| |
Today, Ash Wednesday, we begin a new Lenten journey, a journey that lasts forty days and leads us towards the joyful victory of Easter. The discipline of Lent allows us to reap the fruits of this season as we finish this journey towards victory. We apply our hearts and minds by engaging in righteous deeds, by knowing the pain of hunger and providing for those in need. We affect society with good deeds so that eventually we receive the reward of living in a harmonious society.
The second reading reminds us that it is time to be reconciled with God in Christ. This is done by living out the piety of covenant behaviour with a pure intention and motive. Outward actions become an expression of our inner reality. This life of integrity is the reason why Jesus asks us to rend our hearts. The Lenten journey, which is an imitation of Jesus' forty days of fasting in the desert, is supposed to open our hearts, bringing their deepest desires into harmony with the desires of Jesus' sacred heart.
Merciful saviour, guide us with Your Holy Spirit to begin this Lenten journey in order to cultivate a genuine piety motivated by divine love alone.
|
|
DAILY OFFERING
|
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
|
|
PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
|
INTENTION
That we may take good care of creation - a gift freely given - cultivating and protecting it for future generations.
Elaboration
|
|
