17 February 2010
First reading Joel 2:12-18
‘Now, now – it is the Lord who speaks –
come back to me with all your heart,
fasting, weeping, mourning.’
Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn,
turn to the Lord your God again,
for he is all tenderness and compassion,
slow to anger, rich in graciousness,
and ready to relent.
Who knows if he will not turn again, will not relent,
will not leave a blessing as he passes,
oblation and libation
for the Lord your God?
Sound the trumpet in Zion!
Order a fast,
proclaim a solemn assembly,
call the people together,
summon the community,
assemble the elders,
gather the children,
even the infants at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his bedroom
and the bride her alcove.
Between vestibule and altar let the priests,
the ministers of the Lord, lament.
Let them say,
‘Spare your people, the Lord!
Do not make your heritage a thing of shame,
a byword for the nations.
Why should it be said among the nations,
“Where is their God?”’
Then the Lord, jealous on behalf of his land,
took pity on his people.
Psalm or canticle: Psalm 50:3-6,12-14,17
Second reading 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
We are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ’s name is: be reconciled to God. For our sake God made the sinless one into sin, so that in him we might become the goodness of God. As his fellow workers, we beg you once again not to neglect the grace of God that you have received. For he says: At the favourable time, I have listened to you; on the day of salvation I came to your help. Well, now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation.
Gospel Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’
Reflection
By Benj Santiago
Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent, continually reminds me of the undying love and mercy of our Lord God! It is a call to repentance, sincere prayers, fasting, sacrifice, abstinence, and forgiveness.
It is exhilarating to have community praise and worship. My spirit is lifted up and it feels great. Private prayers in the quiet of my room are also equally rewarding. I feel His forgiving hands touch my soul. Many blessings in my life and in the life of other people I prayed for in private had been granted. And how do we pray? “But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
As to repentance and forgiveness of my sins, I know that even before I ask for forgiveness He has already forgiven me. “But even now, says the Lord, repent sincerely and return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Let your broken heart show your sorrow: tearing your clothes is not enough. Come back to the Lord Your God. He is kind and full of mercy; He is patient and keeps His promise. He is always ready to forgive and not punish.” (Joel 2:12-13). We only have to remember this , “Sincerity and truth are what You require; fill my mind with Your wisdom.” (Psalm 51:6)
What is the best sacrifice we can offer? “My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God. You will not reject a humble and repentant heart. “ (Psalm 51:17)
And finally, what is our reward? Hear what God says: ”When time came for me to show you favor, I heard you, I helped you.” Listen! This is the hour to receive God’s favor; today is the day to be saved!” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Lord God, thank You for giving us the wisdom to pray with sincerity and truth. We are truly repentant sinners and we believe in Your mercy and kindness. You are our loving Father who is always ready to forgive. Who is always there to provide for what we need and save us from evil. Continue to bless us with courage and strength that we may do the same to our fellowmen. Amen.
Guilty
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