God's word today sets the tone for this penitential season of Lent. Through the prophet Joel, God speaks of the necessity to "rend our hearts, not our garments. And return to the Lord God." In other words, conversion is not to be just an outward appearance. Fasting, prayer and almsgiving must be in alignment with the heart.
Who is God's message intended for? It is meant for everyone! "Gather the people, notify the congregation, assemble the elders, it is for children and for infants, the bridegroom and the bride, the priests". The call to conversion is for everyone. So that the Lord look with favor and spare our city, nation and our world.
Through St Paul, God's call to conversion is to take place immediately, and not delay. Can we just postpone it some other time? No! Can you procrastinate in turning our life to God? No! Can we wait until we have more free time? No. Can we wait until our life is better and then focus on God and spiritual things? No! "Behold, now is the day of salvation."
And God spoke through His only beloved Son, the "Word made flesh." With wisdom, the Lord speaks and calls attention to look at interior conversion. So that outward actions may convey a humble heart. "When you perform righteous deeds, when you pray, when you give alms, when you fast"....do these things without calling attention to yourself. Only focus on the fact that the Heavenly Father sees it. So that the gifts of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and righteous deeds may be offered to God, and be pleasing unto God.
We have heard God's word set the tone for the Lenten Season. In the next 40 days, let's take them seriously! God bless.
Fr Vu Tran
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