Ash Wednesday March 2, 2022

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Today's readings inaugurate the penitential season of Lent that prepares us to meet the Risen Christ at Easter. The core theme of this season is conversion of heart through repentance, prayer and almsgiving.

The first reading from the prophet Joel (Jl 2:12-18) calls us to return to God with our “whole heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Weeping and mourning are sincere expressions of the heart. This is where God desires to meet us – in a personal loving encounter, heart to Heart each day. In the Gospel (Mt 6:1-6,16-18), Jesus calls us to see that our acts of faith are done for love of God, not for human praise or approval by others. “When you pray....when you fast... when you give alms...” – all are rewarded when done quietly, discreetly in love: Then, “your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”

Psalm 51 is David's prayer of heartfelt repentance for his sins. David knows God loves a true heart: “Indeed, You love truth in the heart.” In his desire for a heart true to his Maker, he asks, “...in the secret of my heart, teach me wisdom. O purify me, then I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” David holds nothing back from God, “who sees in secret.” His repentance is honest and heart-felt; he takes ownership of what he has done, and blames no one else. God is his Saviour Who forgives, restores and sustains him, Who opens David's lips to proclaim God's joyous praise.

The second reading (2Cor 5:20-6:2) tells its readers to “be reconciled to God” and not to “accept God's grace in vain.” Paul has written to them in 1 Corinthians about divisions, sexual immorality, legal arguing, drunkenness and unwillingness to share at their Eucharistic meals. All the more reason for him to teach them about the “greatest” gift of love in chapter 13. If we seek to live with others in love, if we repent for our hardness of heart toward God and neighbour, if we forgive one another – then, God's grace is not “in vain” in our lives. God's abundant compassionate grace is what makes us perfect in love, and this begins on our part with repentance from the heart.

God my Father, show me where I need to grow in love this Lenten season. Let Your Holy Spirit touch the hardened parts of my heart, that I may turn them over to You in repentance and confidence in Your healing grace. Give me the humility to sacrifice and give alms without pride. Help me to forgive where I have been wronged, and to refrain from wronging others. Help me to see Jesus in those around me, especially the poor, and to honour You in them. Help me to meet You heart-to-Heart in prayer each day, You Who are my true joy and peace. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Link to Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030222.cfm


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