SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT
Contrition
The Word: “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” (Luke 15:18)
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Table of the Word: I R.: Micah 7:14-15.18-20
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2.3-4.910.11-12 (R.8a)
Verse before the Gospel: Luke 15:18
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3.11-32
Inspiration: The concept of contrition remains the first step towards the act of reconciliation. God every now and then invites us to Himself despite our short-comings. The action of contrition requires repentance for all our sins, a desire for God over our transgression, believing that through the Cross of Jesus we are redeemed.
Biblically, the following texts make allusion to this term: Psalm 34:18; 51:17; Isaiah 57:15, which “smitten” as in Isaiah 66:2 gives meaning to it. The term is often used alongside with the heart as “contrite heart” that is “broken heart.” In a nut shell, the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defined contrition as a grief experienced as a consequence of the revelation of sin made by the preaching of law (cf. Jer. 23:29).
However, Psalm 51 really gives a clear picture on this, when Prophet Nathan came to rebuke David for taking Bathsheba. In the like manner, that Prophet Micah on behalf of the people in the course of today’s first reading say this prayer for forgiveness having acknowledged the sin of the people (cf. Micah 7:14-15.18-20). In the gospel pericope, we have seen the man who squandered the share of his living, expressing remorse over his attitude and accepting to return to his father: “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” (Luke 15:18)
Obviously, many fall into sins but never think of making true contrition as David or the young man in the gospel did, God showed His mercy to every sinner who approached Him with a contrite of heart. In fact, sin in itself do not draw God’s mercy and forgiveness, but true contrition in humility by acknowledging our weakness and shortcomings open the fountain of His mercy for forgiveness and reconciliation.
As we continue our Lenten spiritual experience, we are exhorted to acknowledge our failings with contrite of heart, letting go the hurt by others, and then approach sacrament of reconciliation. It is at this Temple of Mercy that we will be dressed with the best of the robes, with ring and treated with the feast of fatted calf. Peace, be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works. You do the truth and come to the light.”
- St. Augustine
Let us pray
Bestow upon us, Lord, abundance of grace and protection; grant health of mind and body; grant fullness of fraternal charity, and make us always devoted to you.Through Christ our Lord. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 02032024
No comments:
Post a Comment