Saturday After Ash Wednesday
We are at the beginning of Lent. Today’s readings give insight into how we are to be throughout this season.
In the first reading, I see the Lenten practices of almsgiving and prayer. The first paragraph starts with a list of what we can give to others: justice, kind and encouraging words, food, and aid to those in need. After that, the reading goes on to say that we will find joy, guidance, and strength from God. Then, the second paragraph is about prayer specifically about keeping the Sabbath day holy. We are called to not to fill it up with things on our to do list, chores, or other tasks but to reserve this day for God. If we do so, the writer says that “you shall delight in the Lord” (Isaiah 58:14). As we spend the day with God, we have joy. This reading is interesting because we do not often associate joy with Lent as seen in refraining from singing the Alleluia and Gloria during Mass.
Today's Gospel also shows joy. Jesus tells Levi to follow him. Levi’s response is to not only follow Jesus but to leave everything behind and give a big banquet for Jesus. Upon a closer look, it seems ironic that leaving everything is joyful. Jesus challenges us to look at ourselves to see what we are attached to that holds us back from fully following him. Then we can find our complete joy in God.
Let us discover the joy in returning to God and receiving graces from God. May this Lent challenge you but not dishearten you, and may you find many blessings this season.
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI