Now is the Time: A Call to True Repentance

Have you ever felt the deep pull in your heart to return to God, but told yourself, “I’ll do it later”? Today’s readings remind us that there is no time to delay—now is the moment for repentance, for reconciliation, for an authentic return to the Lord. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s relentless mercy, calling His people back to Him, not with mere outward expressions, but with transformed hearts. This is the message of today’s readings: God does not desire empty gestures; He desires you.

In the time of the prophet Joel, Israel faced devastation, likely from a locust plague, which was seen as a sign of divine judgment. Yet, God, in His great mercy, called His people to repentance, not through superficial rituals, but through a deep and sincere conversion of heart. Centuries later, St. Paul echoes this urgency, reminding the Corinthians—and us—that through Christ, we have been given the ultimate chance to be reconciled with God. “Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2). And in the Gospel, Jesus warns against hypocritical religious acts, urging us to seek God in secret, where true transformation happens.

Lent is a season of turning back, of aligning our hearts with God’s will. These readings call us beyond surface-level faith and into a deeper, personal relationship with Him. True repentance is not about appearances; it is about surrender. It is about allowing God to create in us “a clean heart” (Psalm 51:12). It is about choosing intimacy with God over the approval of others. It is about embracing the grace He so freely offers us today. The question is: Will we answer His call?

First Reading – Joel 2:12-18

A Heart Torn, Not Just Garments

The prophet Joel speaks at a time of crisis. Israel is suffering under what appears to be a devastating locust plague, an event so severe that it is likened to an army invasion. In the ancient world, natural disasters were often interpreted as divine punishment, a wake-up call for the people to examine their ways and turn back to God. The Book of Joel, though brief, carries a powerful message: repentance is not about external rituals alone—it must come from the depths of the heart. This aligns perfectly with today’s Lenten theme, as the Church invites us to return to God through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—not for show, but for real transformation.

Joel’s call to repentance echoes throughout salvation history. Israel had a long-standing tradition of expressing sorrow through visible signs: tearing garments, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in ashes. But God desires something deeper. “Rend your hearts, not your garments” (Joel 2:13) is a command that shifts the focus from outward displays of sorrow to true interior conversion. This passage also highlights God’s mercy, showing that His justice is always accompanied by compassion. Just as the Israelites were urged to repent and experience God’s forgiveness, we, too, are called to make a sincere return to Him, trusting in His boundless love.

Joel 2:12-18
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Return to the Lord
¹² Yet even now—oracle of the Lord—
    return to me with your whole heart,
    with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
¹³ Rend your hearts, not your garments,
    and return to the Lord, your God,
For he is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love,
    and relenting in punishment.
¹⁴ Perhaps he will again relent
    and leave behind a blessing,
Grain offering and libation
    for the Lord, your God.
¹⁵ Blow the horn in Zion!
    Proclaim a fast,
    call an assembly!
¹⁶ Gather the people,
    sanctify the congregation;
Assemble the elderly;
    gather the children,
    even infants nursing at the breast;
Let the bridegroom leave his room,
    and the bride her bridal tent.
¹⁷ Between the porch and the altar
    let the priests weep,
    let the ministers of the Lord weep and say:
“Spare your people, Lord!
    do not let your heritage become a disgrace,
    a byword among the nations!
Why should they say among the peoples,
    ‘Where is their God?’”

The Lord Relents. ¹⁸ Then the Lord grew jealous for his land and took pity on his people.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 12 – “Yet even now—oracle of the Lord—return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.”
God’s invitation is urgent: “Yet even now.” No matter how far the people have strayed, the door to repentance remains open. The phrase “your whole heart” underscores the depth of conversion God seeks—not just regret, but a complete turning back. Fasting, weeping, and mourning are not mere outward signs but should reflect a genuine sorrow for sin.

Verse 13 – “Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment.”
This verse recalls God’s self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 34:6, emphasizing His mercy and patience. External gestures of sorrow mean nothing without a true change of heart. The Hebrew word for “rend” (קָרַע, qāraʿ) implies a deep, forceful tearing—God desires an interior transformation so profound that it alters our very being.

