We read Joel 2:12-18 and 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2. Let me begin with 2 Corinthians. In this reading, Paul called us to be reconciled to God. We are indeed a rebellious creature. The first sin recorded in Genesis 3 is that our ancestors, though created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26) and were able to, among all creatures, enter into a dialogue with the Creator (Genesis 1:28), wanted to be like God, to be autonomous and free from the guiding hands of the Creator (Genesis 3:5b). This was a sin against God and in subsequent chapters, more sins were committed against our fellow men. There is no more harmony on earth. But God did not give up His creation. He initiated our redemption. Glory and praise to the Lord, forever and ever. Amen.
For our sake he (God) made him (Christ) to be sin (man) who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is a mystery. Christ took on our sinful flesh to make us the righteousness of God. O Jesus, you take up all our evils, sicknesses and humiliations. You want us to surrender all our weaknesses so that our perfection may be restored. With your great love, you melt our sins into occasions of grace. May we sing of your great wonders forever and ever. Amen.
Lent is the acceptable time when God shall listen to us (2 Corinthians 6:2). Joel called on a return to God. "now," says the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;" (Joel 2:12). Now, let us fast, weep and mourn with all our hearts. May we empty our sinful hearts to make room for God's love. Amen.
Yesterday evening, we attended the year-end Thanksgiving Mass. It becomes an annual tradition in the parish and it was full-house last night. In his homily, besides the usual stuff, Fr. Kwan put forth a new slogan: "0% tolerance, 100% forgiveness." He urged the parishers to forgive what the religious had failed in their service last year and to be candid. He thought that tolerance could build up an apparent harmony on the surface only. That would do no good to lives in family or in parish. In Christ, let's be candid so that we may forgive and improve. As a slogan, it sounds good. But in reality, it hardly applies to vertical relationships. Can we reduce our tolerance of the stupidities of our superiors? No. Our tolerance has reached fullness. Will our superiors be humble enough to ask for forgiveness so that we can have a chance to forgive them? No again. We have zero chance to forgive our superiors. So, in reality, it is "100% tolerance, 0% forgiveness!" Thanks Fr. Kwan for bringing the issue to the surface and throwing new lights on it.
Today is the Lunar New Year Eve. We are on the verge to enter the Year of the Rat. But let us keep the thousands of stranded migrant workers in mind. The snowstorm has deprived them of the joy of going home to enjoy the reunion with their families. Let us pray for them that they may find consolation in their present plights. There are a lot of things to clean up as well as new things to set up. So are our hearts. This is an annual and perpetual exercise. We know that we will never reach perfection, not until the day we, hopefully, return to God.
My God, may our fasting, weeping and mourning help us repent so that we become lighter to scale new heights in our perfection. I am not fully aware of my weaknesses. May I be able to read from Your Scripture holy words that illuminate my ignorance so that I may feel Your imminence and presence. Will You still accept me when, at the end of the days, I am still imperfect? But I will continue to work hard, whatever my destiny. Amen.
Comment from TheVoiceReturns:
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Did the Apostles observe Ash Wednesday or Lent ?
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Indeed, Christ set the example.
"...while Jesus was on earth...
He truly worshiped God,
and God listened to his prayers...
(Hebrews 5:7,8)(CEV)-BibleGateway
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February 6, 2008.
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