Friday of the 1st week of Lent year A
Theme: A loving father
The 1st reading of today from the prophet Ezekiel points out the fact that we serve a merciful and loving father. A God that desires that we repent from our sins and live. His desire is not for our destruction, but that we have life in abundance. Thus, the 1st reading of today is inviting us in a very special way to embrace the invitation of our loving father for repentance. This goes to show that no number of sins we may have committed, is beyond the mercy of God. Especially for some of us who think they have done a lot of evil, and that God cannot forgive them their sins; the Lord is say to us all today, come to me and I will forgive you your sins and make you clean. He is not man that he should lie, whatever he says, he will do. The question today is, if God is willing to forgive you, what is keeping you away from going back to him like the prodigal son? Just know that you are the person delaying your salvation, and not God.
Another important point that was raised in today’s 1st reading is the fact that there is need for steadfastness in our journey of salvation. This is seen in the assertion of the prophet when he said that if the righteous turn to evil, all their good deeds of the past will not be enough to save them. So, we are all encouraged to remain steadfast in the faith and in good deeds until the end of our earthly pilgrimage. This is very important, lest we lose all the efforts we have made in the past for righteousness. One interesting thing about todays 1st reading is the fact that God want all of us to embrace holiness and righteousness of life, until he finally welcome us into his kingdom. This season of Lent presents us a platform on which we can begin this wonderful journey of faith, that will lead us to righteousness of life, that todays 1st reading is encouraging us to embrace.
Dearly beloved in Christ, in the gospel reading, Jesus emphasizes the need for sincere repentance, that will lead us to righteousness that is real and authentic if we desire to be in the kingdom of heaven at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. Jesus went a step further by pointing out the fact that the content of our hearts is also very important, so we have to be mindful of the things we keep in our hearts and also think about. All these put together and our ability to forgive and let go, will greatly help us to be on the right path that will lead us to the righteousness that we seek in a very special way, during this season of Lent. As we continue to strive to become good ambassadors for Christ, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.