Today's Gospel
Ezekiel 18:21-28
Thus says the Lord GOD:
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, he shall not die.
None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him;
he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced.
Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked?
says the Lord GOD.
Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way
that he may live?
And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil,
the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does,
can he do this and still live?
None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered,
because he has broken faith and committed sin;
because of this, he shall die.
You say, "The LORD's way is not fair!"
Hear now, house of Israel:
Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?
When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies,
it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.
But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed,
does what is right and just,
he shall preserve his life;
since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed,
he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Ezekiel 18:21-28
Thus says the Lord GOD:
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, he shall not die.
None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him;
he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced.
Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked?
says the Lord GOD.
Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way
that he may live?
And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil,
the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does,
can he do this and still live?
None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered,
because he has broken faith and committed sin;
because of this, he shall die.
You say, "The LORD's way is not fair!"
Hear now, house of Israel:
Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?
When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies,
it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.
But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed,
does what is right and just,
he shall preserve his life;
since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed,
he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Reflection
In this Gospel. Jesus asks us to turn away from sin and embrace truth and life. He promises eternal life to the one that "keeps all statutes and does what is right and just." From this we learn how to be merciful. Just as our Father in Heaven is merciful to us, we in turn must be merciful towards others. We can practice this virtue through the act of forgiveness. Forgiveness can sometimes be difficult on our own, but is made possible when we ask God for help and strength. Keeping Jesus present in all things, helps us to chose what is right and to grow in mercy.
When we turn away from sin and turn towards Christ, something in our heart changes and changes for the better. Our hearts become more compassionate and loving when Christ is at the center. Jesus rejoices when we turn from evil and cling to Him. How often are we faced with temptations throughout our day? Big or small, we are all faced with things on a daily basis. Rather than looking at them as difficulties, may we open our eyes to see them as opportunities for us to chose God and chose what is right and grow deeper in love with our Lord.
Today, humbly seek God in all things. Ask Him to be present to you and help you in overcoming the temptations and difficulties that you may be faced with in your life.
In this Gospel. Jesus asks us to turn away from sin and embrace truth and life. He promises eternal life to the one that "keeps all statutes and does what is right and just." From this we learn how to be merciful. Just as our Father in Heaven is merciful to us, we in turn must be merciful towards others. We can practice this virtue through the act of forgiveness. Forgiveness can sometimes be difficult on our own, but is made possible when we ask God for help and strength. Keeping Jesus present in all things, helps us to chose what is right and to grow in mercy.
When we turn away from sin and turn towards Christ, something in our heart changes and changes for the better. Our hearts become more compassionate and loving when Christ is at the center. Jesus rejoices when we turn from evil and cling to Him. How often are we faced with temptations throughout our day? Big or small, we are all faced with things on a daily basis. Rather than looking at them as difficulties, may we open our eyes to see them as opportunities for us to chose God and chose what is right and grow deeper in love with our Lord.
Today, humbly seek God in all things. Ask Him to be present to you and help you in overcoming the temptations and difficulties that you may be faced with in your life.
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