Tuesday, March 06, 2012 (Lenten Weekday)

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The person with fortitude is the one who perseveres in doing what his conscience tells him he ought to do. He does not measure the value of a task exclusively by the benefit he derives from it, but rather by the service he renders to others.
-- St. Josemaria Escriva
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Readings: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
(Justice, Not Sacrifices/ An Invitation from the Lord)
10 You are no better than the leaders and people of Sodom and Gomorrah! So listen to the Lord God:
16 Wash yourselves clean! I am disgusted with your filthy deeds. Stop doing wrong and learn to live right.
See that justice is done. Defend widows and orphans and help those in need.”
18 I, the Lord, invite you to come and talk it over. Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool.

19 If you willingly obey me, the best crops in the land will be yours.

20 But if you turn against me, your enemies will kill you. I, the Lord, have spoken.

Psalms: Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23

8 Although you offer sacrifices and always bring gifts,

9 I won't accept your offerings of bulls and goats.

16 But to the wicked I say: “You don't have the right to mention my laws or claim to keep our agreement!

17 You refused correction and rejected my commands.

21 When you did all of this, I didn't say a word, and you thought, God is just like us!” But now I will accuse you.

23 The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart. Obey me,

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12 

(Jesus Condemns the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law of Moses)

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples,

2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat.

3 All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do.

4 For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.

5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments,

6 and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,

7 the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men.

8 But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.

9 Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.

10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.

11 But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.

12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.