Here is my paraphrase of today’s reading from Joel; I submit it humbly:
A message to you from God: Even though you might think you are beyond hope, return to me anyway. Do not waste your time beating yourself up, just come to me. For I am merciful and I love you no matter what. Who knows, maybe today will be the day when you return to me! If you do, there will be great rejoicing in my heart. Stop whatever you are doing and come right away, I am waiting anxiously for you.
Namaste! Amen!
The Readings
Joel 2:12-18
Yet even now, says the Lord,
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing.
Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain-offering and a drink-offering
for the Lord, your God?
Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sanctify a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
gather the people.
Sanctify the congregation;
assemble the aged;
gather the children,
even infants at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room,
and the bride her canopy.
Between the vestibule and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep.
Let them say, ‘Spare your people, O Lord,
and do not make your heritage a mockery,
a byword among the nations.
Why should it be said among the peoples,
“Where is their God?” ’
Then the Lord became jealous for his land,
and had pity on his people.
Psalm 51
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
The reading is from the website below.
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