Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, February 9, 2005
Ash Wednesday

Click here for Lenten Regulations

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Joel 2:12-18
Psalm 51:3-6,12-14,17
2 Corinthians 5:20--6:2
Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As the Church enters into the holiest of seasons, the Lenten season, one is struck by the first reading from Joel. Anyone could spend the whole of Lent meditating on the first sentences which include "return to me with your whole heart." Many of us were raised with the concept that Lent was a time to give up something, like candy or our most favorite vegetable. The first reading emphasizes, yes, that we do give up something: namely ourselves in our ongoing act of love. Love means letting go, in this case, to love. Some people, if they are honest with themselves might even ask if they want to do so; do they really want to give their whole heart to God? It is a serious question.

The psalm and part of the second reading bring up the reality that we all are in need of the endless mercy of God. Not only do we turn to Him with our own love, but with our honest request for His mercy, for the times when we have failed. If we ask Love Himself to consume us, we want our 'house' to be in order. We cannot be divided, serving two masters.

The conclusion of the second reading and the gospel remind us that we give ourselves totally to God; not just for our own advantages, but rather "on behalf of Christ" in order that we continue His mission. These 'good deeds' are to be done so others do not see them. Likewise, our prayer is to be in private; but that these things will not go unnoticed by our Father.

Are we ready to give our whole heart to God?

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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posted by joachim at 5:27 AM