God's Ways
Another reassuring message from the first reading of Ez 18:21-28, when God gives us a chance to repent and turn over a new leaf, because our God of Mercy and Compassion does not derive any pleasure in condemning people. "If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live because of the virtue he has practiced."
Likewise, if a virtuous man turned to evil, all his virtuous deeds will be forgotten and he will face condemnation.
We are all born with a sense of right and wrong. The choice is ours. The spiritual battle against the sin of selfishness, greed, jealousy, envy, hatred, anger, revenge, insults etc..is an unending battle that demands us to be ever conscious and watchful of what we do and say, in our daily living. We have to turn to God to guide us to overcome these by constant prayers, fasting, penance and to help us lead a life of close relationship with our living God, who alone is our light and peace.
In the Gospel (Mt 5:20-26), Jesus also emphasized the importance of reconciliation. "Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift at the altar, go first to reconcile with your brother and then, come and offer your gift."
The way Jesus shows you is not easy.
Rather, it is like a path winding up a mountain.
Do not lose heart! The steeper the road,
the faster it rises toward ever wider horizons!
- St John Paul II -
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