First Friday Of Lent

After meticulously calculating the maximum number of calories that I could cram into the two small meals that didn't equal the large meal I dressed myself in my best sackcloth and went to church where I listened to the first reading, Isaiah 58:1-9a.

“….

Do you call this a fast,

a day acceptable to the LORD?

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:

releasing those bound unjustly,

untying the thongs of the yoke;

Setting free the oppressed,

breaking every yoke;

Sharing your bread with the hungry,

sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;

Clothing the naked when you see them,

and not turning your back on your own.

…”

Then came the Responsorial Psalm. PS 51 :3-4, 5-6AB, 18-19

“…

For you are not pleased with sacrifices;

should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;

a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.”

Ok! OK!  I think I got it.

Dear Lord Jesus,

From the mouth of preacher

Come the words of the teacher.

All Your lexis has this feature

They direct and guide this lost creature.

So, I thank you, if I might,

For these lessons with insight.

Amen.