Friday after Ash Wednesday

Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

Reflection

Here, we see how Luke puts great emphasis on the historical context of Jesus’ life, grounding His story in real events, places, and people. This reminds us that our faith is rooted in historical reality, encouraging us to deepen our understanding of Jesus not just as a spiritual figure but as a real person who lived and walked among us. This historical grounding strengthens our faith and helps us connect more deeply with the life and teachings of Jesus.

John the Baptist’s call for a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” highlights the importance of continual renewal and conversion in our spiritual lives. This repentance, or “metanoia”, which means not just sorrow for past sins but a total and radical change of outlook in our relationship with God and other people, involves a radical change of heart and a genuine transformation in our relationship with God and others. It inspires us to seek forgiveness, embrace a renewed spirit, and prepare our hearts to fully receive the saving power of Jesus.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

A people who walked in darkness has seen a great light; for those dwelling in a land of deep gloom, a light has shone.
Isaiah 9:1

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.