DAY 21: Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent - SPIRITUAL JOURNEY FROM LENT TOWARDS EASTER

Azariah on behalf of his companions beseech the Lord's great mercy and kindness as they are about to be burned alive. The first reading from the Book of the Prophet Daniel (Dn 3: 25, 34-43) describes Azariah with a contrite heart and a humble spirit readily and wholeheartedly offer himself and those of his companions as holocausts for the Lord. The whole nation of Israel is overtaken by and subjugated by a foreign invader. This great lamentation and prayer of the faithful Azariah and companions plead for God's release from the chastisement inflicted on them by the Lord because of Israel's unfaithfulness and stubbornness of heart. In connection to the reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 18: 21-35), the Lord Jesus proclaims the great mercy of God as He forgives those truly repentant sinners. Likewise, He expects us to be merciful to those who hurt us or sinned against us. Fr. Budge shares his reflections on these readings as he accompanies us on our spiritual journey from Lent towards Easter.