The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Ash Wednesday

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:

Recently a wealthy person in the community where I live gave a very large donation to a worthy charity. This was done at a public setting with many in attendance and much press coverage. The following day the donation was big news in the papers. However, the water cooler chatter in town was not what a great gift this was, but rather that it was a terrible flaunting of one’s wealth. Many in town believe it was done for the press and recognition and not done from the heart. Sadly, if the gift were meant to be a sincere contribution from the heart, it will never be viewed that way and it would be better if no one knew about it.

As we start our Lenten journey of renewal on this Ash Wednesday, it is time for us to take a serious look at ourselves and ask why we do the things we do. Do we give our gifts of money and work to be recognized or to share generously in our blessings to help relieve the suffering of others? Do we pray to be seen as righteous and holy, or to be in full communion with a loving Father who cares for us. When we fast and sacrifice do we do it to be seen and pitied, or with joy and a clear conscience? Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel that we should give our gifts in secret, pray in private and hide our fasting and we will be completely repaid by a Father who sees all. It boils down to our motives - and if our motives are to bring attention to us, or build ourselves up, we are certainly in need of some change.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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