Only Love is Rational

Greetings on this Ash Wednesday
Readings: Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17; 2 Cor 5:20—6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Notes

The Mass readings for Ash Wednesday are the same every year. Fixed message for all places and circumstances.

Summary

1. Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart.
2. Proclaim a fast, call an assembly.
3. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
4. Pray: Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
5. We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
6. Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Reflection

We have completed the historical narrative of the pilgrimage of the Jewish people. We have completed the infancy narrative of the birth of the Christ. We even read the narratives of the work of Jesus in Galilee. We now turn ourselves to the rationality of the Lord. His purpose, his love, his presence specific to our salvation and reunion with the Father.

If you read this blog and don’t share my Catholic Christian pespective, that’s OK. Most Catholics don’t either. So I invite you for Lent to contemplate Mitch Albom’s book: Tuesdays with Morrie.

The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in. . . . Let it come in. We think we don’t deserve love, we think if we let it in we’ll become too soft. But a wise man named Levine said it right. He said, ‘Love is the only rational act.’ Tuesdays with Morrie. Or if you are pressed for time scan a selection at: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/morrie/quotes/theme/love/

Personal Reflection

I look forward to today. A day of pray, fasting and alms giving. These things are the actions of love. Always with sincerity. I was assigned to Bethesda Hospital East (a Baptist Hospital), although I leave unhappy the Guatemala Maya Center and the VA Medical Center being so spiritually immature as to not be able to bilocate. In the matters of grief, I will do a funeral Saturday and on Christian formation, OCIA Rite of Election Sunday. I have a small role in many places. I am really a very small fish in a very big pond.

But I am happy in the Lord. I get to repeat time and again, with as much love a I can reflect from the Lord: Repent, and believe in the Gospel.

Said another way, Return to me, says the Lord.

First Reading

The LORD was stirred to concern for his land and took pity on his people.

Responsorial

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

Second Reading

We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Gospel Acclamation

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Gospel

1. give alms
2. pray to your Father.
3. fast

With sincerity.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry