A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. — Psalm 51:19

Mass Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9 / Matthew 9:14-15

Justice Must Prevail

Pope Paul VI said, “If you want peace, work for justice.” This statement shows that peace is more than the elimination of violence; it is a proactive virtue. Similarly, Isaiah tells the Hebrews in exile that God seeks a form of fasting which is more than self-denial. God seeks justice for the oppressed and asks us to share what we have with others.

Lent is a time for us to consider how we can more overtly reach out to the needy. Personal sacrifice, the traditional Lenten discipline of “giving up” something, is good in itself but it needs to be enhanced by actively doing good things for others. Let’s consider how we can carry out God’s challenge to the Hebrews in our own lives. Let’s work for a more just world.

Prayer: Lord, help me to further justice and peace in our world.