Saturday of the 1st week of Lent
Theme: Declare for God
In the 1st reading from the Book of Deuteronomy Moses tells the Israelites to declare for God, and by extension he is also saying the same to all of us as children of God. To declare for God is to keep the commandment of God, by living it out in our daily lives. This is what the season of Lent is also presenting to us. An invitation that calls us to be good Christians and children of God. An opportunity for us to renounce all the works of darkness in our life and embrace the works of light, which is Jesus Christ himself. Accepting this invitation simply means that we are ready to carry our cross daily and follow Christ; then we must be ready to pay the price that goes with renouncing our former ways that are not pleasing to God and that we are not proud of.
The good news is that as we opt for Christ, we will not be making the journey alone, God will always be by our side to support us, when our strength fails us. Never think it is a task beyond you, the grace of God will always be there to strengthen you. The most important thing is for you to resolve like Moses that you are declaring for Christ, irrespective of the situation you find yourself and God will show you that He is God. However, it is not going to be an easy choice, but always remember that God has declared for you and he will always stand for you. The most important thing is for you to be willing to embrace the invitation presented to you by God, do your best and leave the rest to God. He never fails or disappoint all those who trust in him. He did it in time past and he is still doing it in our own time; your own case will not be different. Remain steadfast and God will come through for you when it matters most in your life.
In the gospel reading from St. Mathew, Jesus presents a teaching that seem difficult humanly speaking, but is possible with the help of God. He enjoins us today to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This is a teaching that is deep and beyond the usual practice of loving our friends and hating our enemies, but it is one of the ways we can show that we are true representatives of God here on earth. Humanly speaking it is a difficult task, but because God is involved, it is possible. The most important thing is the effort and will to make it happen in our life, and the grace of God will see us through. May the Lord bless his words in our hearts, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.