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One of the objectives in our Lenten journey is to seek to do good, and cease to do evil so as to see His glory. But there is also more to it. We have to seek out and minister to the widows and orphans, those who are highly in need and vulnerable.

It is one thing to see and be seen in the Church and be seen as leaders in our communities. But the greatest privilege and honor is being seen by the Lord who sees our hearts. And it is only through humble hearts which follow after the Lord that we shine for Him throughout the earth.

Let all I do be for you alone, my Lord. Amen

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First reading
Isaiah 1:10,16-20
Cease to do evil; learn to do good


Hear the word of the Lord,
you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the command of our God, you people of Gomorrah.

‘Wash, make yourselves clean.
Take your wrong-doing out of my sight.
Cease to do evil.
Learn to do good,
search for justice,
help the oppressed,
be just to the orphan,
plead for the widow.

‘Come now, let us talk this over,
says the Lord.
Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

‘If you are willing to obey,
you shall eat the good things of the earth.
But if you persist in rebellion,
the sword shall eat you instead.’


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Gospel
Matthew 23:1-12
They do not practise what they preach

Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.
    ‘You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.’

The Lord our God is the only constant in our lives. His mercy and love for us never wanes. And so, if we truly want to grow deeper in our love for Him, then we need to do a thorough examination of conscience.

Have we truly forgiven all those who have hurt us? Are we truly compassionate as our Heavenly Father is compassionate? Do we extend the same patience of the Lord our God given to us all around, even our own family? Are we patient with our children, with our spouses, with our aged parents?

Truly, the Lord our God loved us while we were still sinners. And we love because He first loved us. If we struggle with unforgiveness, we need to draw deeper into the bosom of our God who will give us the grace to forgive. Once we have forgiven, then we are more like Him. We will reflect Him in all that we say and do. Amen.