BE VIRTUOUS AND LIVE

⏰Friday of the First Week of Lent (10 March 2017)

????Ezek 18:18-21; Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 (R.v.3); Matt 5:20-26

Sometime last week (on Thursday), we talked about the two ways – one which leads to life, and another that leads to death – and we were encouraged to choose the way that leads to life so that we may live (cf. Deut 30:15-20).

Today, the prophet Ezekiel makes us to understand that God really want us to embrace virtue that we may live (Ezek 18:21-28). It is his will that we may have life in abundance (John 10:10).

Also, being steadfast in virtue is as good as embracing the virtue. Put differently, God does not dwell in the past; he is more interested in what we are now than the past. No matter how dark our past has been, he is ready to wash us and make us new (cf. Isa 1:18). All he desires of us is a fervent and willing heart.

He told an armed robber on the cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). To an adulterous woman, he gave an assurance, “Neither do I condemne you. Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). And to a sinful woman he said, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:5).

You see! Jesus has something to tell anyone who would return to him with a sincere and non-pharisaic heart.

May that life which Christ comes to give us not elude us in the end. Amen.

I wish you a hopeful and successful day ahead. It is well with you.