between glancing and dwelling.

On this first day of Lent, the Church does not give us ashes as the final word. She gives us pondering. Pondering also reminds us of the Incarnation where Mary treasured and pondered these things in her heart.  Are we prepared this Lent to ponder the Lenten themes of repentance, change of heart and embracing Jesus as our Personal Saviour?

“Day and night.”

This is Genesis language. Creation itself unfolds in the rhythm of evening and morning. To ponder day and night is to allow the Word to accompany the whole of life — activity and rest, clarity and confusion, resolve and fatigue.

There is also something deeply practical here. What we dwell on during the day often settles into the heart at night. The thoughts we rehearse become the attitudes we carry. Lent asks: what am I allowing to shape me?

“Fruit in due season.”

Not immediately. Not by force. Due season belongs to God. Lent is watering and weeding and planting. Holy Week is pruning so that we are ready to meet the risen Christ in the garden.  Easter is flowering. The fruit is often hidden until grace ripens it.

If this is the season of love, then perhaps the fruit is not dramatic achievement, but a quieter heart, a softened reaction, a steadier gaze. Remember this antiphon is proclaimed just before we go to communion.

 

Reflection

• What does “pondering” look like in my daily life? Do I allow the Word to linger?
• What thoughts accompany me into the night?
• What fruit is the Gospel inviting me to cultivate this Lent?
• Am I willing to trust God’s timing rather than demand immediate growth?
• Reflect on past Lents. Consider the attitudes and ask God’s forgiveness.
• What attitude do I want to have this Lent towards  God?  How might I cooperate with this attitude by the fasting, prayer and almsgiving?

 

So that we can continue to ponder throughout this sacred day, we may wish to write our own prayer, pray the communion antiphon or use this prayer.

Prayer

Lord, let Your Word remain with me day and night.
Plant in me the love You desire,
and bring it to fruit in Your season.

 

This is how we begin Lent. 

Ashes on the forehead.
Word in the heart.
Season of love underway.

 

May our Lent be a sacred season.