Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 5, 2025

Ash Wednesday

Scripture Text: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel text is taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Gospel of Matthew) and address the necessity for sincerity in our relationships, especially with the LORD. The three Lenten practices of alms giving, prayer, and fasting are mentioned, and Jesus warns not to be hypocritical – doing these things so we gain the praise of others – but rather do them thinking only of growing our relationship with our LORD.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How sincere is my love of my LORD, Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier?

Praying:

LORD, Father, Son, Spirit, You are and it only because You are that I am. You are love. In love, with love and through love, You create, You redeem, You guide and Your grace. You are now, then and always. You are all-present and all-powerful. LORD, as Lent begins, stir within me. Help me to grow my essential and life-giving relationship with You. Amen.