HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF LENT. (1)

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF LENT.

THEME: FIGHTING WRONG MOTIVATIONS

BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA

St. John Chrysostom, a father and Doctor of the Church (347- 407) has these inspiring words about sin and repentance. He says, “Be ashamed when you sin, don’t be ashamed when you repent Sin is the wound, repentance is the medicine. Sin is followed by shame; repentance is followed by boldness. Satan has overturned this order and given boldness to sin and shame to repentance.”

In ancient times, the prophet Ezekiel corrected two wrong notions about sin and repentance. First, the notion that says God does not give second chance to sinners; second, the impression of God as someone who is eager to arrest, judge and condemn a sinner. The prophet says If a wicked man turns away from all his sins and does what is lawful and right, he shall be forgiven and save his life. On the contrary, when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die for it.

What God expects is: Those who are not doing well should change and be better; those who are doing well, should not be tired of doing what is right. Jesus teaches us how to tackle sin from its roots by fighting the motivations that lead to sin. He challenges the offended, not only to forgive but to reach out to the offender for reconciliation. Can we reflect deeply, purify, and tackle the motivations that lead us to wrongdoing?
FRIDAY, 1ST WEEK OF LENT.
Ezekiel 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26

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