FIRST WEEK OF LENT

TUESDAY

FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:10-11

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19

GOSPEL: Matthew 6:7-15




Have no fear of being thought insignificant or unbalanced, but preach repentance with courage and simplicity. Have faith in the Lord, who has overcome the world. His Spirit speaks in you and through you, calling men and women to turn to him and observe his precepts. You will encounter some who are faithful, meek, and well disposed; they will joyfully receive you and your words.

But there will be more who are skeptical, proud, and blasphemous, and who will insult you and resist your message. Prepare yourselves, therefore, to bear everything with patience and humility.


Legend of the Three Companions – 36




I behold your face, O Lord. We are sitting across from each other. Your eyes smile at me. Sometimes one of us says something and we both laugh out loud. Other times we contemplate the words that are spoken in silence. We are friends and we enjoy these times together.

Then I do something sinful in your sight. Your head droops, your eyes drop to the floor, you spin in your chair, turning your face from me. You are humiliated and embarrassed to be in my presence. Please, Lord, please don't turn your face away. I'm sorry. I love you. Please turn back to me. I can't bare to see you turn away from me like this. It wounds my soul.

When I beg your forgiveness, Lord, you turn back to me, smile, and we go back into intimate conversation with one another. It's as if nothing had ever happened. Please help me not to encounter this feeling of loneliness again. I can't bear it.

Then I sin again. Again you turn your face away. Again the pain of losing you rips into my heart. Again I cry out to you for forgiveness. And again you turn back to me and our friendship is restored as if nothing had every happened.

How many times must I fail you Lord? How many times will you forgive me, Lord? Every time I come to you and ask forgiveness.


Submitted by a brother from the "Portiuncula Hermitage/Retreat Center"