Lent begins with a solemn call to fasting and repentance as we begin our journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. As we hear in today’s readings, now is the acceptable time to return to the Lord. During Lent the people of God will reflect on the meaning of their baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. The sign of ashes suggests our human mortality and frailty. What seems like an ending is really an invitation to make each day a new beginning, in which we are washed in God’s mercy and forgiveness. With the cross on our brow, we long for the spiritual renewal that flows from the springtime Easter feast to come.
Today’s gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a time of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This catechetical focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God’s mercy, we receive the bread of life to nourish us for the days ahead.
Readings:
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm 51:1-17
2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
This Weeks Readings
| Monday | 1 Kings 19:1-8 Hebrews 2:10-18 | Psalm 32 |
| Tuesday | Genesis 4:1-16 Hebrews 4:14-5:10 | Psalm 32 |
| Wednesday | Exodus 34:1-9., 27-28 Matthew 18:10-14 | Psalm 32 |
| Thursday | Isaiah 51:1-3 2 Timothy 1:3-7 | Psalm 121 |
| Friday | Micah 7:18-20 Romans 3:21-31 | Psalm 121 |
| Saturday | Isaiah 51:4-8 Luke 7:1-10 | Psalm 121 |
Prayer:
Lord God, our strength, the struggle between good and evil rages within and around us, and the devil and all the forces that defy you tempt us with empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and when we fall, raise us again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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