17 Feb
Wed
ASH WEDNESDAY
Joel 2:12-18
Ps. 50(51): 3-4,5-6,12-13,14,17
2 Cor. 5:20-6:2
Mt. 6:1-6,16-18
(Ps Wk IV)
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"Be reconciled with God." Paul's urgent call to the Corinthians can serve as a reminder of the meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent. In the Bible, there are many different expressions to describe the great work that God has done for us in the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah. Words like "justification", "salvation" and "recreation" are frequently used. Among the different expressions, "reconciliation" is an important one.

For centuries, "forgiveness" was only spoken of in a religious context. In the last ten years or so, however, psychologists have realized that forgiveness does not only belong to the sphere of religion and theology. While forgiveness is certainly a divine activity, it should also play a part in all human relationships, even when it is not religiously motivated. To some people this may seem to devalue the notion of forgiveness, but in reality exploring the psychological dimensions of forgiveness is also of great value for deepening our religious and theological awareness of what forgiveness is and is not. Studies have shown that forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation and that reconciliation is a further pre-eminent step beyond forgiveness.



Heavenly Father, Your Divine Word teaches us that now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. Grant us the grace to surrender to the power of Your forgiving love.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That scholars and intellectuals, by sincere search for the truth, may come to know the one true God.
Elaboration

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