Word to the Wise
Friday, March 14, 2025 - 1st Week of Lent - Fri
[Ezek 18:21-28 and Matt 5:20-26]"But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. [Ezekiel] "Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift." [Matthew]
"Turning away from wickedness..." and "reconciliation" mean a big change. The traditional term for this change is "conversion of heart." It is also easier said than done! And Jesus tells us that it has to be more than superficial like the "righteousness" of the scribes and Pharisees. The Sermon on the Mount teaches that this conversion of heart should take priority before worship!
It could be a very healthy and challenging thing to do in Lent to look at all our relationships, from God and self all the way to the way we treat the people we encounter in the ordinary course of our day - the doctors, teachers, public officials, etc. etc.. How do we treat them? Jesus teaches that we must not only refrain from violent conduct, we must change the violent mind and heart! For some, this challenge can be met with the help of a wise spiritual director or close friend. For others, it may be done with honest self-discernment or in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Love of God and neighbor means more than refraining from bad behavior. It means a whole new way of looking at life and living it to the full in the Kingdom of God. AMEN
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