From our Old Testament reading, from Isaiah: ‘Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow …’ (Isaiah 1:16-17)

St Augustine commented: He will wash his face, that is, cleanse his heart, with which he will see God, no veil being interposed on account of the infirmity contracted from squalor; but being firm and steadfast, inasmuch as he is pure and guileless …’ (Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount).

Lent is a time of cleansing of the soul, so as to be ready to greet the Risen Lord with a pure heart. This is done through our Lenten observances, and also through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us take the opportunity to make our Confession at least once this Lent, and certainly before Easter, that we may rejoice in Him with a purified heart. May God bless you.