Wednesday 1^st March – Ash Wednesday

Reflection: 2 Corinthians 5:20- 6:2

BEWARE OF NEGLECT!

When we think of right vs wrong, we often find ourselves thinking only in terms of “actions”. We tend to access ourselves or others based on whether an action or a word is right or inappropriate. What about “inactions” then? How often do you think of good or bad with respect to inactions? How often do you remember to examine your conscience for sins of omission? That is exactly what the church reminds us of, not only in the penitential rites we say as we begin each Mass…but also in today’s reading.

St Paul drops us a line about avoiding the sin of omission as we begin another Lent. “We beg you once again not to neglect the grace of God that you have received” (2 Cor 6:1). You have gone through several seasons of Lent as far as you can remember. Each year, this season comes with the immense grace God pours out on each one of us through the Church. Yet, it is very easy to simply go through the 40-day journey without recognizing and tapping into the abundant grace God gives us. We can easily continue our lives – business as usual and neglect the constant call to repentance and a deeper walk with God that we are all invited to this season.

Beloved, as we begin a new journey with Jesus through the wilderness, let us consciously guard against this sin of neglect. Indeed, now is the acceptable time; today is the day of salvation. Let us cooperate with the grace our Lord offers to deepen our commitment to him and to a life of love and holiness. In what ways do you plan to cooperate with the grace of the Lenten season?

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the abundant grace you pour upon me this season. I cooperate with you, Lord, please lead me to a deeper conversion of heart this Lent. Amen.

Hide a treasure: “Working together with Him, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain” 2 Corinthians 6:1 RSV-CE

Faith Pearls: YOUCAT 230 – What is penance?

Penance is making restitution or satisfaction for a wrong that has been committed. Penance must not take place exclusively in my head; I must express it in acts of charity and in solidarity with others. One does penance also by praying, fasting, and supporting the poor spiritually and materially.

Today’s Readings: Joel 2:12-18; Ps 51: 3-6, 12-17; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18