It is 20th February 2021. The readings are from Isaiah 58:9-14; and the Gospel from Luke 5:27-32.
During the Lent, God promises a special and favorable blessing to all who are willing to think of the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized.
Our fasting strengthens the bones of the poor and fills the empty stomach of the widows. It is not mere piety and fake humility that is needed during this time of grace, mercy and forgiveness. We all enjoy the favor of the Lord when we are consciously making effort to reduce finding fault with others and speaking evil of others. However challenging, frustrating, unrewarding, hopeless life we may have now, we experience the light and life of God by consistently caring for the other and treating others fairly.
Many of us are beginning to think now especially during this prolonged pandemic that it is by our efforts and hard work and high profiled skills we have become what we are. Therefore, there is no need God and it is the waste of time to spend for God and the poor what we have earned with our hard work. “The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.”Ps.14:2).
The responsorial Psalm encourages us, “O Lord teach me your way, that I may walk in your truth.” (Ps.86:11).
Conversion and conversation with God are for all of us. There is no limit and boundaries to conversion. God can touch us any moment of our lives even when the entire world has considered us fruitless and hopeless. The compassion and healing from God through Jesus is for all of us even when others find it hard to accept it. We may have our own criteria who can benefit from the Church and God. Criticizing and finding fault are the easiest escapism from charity. Those who are charitable and prayerful have no time to criticize and find fault with others. “Jesus answers “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Lk.5:32). To enjoy the blessings of God, it is not enough to be charitable to the needy, but we need to stop picking on others. May God bless our efforts to be better person during the Lent that has the effect beyond the season. Have a good day.