14 February, 2024 | Ash Wednesday - A day of fast and abstinence
Reading1 : Jl 2:12-18 | Reading 2 2 Cor 5:20—6:2
Gospel Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms,
do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
"When you pray,
do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go to your inner room,
close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
"When you fast,
do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."
Reflection:
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday - the 40 days of preparation for Easter. This holy season reminds us of the need for continual renewal and conversion, and the new life that comes to us from the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The three practices which has always defined the Lenten season of preparation are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Jesus speaks of these disciplines to his followers because they were pillars of Jewish practice. These practices touch on all of the ways in which we relate: prayer is about our relationship with God; fasting is about our relationship with ourselves; and giving to the poor is about our relationship with others, especially those who are in need. We are also encouraged to dedicate ourselves to a regular practice of prayer and to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
As we begin the season of Lent today, let us be renewed by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor.
Activity:
During this season of Lent resolve to approach the Sacraments of reconciliation and Holy Eucharist regularly.
Comments
Post a Comment