Friday of the 1st Week of Lent

• First Reading – Ezekiel 18:21-28: If a wicked person turns away from sin and does what is right, they will live and none of their past crimes will be remembered. However, if a virtuous person turns to sin, they will die for their iniquity, and their virtuous deeds will not be remembered. The Lord challenges the notion that His way is unfair and reminds the people of Israel to examine their own ways.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 130: I cry out to the Lord for forgiveness, for if the Lord kept a record of sins, no one could stand. I trust in the Lord’s forgiveness and redemption. Israel, wait for the Lord! The Lord is kind and compassionate, and I have faith and hope in the Lord’s salvation.
• Gospel – Matthew 5:20-26: Jesus teaches his disciples that their righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the Kingdom of heaven. He emphasizes that being angry with one’s brother or using derogatory language is equivalent to committing murder and advises his followers to seek reconciliation before making an offering at the altar and to resolve disputes before reaching the courtroom.

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.

Matthew 5:23-24

The readings for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent focus on turning away from sin, seeking reconciliation, and living in righteousness. They remind us of the importance of our choices and the need to act with justice and love in all our relationships.

• The Power of Repentance: Ezekiel highlights that turning away from sin and doing what is right leads to life. Repentance gives us a chance to restore our relationship with God and choose a better path.
• God’s Desire for Conversion: The first reading shows that God does not want anyone to perish in sin. He patiently calls us to change and offers us forgiveness when we return to Him.
• The Call to Righteousness: Jesus teaches that true righteousness goes beyond external actions. It involves changing our hearts and seeking peace and fairness in how we treat others.
• Avoiding Anger and Resentment: In the Gospel, Jesus warns about the dangers of holding onto anger. He calls us to resolve conflicts and seek reconciliation with others.
• Reconciliation with Others: Jesus encourages us to make peace with those we have wronged or who have wronged us. Reconciliation is a way to live in harmony and prepare our hearts to meet God.
• God’s Justice and Mercy: Both readings remind us that God is both just and merciful. He rewards those who turn from sin and live rightly, offering hope and renewal for those who change their ways.

The readings for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent encourage us to reflect on our choices and relationships. They call us to live with righteousness, seek reconciliation, and trust in God’s mercy.

The readings for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent call us to reflect on the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. They remind us that God desires our conversion and offers mercy to those who turn back to Him. Jesus challenges us to let go of anger, seek peace, and live with righteousness in our relationships.

God’s Call to Forgiveness

The first reading for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent reminds us that God does not desire the death of sinners but their return to Him. He patiently calls everyone to repent and offers forgiveness to those who turn from their wrong ways. This shows His immense mercy and willingness to give us another chance to live rightly.

When we acknowledge our sins and decide to change, God welcomes us back with open arms. He values the effort to live justly and rewards those who choose to follow His path. Repentance is not just about avoiding punishment but about seeking a life of faith and righteousness.

This message encourages us to reflect on the areas of our lives where we need to repent and change. It reassures us that no matter how far we have strayed, God is always ready to forgive and restore us.

Removing Anger from Our Hearts

In the Gospel for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent, Jesus warns about the dangers of anger and hatred. These emotions are harmful and can lead to further division and sin. Jesus challenges His followers to resolve conflicts and to make peace with others.

True righteousness requires more than avoiding outward sins. It means purifying our hearts and letting go of anger, resentment, and bitterness. These negative emotions block us from fully loving others and living in harmony with God’s will.

Jesus calls us to examine our relationships and take steps to mend them. By choosing forgiveness and peace, we show that we are truly striving to follow Him.

The Importance of Reconciliation

Both readings for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent highlight the value of reconciliation. God desires us to turn back to Him, and Jesus reminds us to seek peace with others. Reconciliation restores relationships and allows us to live in unity with God and the people around us.

Making peace requires humility and effort, especially when there has been anger or hurt. Jesus emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and reconciling before offering gifts at the altar. This shows how closely our relationship with God is tied to our relationships with others.

Reconciliation is not always easy, but it brings healing and peace. Friday of the 1st Week of Lent reminds us to take the necessary steps to forgive, make amends, and repair what has been broken in our relationships.

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As we reflect on these readings, let us take steps to reconcile with others and deepen our relationship with God. May we strive to live with love, fairness, and a renewed commitment to His ways.

Prayer

Lord, help us turn from sin and follow Your path of righteousness. Teach us to forgive others and seek peace in all our relationships. May we trust in Your mercy and live each day with faith and love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you respond to God’s call to repentance and change?
• Are there areas of anger or resentment in your heart that you need to release?
• How can you take steps toward reconciling with someone you have hurt or who has hurt you?
• What does true righteousness mean in your daily life and relationships?

Word on Fire: Reconciled

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness, as emphasized in the Gospel for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent. He suggests that unforgiveness blocks God’s movement within us, given that God is love and unforgiveness is contrary to love.

Bishop Barron acknowledges the challenge of forgiving when feeling wronged but proposes meditation on Jesus’s forgiveness on the cross as a powerful remedy for overcoming feelings of injustice and resentment, highlighting that forgiveness is essential for repairing broken relationships and facilitating divine action in our lives.

USCCB: Live Righteously

The USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent emphasizes the season as a time for transformation, urging us to live righteously, turn away from sin, and cultivate a life of virtue. It highlights the opportunity Lent provides to treat everyone with justice, grow in faith, and trust in God’s forgiveness and redemption.

The reflection encourages creating a new heart and spirit within ourselves, being virtuous and righteous consistently, and not just in appearance. It reminds us that God is loving, slow to anger, and full of kindness, offering redemption to those who acknowledge their sins and strive for improvement.

What date is Friday of the 1st Week of Lent?

The next date is Friday March 14, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent?

The Mass readings for Friday March 14, 2025 are:
First Reading – Ezekiel 18:21-28: Repentance and Judgement
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 130: Out of the Depths
Gospel – Matthew 5:20-26: Reconciliation and Righteousness

Why does God call for repentance in the first reading for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent?

God calls for repentance because He wants people to turn from sin and choose what is right. Repentance brings life and restores our relationship with Him.

What does the first reading teach about God’s mercy?

The reading shows that God is always ready to forgive those who change their ways. He desires to see us live and thrive, not remain in sin.

What does the first reading say about our choices?

The reading emphasizes that our choices matter. Turning away from sin and choosing what is right leads to life, while continuing in sin leads to separation from God.

Why does Jesus focus on anger in the Gospel for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent?

Jesus teaches that anger can harm relationships and lead to sin. He encourages us to seek peace and resolve conflicts quickly.

What does reconciliation mean in the Gospel?

Reconciliation means making peace with others, especially those we have hurt or those who have hurt us. It is an important step in living a life of love and righteousness.

How can we live with true righteousness, as Jesus teaches?

True righteousness involves more than following rules. It requires a sincere heart and a commitment to treating others with kindness, fairness, and love.

Why does Jesus call us to reconcile before offering gifts at the altar?

Jesus reminds us that our relationships with others affect our relationship with God. Making peace with others prepares our hearts to approach God with sincerity and love.

What is the main lesson from the readings for Friday of the 1st Week of Lent?

The main lesson is to turn from sin, seek reconciliation with others, and live with righteousness. Both readings call us to reflect on our actions and relationships.