Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 6, 1-6.16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms,
do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you pray,
do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
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.
“When you fast,
do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
The beginning of Lent
1. Take care. Throughout life, we all battle with pride, something that can cling to us as years go by. That’s why this season is an invitation to work on your heart—to keep it from getting attached to things that hurt you and others. Take these forty days as an opportunity to examine what is going through your heart and mind and reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Consider what you’ve become attached to and whether you’ve hurt anyone with your words. Allow yourself today to recall that we are dust, and to dust we shall return.
2. Fasting. To fast means to be empty, or to empty ourselves, making room within. That’s why we call the first meal of the day “breakfast”—to break our fast. For Christians, fasting isn’t just about skipping meals; it’s about learning to recognize “the need” and accepting that we can’t always have it all in life. Some moments or circumstances in life must simply be endured or accepted. Fasting means letting go of nonessential things, even those you might have started treating as necessary. Today, recognize that certain things—or even people—aren’t indispensable. Give yourself permission to let go of what doesn’t truly enrich your life and realize you may not need them as much as you thought.
3. Prayer and Almsgiving. During these days, prayer is essential. Recognize your need to communicate with God and let that relationship inspire you to help others. Someone can help without loving, but someone who truly loves will serve the person they love with joy. For the next forty days, return to the basics: examine your motives and intentions. Don’t let your acts of service—at church or in daily life—become just routine or a form of “social service.” Instead, let them be a reflection of your spiritual life.
Today marks the beginning of one of the most meaningful periods of the year, the season of Lent—a time for conversion and heart searching. Remember to be truthful with yourself. Lent is about returning to Jesus.
Remember that something good is on the way!
May God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
