Lent: Sacrifice, Good Deeds, and Soul Searching – Mar 05 – Homily – Fr Matthias
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Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Mar 05, 2025, where he encourages Lenten sacrifices and good deeds, trusting that God sees all in secret and rewards generously while urging self-examination.
Father begins with a Lenten call to sacrifice, citing Matthew 6: 4, where Jesus teaches, "Your Father who sees in secret will repay you." He urges fasting and penance, confident that God fills the space we create with abundant grace, as promised in Luke 6: 38, "Give, and it will be given to you." Wearing ashes reflects this trust, despite worldly judgment, echoing Matthew 6: 17-18 on private devotion. He emphasizes doing good, as Galatians 6: 9 encourages perseverance in well-doing, assuring generous repayment for even small acts done in love (CCC 2010).
Yet, God also sees hidden sins—rash judgment or unforgiveness—contrasting with Matthew 5: 44’s call to love enemies. Father highlights reverence in Communion and confession (CCC 1387), noting God discerns fervor or indifference, as in Hebrews 4: 12, where God’s word judges the heart. Lent, he says, is “the acceptable time” (2 Corinthians 6: 2) for self-examination, closing the door to pray in secret (Matthew 6: 6). This aligns with CCC 1438, urging penance for renewal. He contrasts easy sacrifices with harder ones, like forgiveness, which draw us closer to God. Invoking Mary, he encourages trust in God’s mercy (1 John 4: 16), promising abundant blessings for letting go of sin. This homily inspires a Lent of sacrifice, good deeds, and soul-searching for holiness.
For Further Reading:
- Matthew 6: 4 - NAB - God sees in secret - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?4
- Luke 6: 38 - NAB - Give and receive abundantly - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6?38
- Matthew 6: 17-18 - NAB - Anointing head during fasting - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?17
- Galatians 6: 9 - NAB - Persevere in doing good - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/6?9
- Matthew 5: 44 - NAB - Love your enemies - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?44
- Hebrews 4: 12 - NAB - God’s word judges hearts - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/4?12
- 2 Corinthians 6: 2 - NAB - Acceptable time for salvation - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/6?2
- 1 John 4: 16 - NAB - God is love - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/4?16
- Catechism of the Catholic Church #2010 - Merit of good works - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c3a2.htm#2009
- Catechism of the Catholic Church #1387 - Preparation for Communion - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a3.htm#1386
00:00 – Introduction and Prayer
00:14 – God Sees and Rewards in Secret
00:20 – The Purpose of Lenten Sacrifices
00:57 – The Meaning of Ashes and Penance
02:32 – Examining Our Relationship with God
03:17 – The Power of Forgiveness
04:27 – Lent as a Time for Reflection
05:58 – Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts
Ave Maria!
Mass: Ash Wednesday - Wkdy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday
Readings: - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/030525.cfm
1st: joe 2:12-18
Resp: psa 51:3-6, 12-14, 17
2nd: 2co 5:20-6:2
Gsp: mat 6:1-6, 16-18
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1649
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