--- title: Daily Readings Reflection for 3/22/11 description: Daily Readings Reflection for 3/22/11 --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2011/03/22/daily-readings-reflection-for-32211#) # Daily Readings Reflection for 3/22/11 Mar 22, 2011 9:00:54 AM  |  by [Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/guest) Scripture: Lectionary 232: Isaiah 1:10.16-20. Psalm 50:8-9,16-17,21.23. Matthew 23:1-12 [Today's Readings](http://www.usccb.org/nab) Isaiah's first chapter is a call to repent and to be restored to the loving care of God. Sins are remitted even though they be like scarlet, they shall become white like snow. There are ten exhortations to repentance in this section of Isaiah as Rashi tells us. The message is perennial and is directed to us during this Lenten period. Verses 16 and 17 give us..."the positive core of prophetic "instruction" (torah, v.10). The need for purification and purgation of evil is combined with an emphasis on justice and righteousness. Based on the commands in these two verses, the Midrash specified nine virtues and linked them to the days between Rosh-ha-Shanah and Yom Kippur. As the 10th day is the day of purification and atonement, wo here the 10th feature of the list is "Come, let us reach an understanding/...Be your sins like crimson,/They can turn snow-white" (Yalkut Sh.2:389). Rashi refers to the list as "ten exhortations to repentance." (Etz Haim, p.1003). In the Gospel we hear that Jesus, likewise, wants us to be open and honest in our repentance. We are not to be hypocritical but transparent in our act of sorrow and amendment. While we do observe certain rules and rituals during this Lent, the more important observances are those that come directly from a heart contrite and repentant. Jesus leads us further into seeing that our service to one another is more important than external practices even though they make us feel holier. Honorific titles are to be avoided for servants are without such titles even that of teacher. Jesus exalts us when we are truly humble and honest. Thus anticipating one another's needs, or simply filling in for someone who is not doing their part of serving is important. We are all learners in this area, that is, disciples of the Lord. Again and again our readings from both testaments push us outward from our self-concerns and desire to control. The corporal and spiritual works keep coming back to us in the Lenten readings thus showing us how to fulfill the role of stewards and servants of Jesus. We are to be humble brothers and sisters in the family of God while attentively listening to God through the prophets and through Jesus' words. God alone is our Parent, our Mother and Father, in the realm of the spiritual call that we hear. We have but one teacher and that is the Christ, the Son of God. Our behavior as servants means that we become transparent to God and to one another--truthful and honest in our relationships. Jesus keeps teaching us how to do this as he himself has shown us the way to be a servant of the servants of God. We will always be disciples who learn how to serve from the Master, Jesus our Lord. 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