Verse 14 – “Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind a blessing, grain offering and libation for the Lord, your God.”
This verse conveys both humility and hope. The people do not presume God’s forgiveness but trust in His mercy. The reference to grain offering and libation suggests that, if they turn back, God may restore the land’s fertility, enabling them to worship Him with the firstfruits of their harvest.

Verse 15 – “Blow the horn in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly!”
The shofar, a ram’s horn, was sounded to signal moments of great importance. This verse calls for a communal response—repentance is not just an individual act but one that involves the entire people of God.

Verse 16 – “Gather the people, sanctify the congregation; assemble the elderly; gather the children, even infants nursing at the breast; let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her bridal tent.”
This verse highlights the all-encompassing nature of repentance. No one is exempt—not even those engaged in joyful events like a wedding. It reflects the urgency of conversion: nothing should take precedence over returning to God.

Verse 17 – “Between the porch and the altar let the priests weep, let the ministers of the Lord weep and say: ‘Spare your people, Lord! Do not let your heritage become a disgrace, a byword among the nations! Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
The priests, as spiritual leaders, are called to intercede for the people. The plea “Where is their God?” suggests that Israel’s downfall would bring dishonor to God’s name among the nations. This reflects a biblical theme: God’s glory is tied to the fate of His people.

Verse 18 – “Then the Lord grew jealous for his land and took pity on his people.”
God’s jealousy (קִנְאָה, qinʾāh) is not like human envy but a passionate, protective love for His people. His pity is not mere sympathy but a divine movement toward restoration and renewal.

Teachings from the Church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reinforces the theme of true repentance: “Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed. At the same time, it entails the desire and resolution to change one’s life, with hope in God’s mercy and trust in the help of his grace” (CCC 1431). This aligns with Joel’s call to “rend your hearts”—conversion is not simply about avoiding sin but about fully turning back to God.

The early Church Fathers also emphasized the sincerity of repentance. St. John Chrysostom wrote, “It is not enough to acknowledge our sins; we must abandon them. For what is the benefit of confessing, if one continues in sin? The true penitent does not just beat his breast but changes his way of life.” This ties into the Gospel reading’s warning against hypocritical displays of righteousness.

Historically, fasting, weeping, and communal repentance were significant practices in both Jewish and Christian traditions. The Church continues this tradition through Lent, calling believers to genuine conversion through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—not for external show, but as a true offering of the heart to God.

Reflection

Joel’s words are a challenge to each of us. How often do we settle for surface-level faith? Do we say we are sorry for our sins while still holding onto them in our hearts? God is not looking for hollow gestures—He desires a real transformation within us. His mercy is waiting, but He will not force us to return. The question is, will we respond?

Lent is an opportunity to examine our hearts. What areas of your life need conversion? What sins are keeping you from fully surrendering to God? Perhaps you have been avoiding true repentance out of fear or complacency. Remember, God is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:13). His mercy is greater than our sins, but we must take the step to return to Him.

This week, consider practicing interior repentance—not just going through the motions of Lent, but truly asking God to create in you a new heart. Spend time in prayer, examine your conscience, and seek the sacrament of reconciliation. Let this be the season where you stop tearing your garments and begin tearing your heart, offering it fully to the One who loves you beyond measure. How will you answer His call today?

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

Few passages in Scripture capture the depth of human sorrow and the longing for God’s mercy as Psalm 51 does. Traditionally attributed to King David after his sin with Bathsheba, this psalm is a profound plea for forgiveness, cleansing, and renewal. It is known as one of the seven Penitential Psalms, used throughout Jewish and Christian tradition as a model of true repentance. In the context of today’s readings, Psalm 51 echoes Joel’s call to “rend your hearts” (Joel 2:13) and Paul’s plea to “be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). This psalm teaches us that true repentance is not simply about avoiding punishment but about seeking restoration with God.

