Be reconciled... now!

For too many of us, Lent is just a time of abstaining from meat on Fridays, giving up candy, or perhaps even going to Mass everyday (a very good thing to do).

Today’s readings (Ezekiel 18:21-28 and Matthew 5:20-26) remind us that Lent is also an important opportunity for reconciliation - reconciliation with God and reconciliation with each other – before it is too late.

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.

***

If you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly
while on the way to court.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.

Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God, be merciful to me – a sinner.