Readings: Ezek 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7A, 7BC-8; Mt 5:20-26
Diary: 115, 423, 1728
Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live? - Ezek 18:23
Want to make God happy? Today's fi rst reading says:
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? (Ezek 18:23)
Jesus explains that our righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees if we want to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. The Pharisees had been teaching that to get to Heaven, all you had to do was follow the letter of the Law, as in, "You shall not kill." Jesus explains it's not enough to just not kill anyone:
"I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment."
Jesus teaches the objective behind the Law. We've heard a few times already in these first two weeks of Lent that what's in our heart matters. Reject evil and act out of love of God and others. It'll make God happy.
Prayer: My dear Savior, may my actions toward others reflect only the love You have given me.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
