Among the many forms of sacrifice called for during Lent, today’s liturgy suggests a fast rarely publicized: the fast from hypocrisy.
Editorial (03/04/2025 5:11 PM, Gaudium Press) Throughout the year, Holy Mother Church wisely guides her faithful through the richly adorned rites of the liturgy. During Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, the “Alleluia” and “Gloria” are omitted, sacred spaces take on a sober decor, and the violet color of liturgical vestments invites us to reflect on our sins and how Our Lord chose to suffer to redeem them. Nothing is more poignant or moving than seeing the Son of God, the spotless Lamb, the Innocent One par excellence, take upon Himself the heavy burden of our guilt and die tragically upon the wood of the Cross.
The Twofold Symbolism of Ashes
Among the most eloquent Lenten rites are the ashes placed on the foreheads of the faithful on this day, which carry a double meaning. As commented in previous articles,[1] being the result of burning the palm branches used on Palm Sunday the previous year, the ashes demonstrate “the futility of this world’s glories, as fleeting as the ash carried away by the wind, and as ephemeral as the praises given to the Savior upon His entrance into Jerusalem—soon replaced by cries of condemnation.” They also remind us of the origin and end of humanity: Memento homo quia pulvis es et in pulverem reverteris—Remember, man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return.
Already immersed in the profound reflective atmosphere of Lent, let us turn our attention to an essential point if we wish to live this period of prayer, fasting, and penance in the right way.
The Hypocrisy of the Heart
“BE CAREFUL NOT TO PRACTICE YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IN FRONT OF OTHERS TO BE SEEN BY THEM. IF YOU DO, YOU WILL HAVE NO REWARD FROM YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. SO WHEN YOU GIVE TO THE NEEDY, DO NOT ANNOUNCE IT WITH TRUMPETS, AS THE HYPOCRITES DO IN THE SYNAGOGUES AND ON THE STREETS, TO BE HONORED BY OTHERS. TRULY I TELL YOU, THEY HAVE RECEIVED THEIR REWARD.” (MT 6:1-2)
In the Gospel for Ash Wednesday, the Saviour warns of the danger of a hypocritical heart—an invisible, seemingly imperceptible flaw that leads many souls to perdition.
It is said that in the life of St. Bruno, a supernatural event decisively sparked his conversion. In Paris, during the second half of the 11th century, a renowned professor—who seemed to live an exemplary life—died. As was customary, his body was brought to the school so he could be honoured. But when people approached the coffin to carry it to the church, the dead man sat up and, in a loud and terrifying voice, cried out: “By God’s just judgment, I have been accused!”
Astonishment seized the crowd, preventing the ceremony from continuing. It had to be postponed until the next morning. As word spread, even more people gathered. Once again, when they tried to pick up the coffin, the deceased rose and thundered: “By God’s just judgment, I have been judged!”
Like before, the burial was halted. On the third day, nearly the entire city came to attend. After all the preparations were made, the dead man arose for the third time and declared in a sorrowful voice: “By God’s just judgment, I have been condemned!”
Among those present was Master Bruno, a distinguished professor of Theology and canon of the Church of Reims. He witnessed with his own eyes the fate reserved for hypocrites, for those who perform “righteousness” solely to be noticed by others.
Overcome with consternation, St. Bruno resolved to abandon worldly honors and embrace a life of austerity and withdrawal, soon founding the Carthusian Order.[2]
We can only wonder what good that condemned soul’s double life did him. Whatever can be hidden from human eyes cannot escape the divine gaze, which probes the deepest intentions.
“Create in Me a Pure Heart”
Thus the psalmist prays: “Create in me a pure heart.”
In this penitential season, we are obliged to examine our conscience to see where we stand. How often, to maintain a good appearance before others, do we adopt attitudes that contradict our true inner state? How often do we perform genuinely good works that become blameworthy because we carry them out not for the love of God but to elevate our own image? We might give alms, assist someone in need, or practice tough penances. Yet if done out of self-interest, these acts are worthless—or worse, they become sins of vainglory.
Among the many forms of sacrifice called for during Lent, today’s liturgy suggests a fast rarely publicized: the fast from hypocrisy. Let us ask Our Lady, watching over her children, to help us overcome any second thoughts or motives that might trouble our hearts in all that we do.
By Rodrigo Siqueira
[1] Cf. https://gaudiumpress.org/content/56424-quarta-feira-de-cinzas-convertei-vos-e-crede-no-evangelho/
[2] Cf. VITA ANTIQUIOR SANCTI BRUNONIS, n.1-7: PL 152; 482-484.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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