1ST READING
We
should not just look at our personal sins and repent of them, but we
should also examine the structures of our society. We should eliminate
those that do not facilitate the respect of human dignity, and replace
them with those that will. Structural sin may not be easily changed, but
that does not mean we should give in to it. We need to work against all
sin in the world, doing what we can where we can.
Isaiah 58:1-9
1 Thus says the Lord God: Cry out full-throated and unsparingly, lift up your voice like a trumpet blast; tell my people their wickedness, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2 They
seek me day after day, and desire to know my ways, like a nation that
has done what is just and not abandoned the law of their God; they ask
me to declare what is due them, pleased to gain access to God. 3 Why do we fast, and you do not see it? Afflict
ourselves, and you take no note of it?” Lo, on your fast day you carry
out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers. 4 Yes, your fast ends in quarreling and fighting, striking with wicked claw. Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high! 5 Is
this the manner of fasting I wish, of keeping a day of penance that a
man bow his head like a reed, and lie in sackcloth and ashes? Do you
call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 6 This,
rather,
is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the
thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; 7 sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am!”
P S A L M
Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 18-19
R: A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
1 [3] Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. 2 [4] Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (R) 3 [5] For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always: 4 [6] “Against you only have I sinned, and done
what is evil in your sight.” (R) 16 [18] For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. 17 [19] My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. (R)
GOSPEL
Penance
and sacrifice are part of growing in faith and holiness. We should not
neglect these traditional aspects of our faith. They may not be
immediately attractive to us but they are very effective means of
growing in faith, when used well with the right motivation. It is wise
to seek spiritual direction when we employ corporal penances over an
extended period of time.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord will be with you.
Matthew 9:14-15
14 The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
think: Penance and sacrifice are part of growing in faith and holiness.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ___________________________
____________________________________________
God’s special verse/thought for me today_________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Corinthians 9-13
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