WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT
Mystery of the Day: Glorious
Table of the Word: Table of the Word: I R.: Jonah 3:1-10
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 5:3-4.12-13.18-19 (R. 19b)
Verse before the Gospel: Joel 2:12-13
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32
Theme: Repent!
The Word: “If you repent of your sin, I will forgive you." (cf. Jonah 3:10)
Inspiration: God is merciful and loving. It is out of His love that He sent Prophet Jonah to the land of Nineveh to preach repentance for the Ninevites, on hearing the Word of God they repented.
However, when God saw their contrite hearts, how they turned from their evil ways, God repented of the evil which he had said he would do to them; and he did not do it. (cf. Jonah 3:10). This word is being addressed to us on this day as we continue our Lenten observances. We need to make a U-Turn in our way of life, there should be some elements of detachment. If we do this, we will not be punished, closed doors will be opened, barren womb will conceive, desert will have water flowing out of it, our lands shall be fertile and yield in hundreds and thousands. We need His mercy to forge ahead, as He further reiterated in the Gospel acclamation: "Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious and merciful." (Joel 2:12-13).
However, we are being called to stripped-off our old behaviour and then put on a new self which will lead to progress in our relationship with God as St. Paul says while addressing the Colossians. (cf. Col. 3:9-10). This is a season of renewal in Christ, we need a new wine in a new wine skin, our attitude should point to the fact that we have really given up sins as Christ according Evangelist Mark says: “The right time has come, and the kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mk. 1:15)
Finally, dearest friends in Christ, what then are we waiting for? Let us join the psalmist today in prayer who says: "Create a pure heart for me, O God, renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10). In doing this, we will make amends of our shortcomings; and the word of the Lord in the gospel pericope of Evangelist Luke: “Unless you repent you will all perish as they did.” (Lk. 13:3) will not find a place in our midst. Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“Be ashamed when you sin, don’t be ashamed when you repent. Sin is the wound, repentance is the medicine. Sin is followed by shame; repentance is followed by boldness. Satan has overturned this order and given boldness to sin and shame to repentance.”
- St. John Chrysostom
Let us pray
Watch over us, Lord, and in your kindness, cleanse us from all sins, for if evil has no dominion over us, no trial can harm us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 21022024
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