Sin. Sin results in death. Turning away from sin and occasions of sin. Anger. Saving your life. Forgiveness. Fear of the Lord. Hope. Mercy. Reconciliation. Today’s readings are packed with wisdom and advice for obtaining eternal salvation. “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” says the Lord, “and not rather that he should turn away from his way and live?”
We fall short every single day. This is not news to God. He knows. We can not fill our minds with excuses as to why we fall short. Sin is sin and will have consequences. Each day begin again. Start anew.
Biblical Wisdom
In Ezekiel, God tells us He wants us with Him. He so desires for us to turn away from our sins. He also knows it is not always easy. Psalm 130 reminds us we are to have hope and trust in the Lord and that with the Lord there is forgiveness. Then, Ezekiel 18:31 says, “…and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.” What do you think this is referring to? I know the first thing that comes to my mind is the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Let’s dive into the gospel first and then circle back to confession. This particular section of Matthew speaks to Anger. The first line talks about killing and the judgement that comes with it. We once had a pastor who gave such a memorable homily on this, I’ll share part of it with you. He said there is so much more to killing than the taking of a life. When we gossip about someone, we kill her reputation. When we put someone down, we kill his spirit. He continued with examples such as these. Food for thought for sure.
Make Peace
So, it makes sense that even the smallest offense we commit needs to be reconciled as soon as possible. The importance is dire! Reconcile with whomever you have trouble or whomever has trouble with you.
I am a redheaded, Irish girl from New York. I am generally easy-going, joyful, and peaceable… until I am not. Surely, my confessor is a bit tired of hearing me say I got angry, again. However, as soon as I leave that confessional, I have a new spirit (Ez18:31). I have committed to beginning again, earnestly trying to turn away from my sin.
See People How God Sees Them
Try to see people with God’s eyes, the way He sees them. Lent is an opportune time to practice virtues more intentionally. Also, go to Confession and then keep going. Leave your sins there and let them melt off you. Be washed anew with God’s grace.
I will leave with the words of St. Therese of Lisieux, “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”