Psalm 51 was likely used in liturgical settings, particularly during communal acts of repentance. In Jewish tradition, sacrifices were offered at the Temple, but as this psalm suggests, God desires a sacrifice far greater than burnt offerings—He wants a contrite heart. This fits beautifully into our Lenten journey, as we are reminded that fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are meaningless if they do not come from a heart truly seeking God. Like David, we must acknowledge our sin, seek God’s mercy, and allow Him to create in us a new heart.

Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

³ Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;
    in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.
⁴ Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
    and from my sin cleanse me.
⁵ For I know my transgressions;
    my sin is always before me.
⁶ Against you, you alone have I sinned;
    I have done what is evil in your eyes
So that you are just in your word,
    and without reproach in your judgment.

¹² A clean heart create for me, God;
    renew within me a steadfast spirit.
¹³ Do not drive me from before your face,
    nor take from me your holy spirit.
¹⁴ Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;
    uphold me with a willing spirit.

¹⁷ Lord, you will open my lips;
    and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 3 – “Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.”
David begins with a direct plea for mercy, appealing not to his own worthiness but to God’s “merciful love”. The Hebrew word for mercy (chesed) implies steadfast, covenantal love—God’s faithfulness despite human failure. “Blot out” suggests the wiping away of guilt, much like ink being erased from parchment.

Verse 4 – “Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me.”
The imagery here is that of purification. In ancient Israel, ritual washing was required before approaching God. David acknowledges that sin is not merely an external failure but something that must be cleansed from within. This prefigures the New Testament concept of baptism and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Verse 5 – “For I know my transgressions; my sin is always before me.”
True repentance begins with acknowledgment. David does not minimize his sin but confesses that it weighs heavily on his heart. His words resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the burden of guilt.

Verse 6 – “Against you, you alone have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your eyes so that you are just in your word, and without reproach in your judgment.”
This verse does not mean David’s sin did not harm others, but rather, all sin is ultimately an offense against God. He recognizes that God’s judgment is just, accepting the consequences of his actions.

Verse 12 – “A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.”
This is one of the most famous prayers in Scripture. The Hebrew word for create (bara’) is the same word used in Genesis 1:1—only God can bring something new into existence. David is not asking for mere improvement but for a total transformation of his heart.

Verse 13 – “Do not drive me from before your face, nor take from me your holy spirit.”
David understands that sin separates us from God. The fear of losing God’s presence reflects what happened to Saul, Israel’s first king, when God’s Spirit departed from him due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 16:14).

Verse 14 – “Restore to me the gladness of your salvation; uphold me with a willing spirit.”
Sin steals joy, and repentance restores it. True conversion is not about self-loathing but about rediscovering the joy of living in God’s grace.

Verse 17 – “Lord, you will open my lips; and my mouth will proclaim your praise.”
David’s repentance is not just about avoiding punishment but about being restored to praise God. When God heals and forgives, we are compelled to worship Him.

Teachings from the Church

The Catechism speaks powerfully about repentance and mercy. “The human heart is heavy and hardened. God must give man a new heart. Conversion is first of all a work of the grace of God who makes our hearts return to him: ‘Restore us to thyself, O Lord, that we may be restored!’” (CCC 1432). This echoes David’s plea: “Create in me a clean heart, O God”. Our transformation is not something we accomplish on our own—it is a work of grace.

St. Augustine frequently referenced Psalm 51 in his writings, seeing in it a perfect model of repentance. He wrote, “Do not despair, one unclean by sin! Cry out, ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God!’ You cannot do it yourself. Cry out so that He may create.” Augustine, who knew firsthand the struggle of sin and conversion, reminds us that our hope is not in ourselves but in God’s mercy.

In Church history, Psalm 51 has played a significant role in penitential traditions. It has been incorporated into the Liturgy of the Hours and recited by countless saints as a personal prayer of contrition. Even today, it is often prayed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Church continues to emphasize that true repentance is not simply feeling guilty but turning back to God with confidence in His mercy.

