WORSHIP and VA-LENT-TINE
Joel 2:12–18; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16–18
Today’s gospel is centered on worship. Jesus reminds us that the hallmarks of genuine worship are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Hence, he warns his disciples not to indulge in any form of display so as to attract the admiration of others. Church today is almost all about display and admiration.
Fasting and other works of piety are directed towards God, not man. Do not try to impress men; seek to please God. When you pray, don’t pray like the Pharisees; when you give alms, don’t do it for show. Let’s desist from mere external display, pretense, drama, and self-righteousness. In the second reading, Paul calls us ambassadors of Christ; as ambassadors, we should not live a life contrary to the gospel.
Worship goes with fasting. In this sense, we can talk about abstinence. During this period, abstinence is encouraged. There are those who abstain from meat and alcohol. While this is good, we must equally understand that, from today’s readings, abstinence is not reduced to meat alone. Essentially, we are to abstain from sin and hypocrisy.
Some find it difficult to manage addictions, and for that reason, they see no reason to abstain. Joel presents us with a message of hope in the first reading. He says God is tender-hearted, compassionate, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent. If we are ready to change, God is ready to welcome us and help us, but we must be willing. Where there is a will, there is always a way. Strive for a better life.
Again, genuine worship involves prayers. Prayer here is not just the search for benefits but also the desire to be intimate with God and build a lasting relationship with him.
Lastly, true worship is Valentine. As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day today, it is important that we remind ourselves that we can’t spell VaLENTine without LENT. Hence, Valentine is about love, not lust; sacrificial love, not artificial love; charity, not greed; selfless service, not self-centered; healing, not injury; witnessing, not wickedness; worshipping, not contempt; and piety, not impiety.
Let us pray
Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
