ISAIAH 58:9-14; PSALM 86; LUKE 5:27-32
The first reading says “if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” This statement simply implies charity. Charity is one of the basic themes of lent and our Christian identity. Apart from food stuff and cash gift Isaiah also wants us to do away with oppression, avoid pointing fingers and desist from malicious talk. Thus, for every Christian we should be charitable in words and deeds. If we do this Isaiah tells us that the Lord will guide us continually, satisfy our needs, and we shall be like a watered garden. The Gospel reading speaks of the call of a Levi -Matthew (Matt.9:9) and his generous response. The reading says he left everything. Biblical charity also implies detachment. During this season of lent let us learn the ways of detachment and renunciation. We can’t answer God’s call very well if we don’t detach ourselves from the world’s call.
LET US PRAY
Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth your right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
