Universal Utterings

for March 5, 2025

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03-05-25 Matthew 6 v1618 When You Fast Do N0t Look Gloomy

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6 V- 16 and 18

16 “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches about the true nature of fasting, urging His followers to approach this practice with humility and sincerity rather than seeking public approval. He instructs that when we fast, we should do so discreetly, anointing our heads and washing our faces, so that we do not appear to others to be fasting. This emphasizes the intimate relationship between the believer and God, calling for an authentic expression of faith rather than a show of piety.

Today, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a sacred season in our Catholic Church dedicated to reflection, prayer, and penance. It is a time when we receive ashes on our foreheads, symbolizing our mortality and need for repentance. The ashes remind us of our earthly limitations, compelling us to turn our hearts back to God and renew our commitment to live according to His will.

Throughout Lent, we are called to embrace three spiritual practices: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Fasting nudges us to confront our desires and dependencies, fostering a spirit of self-discipline that draws us closer to God. Almsgiving, or acts of charity, invites us to reach out to those in need, reflecting Christ’s love through our generosity. It cultivates a spirit of compassion and gratitude, reminding us that we are called to serve others.

As we embark on this Lenten journey, let us remember the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:16-18, striving to deepen our relationship with God through sincere actions rather than outward appearances. May our fasting, almsgiving, and prayer during these 40 days lead us to a profound transformation of heart, preparing us for the celebration of Easter. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

03-05-2025 Matthew 6 v1618

**When You Fast Do N0t Look Gloomy**

In secret shadows, hearts laid bare,

The fast we keep, a whispered prayer,

With ashes marking our humble brow,

Our sacrifice, is personal not for a crowd.

Anoint our heads, let silence reign,

For inward change, not outward gain,

With every hunger, seek His grace,

In quiet prayerful moments, find His face.

Through acts of kindness, love will flow,

In giving hearts, His mercy does grow,

So let us walk this path of Lent,

In faith, in hope, our souls never relent. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

March 5, 2025 @ 04:54 AM EST

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**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using GodFirstforJesus@gmail.com, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**