1st Week of Lent - Friday C

Ezekiel presents us with a profound understanding of God’s mercy and justice. The Lord, through the prophet, speaks of the wicked and virtuous, emphasizing that what matters is not just our past but our present choices. "If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed... he shall surely live." This illustrates that our current disposition towards good and evil is vital. It reflects God's heart—He longs for us to turn away from our wrongdoings and embrace His statutes, cultivating virtue in our lives. Lent offers us the grace-filled opportunity to reevaluate our paths, to return to God, and to make tangible changes in our hearts.

The Responsorial Psalm proclaims, “If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?” This poignant question echoes a universal truth: we all fall short. Yet, it is coupled with a promise of forgiveness. "With you is forgiveness"—an invitation and a reminder that no matter our past, God's mercy is always available to those who seek it. During Lent, we are called to confront our shortcomings, to bring them to God in humility and to be transformed by His love. As we await His mercy, let us remember that it is through honest contrition that we find renewal.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus challenges us to a deeper righteousness that exceeds even that of the scribes and Pharisees. His teachings reveal the embedded nature of sin in our hearts, as He equates anger with murder. "Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment." Jesus is instructing us that the Kingdom of Heaven requires not just external adherence to the law but an internal transformation of heart and soul. Lent becomes a powerful season for us to examine our thoughts and feelings, to root out resentment and bitterness, and to seek reconciliation.

As we progress in this holy season, think of the journey we are called to undertake. It is a path of shedding harmful emotions like anger and embracing the virtues of love and understanding. Jesus tells us to leave our gifts at the altar and to seek reconciliation before coming to Him. This indicates that our relationships with others—and the quality of our hearts—are paramount. The anger that we harbor weighs heavily on our souls.

Lent is not merely a time of reflection; it is a preparation for the rest of our lives, particularly as we strive toward the hope of Heaven. In that holy place, the frustrations of life, the challenges of relationships, and the lure of dishonesty are banished. Heaven is a realm of peace and joy where God’s love reigns supreme. As we strive for that heavenly kingdom, let us actively engage in the work of transformation—within ourselves and in how we relate to the world.

As you go forth throughout this week, try challenging yourself to embracing virtue in a way that it will be needed to be embraced in heaven. Before you give into a temptation, think, “Would this be acceptable behaviour in heaven?”
Saint Teresa of Avila, a prominent Spanish mystic and reformer of the Carmelite order, is often associated with the idea of living in a way that reflects an awareness of heaven. In her writings, particularly in "The Interior Castle," she emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deep relationship with God and living in a state of spiritual union, which can give a taste of heavenly joy and peace even while on earth.

Another figure who spoke about a similar concept is Saint Francis de Sales. He encouraged people to live joyfully and find holiness in their daily lives, connecting the earthly experience with a sense of divine presence. Both saints convey the notion that through prayer, a virtuous life, and a deep connection to God, individuals can experience a foretaste of heaven while still on earth. Through the aid of our Blessed Mother, let’s put this to the test shall we? God bless you and have a safe and blessed remainder of the day. Amen.