Reflection

Psalm 51 is deeply personal. David’s words could be our own. We all carry the weight of sin at times, feeling distant from God. Yet, this psalm reminds us that God’s mercy is greater than our worst failures. He does not desire perfect people, but contrite hearts. What areas of your life need cleansing? Have you, like David, tried to carry the burden of sin alone, rather than surrendering it to God’s mercy?

The beauty of this psalm is that it does not leave us in sorrow. It moves from guilt to hope, from repentance to joy. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a tangible way to live out Psalm 51. If you have been avoiding confession, now is the time to come back. Are you willing to let God create in you a new heart?

This week, pray Psalm 51 daily. Let it become the cry of your heart. Allow God to transform you, renew you, and restore your joy. Like David, do not just ask for forgiveness—ask for a new heart. Then, with renewed spirit, proclaim His praise. “Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise!”

Second Reading – 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2

Now Is the Time of Salvation

St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is a passionate appeal for reconciliation with God. Written to a Christian community struggling with division, moral failings, and misunderstandings about the faith, this passage calls believers to embrace the grace they have received and not take it for granted. Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its wealth and immorality. The Christian community there faced constant temptation, and Paul urges them not to delay in responding to God’s call. His words are just as relevant today as they were then—“Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

This passage ties directly into today’s Lenten theme of authentic repentance. Joel calls for a return to the Lord, and Psalm 51 shows us the heart of one who repents. Paul, in turn, reminds us that reconciliation is made possible through Jesus Christ, who took upon Himself the sins of the world. But this grace is not to be received in vain. Too often, we acknowledge God’s mercy yet continue living as if it makes no difference. Lent is a time to respond to the urgency of Paul’s message—to stop delaying, to turn to God, and to allow His grace to transform us now.

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

²⁰ So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. ²¹ For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

The Experience of the Ministry. ¹ Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. ² For he says:
“In an acceptable time I heard you,
    and on the day of salvation I helped you.”
Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 20 – “So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
Paul describes his ministry as an ambassadorship. In the ancient world, ambassadors carried the full authority of the one who sent them. Paul speaks not with his own authority but as a representative of Christ. His plea is not just a suggestion but a command: “Be reconciled to God.” This reminds us that reconciliation is not simply a personal decision—it is a divine imperative.

Verse 21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.”
This is one of the most profound theological statements in Paul’s letters. Jesus, who was sinless, took upon Himself the consequences of human sin so that we might be justified before God. The Catechism explains: “By giving up his own Son for our sins, God manifests that his plan for us is one of benevolent love, prior to any merit on our part” (CCC 604). This is the heart of the Gospel—our righteousness is not earned but given to us through Christ’s sacrifice.

Verse 1 (Chapter 6) – “Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.”
Paul emphasizes that grace requires a response. Salvation is a gift, but if it is ignored or neglected, it does not bear fruit. Many people acknowledge God’s love but fail to let it change their lives. This is a reminder that Lent is not just a time of external practices but of true interior conversion.

Verse 2 – “For he says: ‘In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Paul quotes Isaiah 49:8, showing that God’s mercy is present now. The word “now” is key—salvation is not something to postpone. Too often, people put off repentance, thinking there will be time later. But God’s grace is active in the present moment, calling us to respond without delay.

Teachings from the Church

The Catechism affirms that reconciliation with God is essential to salvation: “God created us without us: but he did not will to save us without us. To receive his mercy, we must admit our faults. ‘If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us’” (CCC 1847). This reinforces Paul’s message—grace is offered to all, but we must choose to accept it and be reconciled to God.

St. Augustine, in his Confessions, reflected on the danger of delaying conversion: “Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new! Late have I loved you!” He recognized that too much of his life had been wasted before surrendering to God’s mercy. Paul’s words serve as a wake-up call: Why wait any longer to turn back to God?

Historically, the Church has always emphasized that salvation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process. The early Christians saw Lent as a kairos moment—a sacred, God-ordained time to renew their commitment to Christ. Today, we continue this tradition through fasting, prayer, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, recognizing that every moment of repentance is an opportunity to draw closer to God.

