In other words, fasting is not genuine without a conversion of one’s way of life. And isn’t this type of genuine conversion what also helps us develop a healthy sobriety? As we come to realize, abstaining from our addictions and harmful compulsions is not enough to sustain a healthy and successful recovery. We must also join a 12-step program rooted in fellowship and conscious contact with God. 

Today’s Responsorial Psalm is a familiar one. It draws from one of the seven penitential psalms known as the Miserere, which was composed by King David. Many verses from these psalms are recited during Mass. During the offertory, as the priest washes his hands, he prays, “Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sins” (Psalm 51:2). Relatedly, we find in today’s Responsorial Psalm this refrain: “A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” It’s a sincere plea for God’s forgiveness and one that we might reflect on often. As today’s readings remind us, humility and contrition are two important pillars of recovery. We must ask the Lord to be truly humble and sorry for past sins to grow and change. Having a clean heart enables us to be more loving to others, and with such a heart our recovery and lives become easier as we walk with the Lord.

Reflection Questions

• How can fasting this Lent enhance your relationship with God and help give you a cleaner heart?
• How can you work on being more humble and contrite to progress in your recovery and spiritual life?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

Reflection by Loretta L.