LENTEN DIGEST with Fr. PIUSRALPH

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

Table of the Word:

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4.12-13.18-19 (R. see 19b)

Verse before the Gospel: Joel 2:12-13

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

Theme: A Call for Repentance

Reflection

"If you repent of your sin, I will forgive you." (cf. Jonah 3:10). God is merciful and loving. It is out of His love that He sent Prophet Jonah to the land of Nineveh to preach repentance. 

The Ninevites heard and repented. And "when God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the evil which He had said He would do to them; and He did not do it" (Jonah 3:10). Today this word is being addressed to us as we continue our Lenten observances.

We need a U-turn in our way of life; there should be some elements of detachment. If we do this, He will not inflict pain on us — closed doors will be opened, the barren womb will conceive, the desert will have water flowing through it, and our lands shall be fertile and yield in hundreds and thousands. 

We need His mercy to forge ahead, as He further invites us 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).

Finally, dearest friends in Christ, what then are we waiting for? Let us join the psalmist today in prayer: "Create a pure heart for me, O God; renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). In doing this, we will make amends for our shortcomings, and God, whose promise has never failed, will certainly hearken to our plea. Peace be with you!

PRAYER 

Look kindly, Lord, we pray, on the devotion of your people, that those, who by self-denial are restrained in body, may by the fruit of good works be renewed in mind. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and  reigns forever and ever. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

"As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus' thirst. He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you."

— St. Teresa of Calcutta

Lenten Commitment:

Today, I commit to a sincere examination of my conscience. I will identify one habit or attitude that draws me away from God, and with humble and contrite heart, I will bring it before Him in prayer, trusting in His boundless mercy to restore and renew me.

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