Daily Reflection for Wednesday, March 02, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030222.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Joel 2:12-18
Responsorial: Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 14 and 17
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
“Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12
Lent is here and today is Ash Wednesday. Although not a Holy Day of Obligation, it is often widely attended. It is a time to stop and assess how we are doing. We all recognize our sinful nature and the call of Lent hits the hearts of many. Joel says, “Blow the trumpet, proclaim a fast, call an assembly.” (Joel 2:15) Where do Catholics assemble? Mass. The mark received in ashes is a sign that we need to repent from sin. It is also a sign of a new beginning, when we turn towards God to enjoy the new life that Christ offers.
Sin divides our hearts and in contrition we weep and mourn. God wants us to return to Him with our whole hearts. When we return, we will find a God that is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and relenting in punishment.” (Joel 2:13b) Specifically, we find His gracious and merciful love in Eucharist and Reconciliation.
Psalm 51:4 says, “Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.” This cleansing happens in Reconciliation for our mortal and venial sins and in the Eucharist for our venial sins. God only wants the opportunity to reach out and offer us His grace (help), love, and forgiveness. In Mass, we experience His words of love and guidance in the scriptures and see Him in the people around us. We are also privileged to walk forward with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with the Communion of Saints to receive Him in the Sacrament of Eucharist. Both sacraments provide me hope and new life for my divided heart.
We also are asked to give alms, pray, and fast during Lent. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus provides us needed guidance, “Take care not to perform righteous deeds (giving alms, praying and fasting) in order that people may see them.” Matthew 6:2. In other words, when we give alms (food and other material help to the poor), pray, and fast, do not let pride enter your hearts. We are to give God our whole hearts, then the Holy Spirit can use this time to stretch our hearts so we can keep God and His will at the center of our actions and learn to love others more deeply.
What divides your heart? Are you ready to let hope and new life make it whole?
Blessings for the journey!
Paula Paul