Day 9 of Lent: Friday of the First Week – Reconciliation and a Righteous HeartScripture Readings (from the Roman Missal / USCCB for this day):
First Reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28
Thus says the Lord GOD: If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed… he shall surely live, he shall not die… But if a righteous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil… none of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered…
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice! … For with the LORD is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption.
Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26 (excerpt)
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven… You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill…’ But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment… Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Reflection
On this Friday of the First Week of Lent—a traditional day of fasting and abstinence—we hear a clear call from God: turn back to Him fully, and He will turn to us in mercy. Ezekiel reminds us that no past sin is final if we repent; God’s desire is not our death but our conversion. Yet the Lord also warns that even the righteous can fall if they harden their hearts Jesus takes this deeper in the Gospel. It’s not enough to avoid grave sins like murder; anger, insults, and unresolved bitterness make us liable before God.
Lent isn’t just about giving things up—it’s about giving up grudges, pride, and anything that blocks love. Jesus insists: before offering your sacrifice (your prayers, fasting, or good works), first seek reconciliation. This is the “surpassing righteousness” He demands—a heart cleansed not only from sin but from division.
Today, as we mark the ninth day of this holy season, ask yourself: Is there someone I need to forgive? Someone I have hurt who awaits an apology? A relationship fractured by anger or neglect? Lent invites us to act now—go first to be reconciled. In doing so, we open the door to God’s plenteous redemption (Ps 130) and make our Lenten journey more fruitful.
Prayer for Day 9
Merciful Father,
You do not delight in the death of the sinner but in our turning back to You. Out of the depths we cry to You—have mercy on us! Soften our hearts this Lent, that we may repent of every sin and especially of the anger and unforgiveness that separate us from others and from You.Grant us the courage to seek reconciliation today: to apologize where we have wronged, to forgive where we have been hurt, and to let go of resentment that poisons our souls.
May our righteousness surpass mere rule-keeping; make it the love that reflects Your own heart.
Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, and all the saints, help us to prepare worthily for the altar of Your Son. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Small Act for Today (especially fitting on a Friday in Lent)
In addition to observing the fast and abstinence:
- Reach out to one person with whom you have tension or unresolved conflict. Offer a sincere word of apology, forgiveness, or peace—perhaps a message, call, or in-person meeting. If reconciliation isn’t possible immediately, pray earnestly for that person and entrust the situation to God. Then attend Mass or make a spiritual communion with a renewed heart.
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