As we continue our journey through this solemn liturgical season of Lent, we are acutely reminded that our God, our God of love and mercy, our God who graces us with hope –is also our God who is just. There are merited consequences of our elected refusal to live the commandments given to Moses and imparted by Jesus.

We are reminded of the rich man in today’s Gospel reading who lived a life of luxury and privilege, and not until it was too late did he realize the effects of the ruinous choices he had made. Recognizing that it was useless for him to repent and be saved, he then petitioned that his five brothers be warned so that they would not suffer the same results. Jesus relays that Abraham aptly responded to the rich man’s appeal:

‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’

As Christians, we profess our belief in the redemptive power of our Lord, who has reconciled us with our loving God by his life, death, and resurrection. Starting with Ash Wednesday, we have been invited to “repent and believe in the Gospel”. We have been advised to engage in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we prepare for the glorious celebration of Easter. Until then, may we encounter our Savior in each celebration of Eucharist, surrendering to Christ’s “real presence” in our lives, receiving the grace to repent from our sins truly, and not only believe in the Gospel but put into practice its mandates.

Prayer:

God of compassion and all that is good, we acknowledge our sinfulness, yet also our trust in you, and so we pray in preparation for receiving Jesus the Christ, into our hearts, minds, and souls: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” – Roman Missal.