We tend to overlook the smaller sins that we commit everyday unaware.

Sin doesn’t just happen; Unless it is mastered, by God’s grace, it grows like a weed and chokes the fruitful vine.

For God always forgives our sins, thus we should do the same towards our neighbors.

St. Polycarp, bishop & martyr

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Ezekiel 18:21-28

If the sinner

Every year on this first Sunday of Lent we hear a Gospel account of Jesus' forty-day desert experience,

when Christ was tempted by the devil. This first Sunday of Lent “Christ in the Desert Sunday,”

Lent is the time to review our lives, reflect upon our thoughts, words and deeds.

Is reminder of what life is all about: not health, wealth and beauty, but liberation from slavery to sin.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Genesis 9:8-15

God spoke to

 You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

The “cathedra”, was a fixed “seat” of the Bishop, placed in the mother church of the Diocese – hence the word “cathedral” –

Which was the symbol of the Bishop’s authority who, as a successor of the Apostles,

is called to protect the flock and transmit the teaching of the Gospel to the Christian community.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

1 Peter 5:1-4

Beloved: I now address

Matthew not only physically “got up” from sitting in the tax collector’s booth,
when he responded to Jesus’s invitation.This is quite the conversion .

Tax-collectors were the most despised of people.he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower,

It was a wonder of Christ's grace.

Instead of blaming others for their shortcomings and weaknesses,
We are challenged to lead them to the way, the truth and the life.

The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Isaiah 58:9b-14

Then you will call and

 We thirst for signs and miracles, reveals our lack of faith and trust in God,

because, for a person who has faith, isn't every moment of life a miracle?

By performing miracles that specifically fulfill the prophecies in the Jewish Scriptures, they should know this.

Instead, they cast doubt on everything He does.

St. Peter Damian, bishop & doctor

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Jonah 3:1-10

The word of Yahweh

 The disciples of John are a bit clueless as to why they ‘Have to’ fast and the disciples of Jesus do not.

If Jesus is with you, how can you feel sad and gloomy? With Him, the world shimmers with joy,

faith becomes strong, hope revives and love is renewed. That is why His disciples could not fast.

Day of abstinence from meat (age 14 and up).

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Isaiah 58:1-9a

Cry out aloud for all you

In front of God, He knows us through and through.

It is heart speaking to another heart.

Jesus teaches us to pray from the heart.

We can ask the Father in all sincerity that which we truly need.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊   

Isaiah 55:10-11

As the rain and the snow

 Jesus now openly talks of His future fate. It is tragic but glorious at the same time.

He will suffer rejection and death, but He will rise again from the dead after three days.

The decision for us to take is to whether we are willing to suffer with Jesus or not. This is the trail of the Lenten Season.

Like Jesus, to offer our lives for the benefit of others in love, in caring, in solidarity, in compassion and in justice.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 

See, I set before you

In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us the questions for the at the final judgment.

He will ask us how we've treated those who are hungry or thirsty, naked or alone, sick or imprisoned.

Lord, may I see you in all those in need and serve them as I would serve you. 

1st Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18

Yahweh spoke to

 “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Ash Wednesday as a day "focused on prayer, fasting, and repentance."

Our need for repentance and our need for the love and forgiveness shown to us in Jesus Christ.

By self-examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, by practicing works of love.

ASH WEDNESDAY Begin Lenten preparation for the Easter Triduum.

Day of fast (ages 18-59) and abstinence from meat (age 14 and up).