God calls us to repent.

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Today’s reading is quite clear – God calls us to repent. “As I live, says the Lord God, I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in the wicked man’s conversion, that he may live. Turn from your evil ways.” (Ezekiel 33:10-11). God does not want us to die, but calls us to die to our sins; to sacrifice our sins. Today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:20-26)also stresses the importance of repentance – “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” But today’s Gospel calls us to go so much deeper. Not only must we virtuous and obey the commandments, we must also not judge or be angry with our brothers and sisters. Judgment and anger quickly turns into resentment. Somebody may have done something to us that make us angry. If we do not love our neighbor, how can we be in communion with God? Jesus says, “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the alter, 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.” We are asked to reconcile those things which cause us to hate our neighbors. Take some time today to pray for those people who you are angry with, those people who have caused you to be resentful. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you turn away from being judgmental. During Lent, we should seek reconciliation. The offer of reconciliation must be our priority. We can receive forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation and during mass. During these times of reconciliation, go first and e reconciled with your brother. For give him first, before you ask for the forgiveness of your own sins. A simple prayer. “Lord Jesus, you prayed that we would all be one. Show me where there is hardness in my heart, And help me come closer to fully forgiving anyone who has hurt me. Lord, make all of us one in you, as you and the Father are one.” Amen Yours in Christ Michael Marcon