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.
No one likes to be told that they sin. But that is the task of the prophet and we find it in the first reading today. God tells the Prophet Isaiah, “Cry out full-throated and unsparingly . . . Tell my people of their wickedness, and the house of Jacob their sins.”
Yes, we are sinners. We are all in need of forgiveness.
We should make an examination of conscience at the end of each day. What do I need to ask God to forgive me for that I committed or omitted during the day whether in thought, word, or deed? What do I need to ask others to forgive me for? And then ask God’s grace to be a better disciple tomorrow when I wake up.
The Gospel mentions fasting. Jesus says that we fast when the “bridegroom is taken away” from us. One reason to fast is to express sorrow for our sins and ask God to replace our hunger with the satisfaction of knowing his loving forgiveness.
In any case, may our fasting remind us, not only of our need to refrain from everything we desire in order to discipline ourselves, but also of our need to refrain from sin in order to lead lives of virtue.