Greetings on this Ash Wednesday
Readings: Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17; 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Summary
Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. [In reply] Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. [Reassuring] If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you. (Jl 12:13b; Ps 51:3-4; Ps 95:8; Mt 6:4b; 2 Cor 6:2;).
Reflection
Briefly, in sacred scripture today, we bring together the Prophets, the Psalmist, the King (David), St Paul, and Jesus himself:
Even now is the acceptable time to give the secret (interior) and secrets (hurts) of your heart to Jesus. Repent and believe the Gospel.
Personal Reflection
As we enter Lent and commemorate our basic human experience – “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return“. Let us also remember our basic spiritual experience – repentance is not humiliation — it is re-alignment – alignment with the love that made us and draws us back to himself.
You are the dust into which God breathes again.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021826.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry