Tag: sacrifice

“Return to me with your whole heart.” | Ash Wednesday

From the responsorial psalm: “Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (6:1-6, 16-18, today’s readings)

“But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”

Jesus teaches the disciples how to give alms, pray, and fast. First he tells the them how not to do it, as the hypocrites do, and then he tells them in what way to do it and why. He defines hypocrites as those who “perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them.” Whether giving alms, praying, or fasting, those who do it for public recognition, Jesus says, have already received their reward. When done without drawing attention to them, the Lenten observances of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting become a private conversation between the original giver of the gift and we who give back to God what is his. “And your Father who sees in secret,” Jesus says, “will repay you.” Lent is a time of remembering Whose we are and making our way back wholeheartedly to be reconciled to him, the font of mercy.

God, strengthen me today and throughout Lent as I consider the Gospel acclamation: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Jesus calls attention to you six times as he teaches the disciples the way to fast, pray, and give alms. In teaching these observances, Jesus leads us into a genuine, private relationship with you, Our Father. Give me the grace of sincerity and humility this Lent as I seek to deepen my connection with you, Lord, rather than seeking recognition from others. Help me keep pure my attitudes and intentions behind anything I do out of authentic piety. You are the giver of every good gift, Lord; show me how to make a wholehearted return to you.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The hope of eternal life in the age to come. | Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” And the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (10:28-31, today’s readings)

Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age.”

Among what is given up in the present age for eternal life in the age to come, Jesus says that those who have given up this for his sake and for the sake of the Gospel will “receive a hundred times more now in this present age.” With this, there will be persecutions but “eternal life in the age to come.” In following him, Jesus teaches what it means to follow and not follow him: “But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Jesus, Incarnate Word, is the fulfillment of the words of Sirach, who says, “For the Lord is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.”

God, I hear in Peter’s declaration to Jesus the voice of one who has committed himself entirely: “We have given up everything and followed you.” Yet, Jesus calls out of Peter and all who follow him a greater sacrifice of praise that Sirach and the psalmist speak of. In your voice, the psalmist writes: “He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me.” Of all the good gifts you give me in turn to offer to you, there is no greater sacrifice of praise than to offer “the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.” In praise, thanks, and adoration, Lord, I ask for the grace to do always what is pleasing to you. Jesus, I trust in you! Saint Casimir, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.