MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT
The Word: "… we have sinned and done and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances.” (Daniel 9:5)
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Table of the Word: I R.:Daniel 9:4-10
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 79:8.911.13 (R. see Ps. 103:10a)
Verse before the Gospel: see John 6:63c.68c
Gospel: Luke 6:36-38
We have sinned!
Inspiration:The greatest of all the sins is not those sins we may have in mind or those transgressions we must have consciously committed, rather the act of losing the "sense of sins." Sometimes, this attitude has been part and parcel of us, when we don't care any longer about our relationship with God. When we continue to live as if there is no tomorrow. When we think that we are "all-in-all". The acknowledgement of our iniquities is a sincere step towards true definition of this solemn season of repentance and reconciliation. As Psalm 51 will reminds us of God's readiness to reconcile us back to Himself, let us not lose sight of this great opportunity; for our sins are before us day and night.
In the light of this, the first letter of St. John gives an apt definition of the term “sin” in clear terms as transgression of the law (cf. I John 3:4 ) In another translation the term “transgression” is being denoted as “lawlessness.” That is a derailment from the right path. The Holy Scripture has said a lot about this vice called sin; stating that everyone has sinned (cf. Rom. 3:23).
In Greek usage, the term “sin” refers to hamartia meaning “a failing to hit the mark.” While others see it as: “missing the true goal and scope of life.” It is also seen in the light of rebelling from the law, rejecting or ignoring of God’s standards, or falling short of what God expects of us.
From today’s Table of the Word, the first reading (cf. Daniel 9:4-10) presents before us what the Biblical scholars refers to as “Daniel’s prayer.” This prayer divides itself into three parts: the address, the confession and the petition. This text call to mind the season in which we are in, the season of acknowledging our failings and seeking for reconciliation with God.
Firstly, we need to acknowledge our iniquities as David did: “Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done.”Secondly, he recognized God’s justification in His judgment when he said: “You are right when you pass sentence and blameless in your judgment.”(Ps. 51:4)
Amidst this, He is ever ready to welcome us back to Himself as Prophet Isaiah says: “’Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson,they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18).
However, this is the same invitation that He sent to us through the Church that we may approach Him with a contrite of heart that we are sorry as the Psalmist also cried out saying: “O Lord, do treat us according to our sins.” (Ps. 103:10a). And the gospel pericope leaves us with a caveat that our sins would not be forgiven if we do not forgive one another (cf. Luke 6:36-38).
Finally, let us make sincere effort to re-examined ourselves, forgive one another, and hold to heart God’s detects and ordinances in our thoughts, words and actions. Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“I acknowledged my sin to you, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord; and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” - Psalm 32:5
Let us pray
Confirm our hearts, O Lord, we pray, and strengthen us by the power of your grace, that we may be constant in making supplication to you and sincere in love for one another. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© ARCHIVE 17032025
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