Friday of the First Week of Lent
Ezekiel 18:21-28; Psalm 130:1-8; Matthew 5:20-26
Theme
God desires not the death of the wicked but that they turn from their ways and live; Jesus calls us to righteousness that goes beyond external observance to reconciliation of heart.
Summary of Readings
Ezekiel proclaims that if the wicked turn from sin, none of their crimes will be remembered; God takes no pleasure in the death of sinners but rejoices when they repent. Conversely, if the righteous turn to evil, their virtue will not save them. From the depths the psalmist cries to the Lord, trusting in his forgiveness and redemption. Jesus teaches that our righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees. Anger is subject to judgment like murder; we must be reconciled with our brother before offering sacrifice.
Kyrie Invocations
DEACON/PRIEST: Lord Jesus, you call us to righteousness that surpasses mere external observance. PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON/PRIEST: Christ Jesus, you command us to be reconciled before we offer our gifts. PEOPLE: Christ, have mercy.
DEACON/PRIEST: Lord Jesus, with you there is mercy and plenteous redemption. PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
Universal Prayer
PRIEST: God takes no pleasure in the death of sinners but desires that all be saved. With hope in his mercy, let us present our prayers.
DEACON/LECTOR:
1. For the Church and our Holy Father: that she may call all people to a righteousness that flows from the heart, leading to genuine reconciliation and peace, we pray to the Lord.
2. For government leaders: that they may work to establish just systems that reconcile rather than divide, building bridges between estranged peoples, we pray to the Lord.
3. For those burdened by anger, resentment, or broken relationships: that this Lent may be a time of reconciliation and healing, we pray to the Lord.
4. For the families of our parish: that we may settle disputes quickly and come to the altar with hearts at peace with one another, we pray to the Lord.
5. For an increase of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life, and for those discerning good and holy marriages, we pray to the Lord.
6. For the faithful departed: that out of the depths they may cry to the Lord and find his plenteous redemption, we pray to the Lord.
PRIEST: Merciful God, you rejoice when sinners turn back to you. Receive our prayers, forgive our sins, and help us be reconciled with one another, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Oración Universal
SACERDOTE: Dios no se complace en la muerte de los pecadores sino que desea que todos se salven. Con esperanza en su misericordia, presentemos nuestras oraciones.
DIÁCONO/LECTOR:
1. Por la Iglesia y nuestro Santo Padre: para que llame a todos a una justicia que brota del corazón, llevando a una reconciliación y paz genuinas, roguemos al Señor.
2. Por los líderes de gobierno: para que trabajen por establecer sistemas justos que reconcilien en lugar de dividir, construyendo puentes entre pueblos distanciados, roguemos al Señor.
3. Por los agobiados por la ira, el resentimiento o las relaciones rotas: para que esta Cuaresma sea un tiempo de reconciliación y sanación, roguemos al Señor.
4. Por las familias de nuestra parroquia: para que resolvamos las disputas rápidamente y vayamos al altar con corazones en paz unos con otros, roguemos al Señor.
5. Por un aumento de vocaciones al sacerdocio, al diaconado o a la vida religiosa, y por aquellos que disciernen matrimonios buenos y santos, roguemos al Señor.
6. Por los fieles difuntos: para que desde lo profundo clamen al Señor y encuentren su abundante redención, roguemos al Señor.
SACERDOTE: Dios misericordioso, te alegras cuando los pecadores vuelven a ti. Recibe nuestras oraciones, perdona nuestros pecados y ayúdanos a reconciliarnos unos con otros, por Jesucristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.
Homily Starter
- God takes no pleasure in death: This is God's heart revealed. He's not eager to punish—he wants repentance. We serve a reluctant judge.
- The righteous can fall: Ezekiel's warning. Past virtue doesn't guarantee present safety. We need perseverance, not just a good start.
- "Surpass the scribes and Pharisees": A shocking statement to first hearers—they were the most observant people around. Jesus demands heart-transformation, not just rule-following.
- Anger as murder: Jesus goes to the root. The physical act of killing grows from the spiritual sin of anger. Cut off sin at the source.
- "Leave your gift at the altar": Worship without reconciliation is unacceptable. Horizontal relationships affect vertical ones. Make peace first.
- Psalm 130—De Profundis: "Out of the depths I cry to you." The great psalm of trust. "If you kept a record of sins, who could stand?"
- Practical application: Is there someone you need to reconcile with before you come to communion? Go this week. Don't let the sun set on your anger.