For every day during Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
St. Paul implores us in the second reading, “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
All of us have sinned and fallen short of the expectations of the teachings of Jesus.
But, Paul also reminds us, “Now is the day of salvation.” In other words, God gives us second (and third and fourth) chances. Today is a new day for us to begin again.
So, however we do it, let’s not put off our need to let God wash us clean again. We can submit ourselves to the purifying shower of God’s mercy, for God is rich in kindness.
As we begin another Lent we hear the prophet Joel urge us on behalf of God once again, “Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God.”
Of course, to admit our wrongdoing requires humility. We must admit that we have failed God, our neighbors and ourselves. We must admit that only God can heal us and make us whole again.
And so, we fast to show our hunger for God. We pray to show our dependence on God. And we give alms to make amends to our neighbors that have been harmed by us.
At the end of this Lent, may we be ready to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. After all, despite our sinfulness, he came back to us — and wants to walk with us always.