Today’s First reading teaches us about the repercussions of sinning against God. Prophet Joel prophesies about a time where locusts will invade the land as a result of sinning against God. This locust invasion is said to destroy the crops and result in a famine. Joel calls out to the people to mourn and repent; he asks the priests to mourn for the sins of the people. He asks them to declare a holy fast before this day of doom comes and he implores them to call out to the elders of the land to come to the house of the Lord so they may repent and mourn for their sins. This reading urges us to not offend God. He is a loving God, but he is also a God of justice. As it is described in the Responsorial Psalm, he rules with righteousness and judges the people with equity. The Lord ensures that the just ones will not suffer injustice and shields them with his power and grace. The good news is that God forgives us when we repent. Let us go to him, confess our sins and experience his mercy and forgiveness.

Prayer: Abba Father, cleanse our hearts, as we confess our sins and repent. Amen.