Joel 2:12-18, Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14 & 17, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Joel 2:12-18, Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14 & 17, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Joel 2:12-18

For one short season in the year I am called to practice self-abnegation what is my attitude? Will I give up the desires of the flesh in order to be strengthened in spirit?  How deep or shallow are my Lenten exercises? Will they be pleasing in Your sight my Beloved or will they be pleasing in my sight - a smokescreen behind which nothing has really changed?  Am I fasting to keep up appearances before men or to humble myself before You my Lord and my God? If I desire to be Your disciple then I must heed Your challenge to pick up my cross daily and follow You.

Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14 & 17

My Beloved, merciful and compassionate God, have pity on me and help me during this season of Lent to walk in the Light of Your Word.  We know I am a sinner my Lord, help me to overcome sin, wash me in Your saving Blood and cleanse me from the stain of my sins.  Keep me close to You Lord and if I stumble You will reach out and Your hand will prevent me falling from grace.  Give me the joy that comes from belonging to Your sheepfold.

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

My Beloved, once again the Church reminds me that this is the acceptable time, the time for salvation is here and now.  Keep me close to Mother Church so I may be guided by her and reconciled to You my God and to my neighbor.  Open my ears that I may hear Your voice and obey in this lies my joy.

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Thank You for this warning my Beloved.  In very subtle ways I preen with self-righteousness before people.  I do not fool You although I might in my stupidity think I do.  The admiration and flattery of people taken in my by false piety is as ephemeral as the mist in the sun.  Teach me true humility.  Teach me to desire only to follow You in everything and pleasing You receive Your blessings on me and those I love and  pray for each day.  Amen!

James 5:15-20, Psalm 141:1-3, 8, Mark 10:13-16

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


James 5:15-20, Psalm 141:1-3, 8, Mark 10:13-16

James 5:15-20

My Beloved, we are reminded that we should not wallow in distress when we are discouraged but we should pray.  Bringing our needs before You is a positive thing to do, for from You flow peace, grace and blessing.  

And when we are happy and all is well with us we should not get dissipated but sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to God from whom all good things flow.  If we are sick the Church has given us the beautiful Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick where we receive healing in our body and soul.

Psalm 141:1-3, 8

My Beloved, there have been many instances in the recent past when I have opened my mouth and rude, impatient and unkind words have spilled from my mouth.  Set a guard over it for I am a child of God whom I call Father. I call You Brother and the Holy Spirit is my Helper.  I belong to You and yet I dishonor You when I am rude to my neighbor.  Forgive me Beloved.  Listen to my prayer and hasten to help me.

When I call on Your Holy Name please do not be deaf to my cry.  Permit my prayers to rise before You as fragrant incense each time I lift up my hands and heart up to You.  Do not let pride lead to me sin and rob me of a life of grace in union with You rather when I turn my gaze to You gather me up and shelter me, for You are my refuge.

Mark 10:13-16

My Beloved, I come into Your Holy Presence like a child confident that You will permit it to come within the circle of Your embrace and be enfolded in Your loving arms.  Scoop me up Lord as You would a little child, lay Your loving hand on my head and bless me.  Let me rest in You and I will be content.  I want nothing more Lord than to live always in the shadow of Your Presence.  Never permit me to stray from Your side through sin.