February 17, 2021, Ash Wednesday

Homily by Fr. Romie Jun Peñalosa

Old Testament Proclamation: Joel 2:1-2,12-17

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 51: 1-13

New Testament Proclamation: 2 Corinthians 5:20​b-6:10

Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 6:1-6;16-21

The Season of Lent is not a somber season. It is a joyful one because we are coming home to God (repentance). 

The disciplines needed in our life are emphasized to strengthen our Christian lives and to cleanse us that we may reflect the glory of God to the world. 

“Fortification”

God delights to fortify our character that we may be able to courageously bear the sacrifices that we are to make. 

A. Giving (in service to others)

Jesus warns us about publicizing our acts of charity. We are to check if our giving is out of the attitude of feeling good about ourselves. 

It is difficult to pray when we have greed and selfishness in our life because such dispositions make our prayers geared towards our wants. Thus, Jesus primarily addresses this before prayer and fasting. After all, following Christ means denying ourselves and our selfishness. 

B. Prayer

Evaluate your prayer life. Pray without ceasing! According to the church fathers, prayer is a movement inward to the heart, upward to the glory of God, and outward in intercession for other people. In addition, we get to know our true selves when we search our hearts with God. 

C. Fasting

Ask the Lord to give you what you need (strength) when you fast. It is not our natural tendency to deliberately choose the “wilderness” — the Spirit drove Christ to the wilderness. Do not allow selfish instincts and possessions to control you.

Homily Recap by Precious Ratay

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