TODAY'S READINGS

REFLECT
Twice, in the first reading at mass today (Dan 9:4b-10), the prophet Daniel says in his repentant prayer to God: “we are shamefaced.” Looking at each word in this phrase:

“We”: Daniel knows he is part of a culture, a community of sinners. No man is an island. Therefore he prays not for his own spiritual life, as disconnected from his community’s, but for himself and his fellow believers who are struggling as well. 

“Are”: Daniel doesn’t say that they will always be in such a bad state, but has hope that even though things are bad at present, that they could be different, and gloriously better, in the future. Underlying this is faith in God’s power and desire to change things. Thus, Daniel’s faith and hope are the fuel, the engine, the fire of his prayer. 

“Shamefaced”: note the shame here, residing in the face. Humanity was created in the image of God and we bear His image in our faces. To bear shame in one’s face, for sin, is to be distanced from God’s image. In a blessed contrast and restoration, Jesus, as God’s perfect image, leads us to resemble more and more the face of God, when he says: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” 

PRAY
Lord, even though I feel in exile on this earth, help me to remember Your never-failing mercy. I wish to receive fully the mercy you have to offer me, that I may radiate your mercy from my face and my life. Only you have the power to transform my face of shame into a face of wholesome love that reaches out to others and to You, Lord God.

ACT
Today, gently allow the Lord into an area of your life where you feel ashamed. Is there an opportunity to show an external sign of mercy here to yourself or your community instead of being drawn into a cycle of shame? Ask the Lord for an increase of faith and of hope in His power to make all things new, including your life and the life of your community. If you feel led to act upon it, take the first step today.