Daily Thought For February 17, 2021 (Ash Wednesday)

 Reflection For Ash Wednesday

First Reading: Jl 2:12–18

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 51:3–4, 5–6ab, 12–13, 14, 17

Second Reading: 2 Cor 5:20–6:2

Gospel: Mt 6:1–6, 16–18

In many ways today’s New Testament readings—from 2 Corinthians and from Matthew—echo the Old Testament reading from the prophet Joel. Joel’s words are set in a time of crisis, a defining moment. In that critical moment, he summons the whole people of God to gather in the liturgical assembly to pray and fast. Playing on the Hebrew word shub, which means “turn,” he tells the people to “return” to the Lord their God in the hope that God may “turn” (relent) and take pity on them. Paul proclaims this message as well. Like Joel, he too addresses people at a defining moment, “the acceptable time” (2 Cor 6:2). As Christ’s ambassador, Paul implores the Corinthians to return and be reconciled to the God who has graciously turned to them in Christ.

Joel also warns the people that the public character of their gathering must not detract from the intimately personal nature of true conversion. They must rend their hearts and not their garments. In the same way, Matthew’s Jesus warns all of us that our Lenten practices—prayer, fasting, almsgiving—must be for God’s eyes only. This is the sentiment of the psalmist who prays for a “clean heart” and a new spirit (Ps 51:12).

Sirois, C. (2008). Word of Life: Daily Scripture Companion (p. 85). Boston, MA: Pauline Books & Media.