The First Reading comes from the Book of Joel which is part of those prophetic readings which predict the downfall of the Northern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom flourished for a period of time when Egypt to the South and the other powers to the North were both weak. It not only became prosperous it also plumbed the depths of idolatry which its kings offering child sacrifice. The prophets, as a result, predicted the dies irae (days of wrath) when God would smite his enemies and punish the Kingdom for its idolatry and sin. In the reading today Joel reminds the people that this was not inevitable. Just as in our own lives, we have a choice to turn away from self-destructive behaviour or not. God is always ready to help us. With the desolations and consolations of the Good Spirit we can discern what we must do to live in accord with God's will. Lenten observances of all sorts help us to act on accordance with our faith and suppress idolatrous inclinations of whatever sort. Let us commit to a Lent which makes a difference.
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