A WORD FOR TODAY 22 FEBRUARY 2023

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*LENT: A TIME TO PRAY, FAST, GIVE ALMS AND REPENT*

_“Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning"(Joel 2:12)_

*A SPECIAL AND HOLY SEASON*

_*The season of Lent is here and it is a special season when we draw closer to God in a deeper way to seek His mercy and purge our hearts of every filth so as to let our Spirit rejoice and our light shine brightly.*_

*A PERIOD OF GRACE*

_It is a holy season marked by fasting, abstinence, prayer and charity which aids our spiritual preparations for the celebration of the paschal mystery at Easter. It is a time when we are marked with the ash which reminds us of our mortality and a sign of our repentance. It is also a moment we fast for 40 days which corresponds with the time Jesus fasted in the desert. It is a period of grace and we are expected to use the grace we receive to do more good and to change our ways from evil to everything wonderful._

*A TIME TO RETURN TO THE LORD FOR MERCY*

_*In the first reading of today from the prophet Joel, the Lord instructs us to return to Him with all our heart. We must return, because He alone can forgive us and show us mercy. We wander away in sin most times and this is the season when we must rise from where we have fallen and start to make our journey back to God who will heal us and restore us. Return with a penitent and broken heart and you shall find God's mercy and balm for healing and restoration.*_

*RECONCILE WITH GOD AND YOUR NEIGHBOUR*

_In the second reading St. Paul reminds us of the need for reconciliation. This is the acceptable time and the day of salvation. We must make use of this opportunity to reconcile with God and with our neighbour. We must take advantage of the Sacrament of reconciliation and renew our hearts by making a good confession._

*THREE CARDINAL ACTS OF LENT*

_*The gospel reading presents us with the three cardinal acts we are expected to carry out in this season. (Alms giving, Prayer and Fasting). They are acts of piety but must be practised according to God's standard if they are going to be acceptable and be pleasing before Him.*_

*GIVE ALMS*

_You must do charity and show some love to the needy, but you must not blow your trumpet. It must be done not to attract any attention. God will see it and He will bless you._

*PRAY INTENSELY*

_*You must pray, but it must be done not to attract the praise of men. Go deeper into your heart and connect with God in a special way in prayer. Be alone with Him and He will reward you abundantly.*_

*FAST AND ABSTAIN*

_You must fast and abstain not just from food and drink, but from every sinful habits and actions that have made you lose God's friendship. This is the time to fix what has been broken through acts of disobedience._

_*These acts must be carried out with joy and with the intent to gain the graces they give to those who perform them well. Therefore, make good use of this season to do more good, love more, shine brightly as the light and draw closer to God and in that way, you will be ready to receive the reward the Lord shall give you in the end.*_

*CHOOSE WHAT YOU CAN DO*

_You can decide to attend regular masses, visit the blessed Sacrament, pray the Rosary, Read and meditate on the Bible, attend stations of the cross and do lots of good by way of charity to the poor and needy. Make the decision today also to go out and vote wisely on the election day for the good of our nation. Whatever you choose to do, do it well and glorify God through them and He will bless you._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a beautiful day. May this season bring you the renewal of your heart that you earnestly seek and desire. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

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

*Watch-Word:* Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

*God's mercy is for us, return to Him with a penitent heart and you shall find His mercy waiting for you.*

(Ash Wednesday: Day of fast and abstinence. Year A)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*