Welcome! Join The CatholicTV Network for the solemn celebration of Ash Wednesday as we enter the holy season of Lent.

In today’s reverent Homily, Bishop Reed reflects on the beginning of this "forty-day journey" of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He explores the "battle against spiritual evils" and the call to arm ourselves with the "weapons of self-restraint". We are reminded that this season is not about external displays of piety, but about a radical interior conversion—a returning to the Lord with our whole heart. As we receive the ashes, we are invited to "rend our hearts, not our garments," allowing the "gracious and merciful" love of God to transform us from within.

The Scriptures establish the foundation for our Lenten discipline:
-The First Reading (Joel 2:12-18): The prophet Joel issues a divine summons to the entire congregation—from elders to infants—to return to the Lord with fasting, weeping, and mourning. He proclaims that God is "slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment".
-The Responsorial Psalm (Ps 51): The ultimate prayer of the penitent: "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned".
-The Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2): St. Paul appeals to us on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God, declaring that "now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation".
-The Holy Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18): Jesus instructs His disciples on the three pillars of Lenten observance: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. He warns against performing righteous deeds "to be seen by others," promising instead that the Father who sees in secret will repay us.

As we begin this "campaign of Christian service," let us pray for a spirit of compunction and the grace to merit the rewards promised to those who do penance.

Mass Chapters for Navigation

-Introductory Rites / Penitential Act: 1:01
-Collect (Opening Prayer): 1:12
-First Reading: 1:50
-Responsorial Psalm: 3:15
-Second Reading: 4:48
-Gospel: 6:31
-Homily: 8:13
-Blessing/Distribution Of Ashes: 11:30
-Prayers Of The Faithful: 13:15
-Liturgy of the Eucharist Begins: 14:39
-Eucharistic Prayer / Consecration: 15:59
-The Lord's Prayer: 21:49
-Communion: 24:09
-Concluding Rites / Final Blessing: 26:04

Theological & Liturgical Context
-Season: Ash Wednesday, the commencement of the Season of Lent.
-Gospel Focus: The sincerity of religious practice; Jesus emphasizes that the value of our Lenten sacrifices lies in our hidden devotion to the Father rather than public recognition.
-Homily Key Message: Lent is a "battle" we undertake with the "weapons of self-restraint," seeking a heart of compunction that merits the rewards God has promised to those who repent.

May your Lent be blessed and transformative. Please Like this video and Subscribe to The CatholicTV Network. We invite you to stay with us as the "parish of the airwaves" throughout these 40 days as we journey together toward the Resurrection!

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