Table of the Word
First Reading: Daniel 9:4–10
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 79:8, 9, 11, 13 (R. cf. Ps. 103:10a)
Gospel Verse: cf. John 6:63c, 68c
Gospel: Luke 6:36–38
Theme: We Have Sinned!
Reflection
The greatest of all sins is when we loss the sense of sin itself. Sometimes, this troubling attitude pervades our lives when we grow indifferent to our relationship with God, when we live as though there is no tomorrow, or when we begin to see ourselves as the centre of all things. The acknowledgement of our iniquities is a sincere and necessary step towards the true spirit of this solemn season of repentance and reconciliation. As Psalm 51 reminds us of God's abiding readiness to restore us to Himself, let us not squander this great opportunity; for our sins are ever before us, day and night.
In the light of this, the First Letter of St. John offers a precise definition of the term “sin” as transgression of the law (cf. 1 John 3:4). In another translation, the term transgression is rendered as lawlessness - a derailment from the right path. Sacred Scripture is unequivocal on this matter, declaring that everyone has sinned (cf. Rom. 3:23).
In its Greek usage, sin is derived from hamartia, meaning “a failing to hit the mark.” Others describe it as “missing the true goal and scope of life.” It is further understood as rebellion against the law, rejection or disregard of God's standards, or falling short of what God rightly expects of us.
From today's table of the Word the First Reading (cf. Daniel 9:4–10) presents what biblical scholars call Daniel's Prayer a text that unfolds in three movements: the address, the confession, and the petition. This passage calls to mind the very season in which we stand, a season for owning our failures and earnestly seeking reconciliation with God.
First, we must acknowledge our iniquities as David did: “Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done.” Second, he recognised God’s justice in judgment: “You are right when you pass sentence and blameless in your judgment” (Ps. 51:4).
Yet in the midst of this, God remains ever eager to welcome us home. Through the Prophet Isaiah, He extends His gracious invitation: “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).
This is the very same invitation He extends to us through the Church today, that we may draw near to Him with contrite hearts, crying out as the Psalmist did: “O Lord, do not treat us according to our sins” (cf. Ps. 103:10a). And the Gospel pericope adds a sobering caveat: our own sins cannot be forgiven if we refuse to forgive one another (cf. Luke 6:36–38).
Finally, let us make a sincere effort to examine ourselves carefully, extend forgiveness to one another, and hold fast to God's decrees and ordinances in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Peace be with you!
Prayer
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.
Thought for Today
“My sin was all the more incurable because I did not think myself a sinner.”
- Augustine of Hippo
Lenten Commitment
I will reflect on areas of my life where I have "missed the mark" and note one specific sin to bring to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
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