GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 10TH MARCH 2017
FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT
FIRST READING: Ezekiel 18:21-28
PSALM: Psalm 130:1-5, 7-8
GOSPEL: Matthew 5:20-26
THEME: GOOD NEWS FOR THE SINNER
A preacher started his sermon with an announcement – “The message today is strictly for sinners. All those who are sinless should kindly excuse us.” He waited patiently for about five minutes with no one rising up to excuse him/herself. Then he said, “You see, sin is a big challenge for all of us, from the least to the greatest. However, we often focus on the sins of others and close our eyes to our own sins. We all need help…”
In our Gospel text, Jesus says, “For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven” (Mt. 5:20). He goes ahead and adds, “I say this to you, anyone who is angry with a brother will answer for it before the court; anyone who calls a brother ‘Fool’ will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and anyone who calls him ‘Traitor’ will answer for it in hell fire” (Matt. 5:22).
By these statements, Jesus undoubtedly raises the bar of holiness. A holy person must live an impeccable life. There is often the temptation to act holiness in the eyes of people but live an unholy life in the secret corners of our personal worlds. This is pretence and an act of hypocrisy. The psalmist rightly says, “If you, O LORD, should mark our iniquities, Lord, who could stand?” (Ps. 130:3).
The prophet Ezekiel brings us good news from the Lord when he says – “…If the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die” (Ezek. 18:21).
Sin is a spiritual sickness. When sin is not attended to, one’s spiritual health deteriorates and sooner or later spiritual death occurs.The Lord makes it clear that it is not his desire that the sinner should die in his/her sins. The prophetic message of Ezekiel thus gives a real impetus to each one of us to renounce sin and renew our commitment to live an upright life.
Perhaps, you feel that your sins are too great and unpardonable. Consider relying on the Word of God, instead of how you feel. God says he will forgive! All that we need to do is to renounce our sins and turn to him whose name is Mercy. He will heal us.
PRAYER: Eternal Father, I turn to you this day and plead for forgiveness and healing. Save me and set me free, for the sake of the sorrowful passion of your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen)