In today’s first reading, Prophet Ezekiel exhorts us to stay on the straight and narrow path, following the Lord. Even if we fail and fall into temptation and sin, we can rise up, beg for forgiveness through the sacrament of Reconciliation, and be in God’s graces again.
The thought of being separated from God due to wicked and evil ways, is abhorrent to us, or should be abhorrent to us. We are made in the likeness and image of God who wants us to join Him in eternity. God wants us to enjoy abundant life in Him (Jn 10:10).
Unfortunately, the devil is always near at hand, distracting us with all sorts of evil camouflaged in ways to fool us. His only goal is to separate us from God. Yet, God’s invitation to us is to save us from the devil’s ploy and restore us to abundant life. “If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die”.
Especially in these days of Lent, it is a good time to reflect on our attitudes and behavior. Are we being virtuous? Or are we allowing the enemy of righteousness to turn us away from God?
“If the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil … none of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin”. But our God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in kindness. He is waiting for us all the time to embrace His love and mercy.
Today’s Gospel states “settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison” and “you will not be released until you have paid the last penny”
I think our life here on earth is comparable to our journey on the way to court. It serves us better to do good, avoid evil, repent from our sins, while we still have time, before we meet the Just Judge.
Let us use these 40 days of Lent to renew ourselves, “making for ourselves a new heart and a new spirit” through the grace of God.
[Readings: Mt 18:21-28; Mt 5:20-26]
