March
5, 2014 Joel
2:1-2, 12-17
Ash
Wednesday
or Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 51:1-17
2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
As a
child growing up in a very Catholic neighborhood, a topic of conversation on
Ash Wednesday was, "What are you giving up for Lent?"Of course, most
of the answers were candy of some sort or going to the movies - something you
surely could do without. This is not, according to today's readings, what
God intended fasting to be. He wanted the believers to do things for
others in order to become better human beings. His idea was to give to charity,
feed the hungry, take care of the homeless or reach out to the elderly.
This is the emphasis today on the "fasting" for Lent. As
the psalm writer tells us "create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit
within me". This is what God wants from us - not a sacrifice of giving up
something we probably should not have anyway but be generous with your
time and talent. Serve the Lord with gladness and be a help to others.
Lord,
as we set out on this journey in Lent let us be mindful of others especially
those in need of extra love and compassion. Make us more aware of their
needs from us. Help us to see the true meaning of Your love and be humble
about our giving. This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Dorothy
Kafalas.
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