Reflection

Paul’s words leave no room for hesitation. Too often, we treat repentance as something to be done later—when life slows down, when we feel more ready, when we’re older. But Paul reminds us that later is not guaranteed. “Now is the day of salvation.” What are we waiting for?

God’s mercy is endless, but our time on earth is not. Have you been putting off confession? Have you been resisting God’s call to deeper conversion? Have you been content with a lukewarm faith? Lent is the time to stop delaying and start responding. What is holding you back?

This week, take Paul’s words to heart. If there is sin in your life, bring it to God in confession. If you have been distant from prayer, return to Him today. If there is someone you need to forgive, do not wait another day. Let this be the moment where you stop making excuses and start embracing the grace of God. Will you say yes to His call today?

Holy Gospel – Matthew 6:1-6

True Righteousness: Seen by God, Not Men

In this passage from The Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches about the right way to practice righteousness. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is one of the most profound teachings in Scripture, and today’s reading focuses on three essential spiritual disciplines—almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. In Jesus’ time, these acts were foundational to Jewish religious life, but many had lost their true purpose. The Pharisees and other religious leaders often performed these deeds publicly to gain praise, turning acts of devotion into displays of self-righteousness. Jesus challenges this attitude, calling His followers to seek only God’s approval rather than human recognition.

This passage perfectly aligns with the Lenten call to authentic repentance. Joel tells us to rend our hearts, not our garments; the psalmist pleads for a clean heart; Paul urges us not to receive God’s grace in vain. Now, Jesus goes even deeper—teaching that true righteousness is about our relationship with the Father, not the approval of others. Lent invites us to examine our intentions: Why do we fast, pray, or give? Is it to grow closer to God or to be seen as holy? Jesus’ words remind us that only one opinion matters—God’s.

Matthew 6:1-6
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Teaching About Almsgiving. ¹ “[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. ² 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. ³ But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, ⁴ so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Teaching About Prayer. ⁵ “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. ⁶ 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.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1 – “[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.”
Jesus warns against performing religious acts for human recognition. In Jewish tradition, tzedakah (charity), tefillah (prayer), and tzom (fasting) were seen as ways to grow in holiness. However, when done for public approval, they became empty gestures. The word recompense suggests that human praise is a fleeting reward, while God’s reward is eternal.

Verse 2 – “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.”
The phrase “blow a trumpet” is likely metaphorical, referring to exaggerated displays of generosity. Hypocrite (from the Greek hypokritēs) originally meant “actor,” implying that these individuals were merely performing. Their reward—human praise—was immediate but temporary, unlike the eternal blessings of God.

Verse 3 – “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing.”
This hyperbolic statement emphasizes complete discretion in charity. Acts of love should be so natural and humble that even we do not dwell on them. The goal is selfless generosity, seeking nothing in return.

Verse 4 – “So that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
God sees the hidden motives of the heart. Unlike human recognition, His reward is lasting. This verse reminds us that faith is about intimacy with God, not external validation.

Verse 5 – “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.”
Public prayer was common in Jewish culture, but Jesus critiques those who used it as a spectacle. True prayer is not about appearances; it is about communion with God. This rebuke does not mean communal prayer is wrong—rather, it must come from the heart.

Verse 6 – “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.”
The inner room represents a place of intimacy with God. Unlike the Pharisees who sought attention, Jesus calls His disciples to pray in private, where only God sees. This verse teaches us that true prayer is about relationship, not performance.

Teachings from the Church

The Catechism affirms that true righteousness is about interior conversion: “Jesus insists on the conversion of heart: interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures, and works of penance. But interior conversion alone is not enough. It is essential to seek and obtain God’s forgiveness” (CCC 1430). This mirrors Jesus’ warning against performing religious acts for show—true conversion is a matter of the heart, not appearances.

St. Teresa of Ávila, known for her deep life of prayer, once wrote: “Prayer is an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.” Her words reflect Jesus’ teaching—prayer is not about eloquence or public recognition but about being present with God.

