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Gospel Reading for February 14, 2024 – Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
SECOND CHANCE
Ash Wednesday
Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 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. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“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. 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.
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
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As we start the Lenten Season today, we also start remembering in a special way, the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus which gave us a SECOND CHANCE to attain eternal life. Hence, during this season, we are asked to fast, pray and give alms to the needy. In the gospel of today, Jesus reminds us that we have to do these IN ALL SINCERITY. Otherwise, it is as if the Lenten Season gives us the opportunity to be hypocrites the way the Pharisees were in his time.
It is utter folly to do all these hypocritically because what would we gain from doing it? Even if we may have fooled people into thinking we are holy, God-fearing, and what-not, we will be the BIGGEST FOOL because we can never fool ourselves, much more, God! It will not make us feel better but make us feel we are the worst person ever! It is such a big opportunity to feel good about ourselves because we sincerely sacrificed, prayed much and gave alms to the needy without letting others know because it is enough that only God knows.
Lord, help us this season to atone for all the sins we have committed in life through sincere sacrifices, prayer and alms-giving not only for our own salvation but that of the whole world!
