Joel 2:12-18 | Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 | 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 | Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Today is Ash Wednesday. After the Gospel we will again be walking around wearing dirty black smudges. Palm ashes will be blessed, mixed with either holy oil or water, and marked with the sign of the cross on the forehead or sprinkled on the head. The minister, while imposing the ashes says, "Remember, man that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return" (Cf. Gen. 3:19) or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Whatever formulary is used, it's message is simple: "Alalahanin mo, mamamatay ka rin!" (Remember that you will die). We are reminded of our mortality and our need to live faithfully in this world. Life is short so we have to live life well. In ancient days, people marked times of fasting, prayer, repentance, and remorse by placing ashes on their foreheads. The custom was prevalent in early days of Judaism: as found in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1-3, Job 42:6, and Jeremiah 6:26. Ashes are sacramentals. We express our brokenness and our readiness to change when we receive the ashes. ​

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 | Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11 | 1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1 | Mark 1:40-45

​Human made boundaries are often enslaving and oppressive. One way or another, all of us, in some way, shape or form, are alienated. On this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, let us reflect on how Jesus breaks down all kinds of barriers to reconcile us to the Father and reunite us to the Church.

​Job 7:1-4, 6-7 | Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 | 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 | Mark 1:29-39

​What is the value of suffering? On this Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Book of Job assures us that suffering and failure are unavoidable aspects of human existence, not consequences of our actions. The apostle Paul prompts reflection on redemptive suffering, suggesting that when our pains align with Christ's passion, they can bring benefits to both ourselves and others. Ultimately, Mark's gospel emphasizes not letting sickness, needs, sufferings, and failures distract us from receiving Jesus' gift of Himself.