In the Entrance Antiphon we pray for God's loving kindness and his great mercy. In the Opening Prayer, we acknowledge our weakness. We listen to the Prophet Isaiah spelling out the demands for a reform of life in justice, and we hear of Jesus calling sinners. Yet in spite of the austerity and the sense of the reality of sin behind all these texts, the Church always speaks according to the mind and heart of Christ. No matter how seriously Jesus may challenge us, He never leaves us without hope and joy. So Isaiah promises us that a reform of life will bring us "delight in the Lord". Levi responded to Jesus' call by celebrating in joy with a great feast at his house.

All Christian penance, fasting and prayer must be accompanied by joy. We celebrate our Christian calling in joy in the feast of the Eucharist. During Lent we can learn, through austerity, to be more joyful in Christ. As Levi experienced Jesus' acceptance of him and responded in joy, so too in the sacrament of reconciliation, we experience how God accepts us through healing and forgiveness, and strengthens us to suffuse our life-style and all our activities with joy and peace.