ISAIAH 58:9-14; PSALM 86; LUKE 5:27-32
Charity
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 Christianity. 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, every Christian should be charitable in words and deeds. If we do this, Isaiah says that the Lord will guide us continually and satisfy our needs. The Gospel reading speaks of the call of a Levi -Matthew (Matt.9:9) and his generous response. The gospel tells us that the Levi 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.
