What to do for Lent

Today’s first reading (Isaiah 1:10, 16-20) encapsulates perfectly what we should be doing during this season of Lent.

Seeking to be washed clean by the grace of Christ.

Stopping what is evil.

Doing what is good.

Wash yourselves clean!
Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil;
learn to do good.

Make justice your aim:
redress the wronged,
hear the orphan’s plea,
defend the widow.

Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;
But if you refuse and resist,
the sword shall consume you:
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me – a sinner.