Wednesday 17th February, 2010
Ash Wednesday. Day of fast and abstinence. Joel 2:12-18. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned—Ps 50(51):3-6, 12-14, 17. 2 Corinthians 5:20 – 6:2. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 [Seven Founders of the Servites].

  
Meditation: mp3 | podcast
Readings: Text | mp3 | podcast

‘Your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.’

Today’s readings ask us to look inwards rather than constantly worry about our outward appearances. God wants our inner selves to be true and wise. We are called to turn away from sin, to pray, fast and give to the poor. To live good lives without expecting recognition and reward. Many of us aspire to live out these values but constantly find ourselves failing.

The readings offer us gentle encouragement. We are called to return to a compassionate God. ‘When the time came for me to show you favour, I heard you.’ We are invited to turn away from superficial pleasures towards real fullness of life, knowing even if we fail our God wants us to try yet again. Will we respond to this loving invitation?