Tuesday, February 28, 2012 (Lenten Weekday)

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
When we contemplate the blessings of faith even now, as if gazing at a reflection in a mirror, it is as if we already possessed the wonderful things which our faith assures us we shall one day enjoy.
-- St. Basil, De Spiritu Sancto
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-1110 For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

11 so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Psalms: Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19
4 I sought Yahweh, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to him, and were radiant. Their faces shall never be covered with shame.
6 This poor man cried, and Yahweh heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of Yahweh encamps round about those who fear him, And delivers them.
16 Yahweh’s face is against those who do evil, To cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But Yahweh delivers him out of them all.
Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15
7 In praying, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.
8 Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.
9 Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.