Historically, Lent has always emphasized almsgiving, prayer, and fasting as essential to spiritual growth. However, the early Church warned against externalizing these practices without real transformation. The Didache, one of the earliest Christian writings, states: “Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you give.” This reminds us that generosity should be mindful and sincere, not merely routine.

Reflection

Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our hearts. Do we fast, pray, and give because we love God, or because we want to be seen as holy? It is easy to fall into the trap of performing faith rather than living it. But God is not impressed by appearances—He desires sincerity. How often do we seek human approval rather than God’s?

Lent is a time to refocus. Jesus calls us to an intimate relationship with the Father, where we give, pray, and fast not for show, but out of love. This means taking time in prayer, away from distractions. It means being generous without expecting recognition. It means fasting not just from food but from pride, vanity, and self-righteousness. Are you willing to seek God in secret?

This week, reflect on your motivations. When you pray, do you truly focus on God, or are you distracted by what others might think? When you give, is it out of love or obligation? When you fast, is it just a ritual or a means of drawing closer to God? Choose one practice—almsgiving, prayer, or fasting—and make it truly about God, not others. Seek Him in the hidden places, and trust that “your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”

A Call to the Heart: Return, Repent, and Renew

Today’s readings carry a unified and urgent message: now is the time to return to God. Through the prophet Joel, we hear the call to “rend your hearts, not your garments”—to repent not just outwardly, but deeply, sincerely, from within. In Psalm 51, we see the beauty of true contrition, as David cries out for mercy, seeking not just forgiveness, but a clean heart. St. Paul reminds us that grace is not to be received in vain—Jesus took on our sins so that we might become the righteousness of God, and the time to respond is now. And finally, in The Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns against external displays of faith, calling us to give, pray, and fast in a way that is hidden in God, free from the desire for human approval.

Lent is not a season of empty rituals or self-improvement—it is a time of deep, interior renewal. God does not want mere actions; He wants us. He invites us to return to Him with all our hearts, not because He wishes to condemn, but because He longs to restore. He does not delight in our penance for the sake of suffering, but in our transformation. He calls us beyond a faith of appearances and into a faith of relationship—where prayer is about encounter, fasting is about dependence, and almsgiving is about love.

The question now is: how will you respond? Will you delay, or will you take seriously the call to repentance? Will you continue practicing faith for others to see, or will you seek the Father who sees in secret? This week, make your return to God real. Go to confession, not as an obligation, but as an embrace of His mercy. Pray, not to be seen, but to be heard by the One who loves you. Fast, not to prove your strength, but to rely on His. And above all, trust that He is waiting for you, ready to create in you a new heart. How will you begin?

Engage with Us!

We would love to hear from you! How is God speaking to your heart through today’s readings? Share your thoughts, insights, or personal reflections in the comments below. Let this be a space where we encourage one another on our Lenten journey toward deeper faith and transformation.

Here are some reflection questions to guide your thoughts:

🟣 First Reading (Joel 2:12-18): What does it mean for you to “rend your heart, not your garments”? In what areas of your life is God calling you to deeper, more sincere repentance?

🟣 Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17): David pleads for God to create a clean heart within him. What in your life needs to be cleansed, healed, or renewed? Have you ever experienced the joy of God’s mercy after true repentance?

🟣 Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2): Paul tells us, “Now is the day of salvation.” Have you ever delayed responding to God’s call? What is stopping you from embracing His grace today?

🟣 Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6): Do you ever find yourself seeking approval from others in your faith life? How can you focus more on seeking God’s presence rather than human recognition?

As we continue our Lenten journey, let’s strive to live each day with the love and mercy Jesus taught us. Let us pray, fast, and give not out of obligation, but out of love—love for God, love for others, and love for the new heart He is creating within us. May we live our faith not for appearances, but for transformation, trusting that our Father who sees in secret will reward us in His perfect way. Go forth today with renewed hearts, ready to love and serve as Christ did!

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