Finding Middle Ground

Today’s readings encourage us to ruminate on righteousness and virtue. Ezekiel emphasizes how sin pertains to the individual. One will “surely live” even if he “turns away from all the sins he committed,” which could have been a lifetime of committing sins. However, if a person who had been virtuous their entire life sins, then they will be punished. This seems ‘unfair,’ but God wants us to be closer to Him. He doesn’t want us to distance ourselves from Him, from family or friends. Sin is what alienates us from relationships with others. We should consider day in and day out when we have experienced moments of desolation and consolation.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asks us to become closer to God through our neighbor. He tells us to think and act beyond the way of the scribes and Pharisees. Their devotion to God is not enough. Jesus wants us to step forward to ask for reconciliation from one another. Then, God will accept whatever gift we have to offer Him communally.

These readings fit appropriately with Pope Francis’ message for Lent this year: the request to open our hearts through prayer and almsgiving “to hear God’s call to be reconciled to himself,” inviting us to a relationship of openness and fruitful dialogue. Throughout this season of Lent, I want to become closer to God through the act of reconciliation, maintaining peace with God by casting away my faults to bring in joy.

Jesus’ challenge for us is not easy. Most of us choose to give something up for Lent. I love chocolates so much; I couldn’t see myself making it through a single day without them. But it would probably be easier for me to give up sweets than to seek reconciliation. God wants us to acknowledge our imperfections, get out of our comfort zones, and reconcile with others. My sacrifices, worship, and prayer are not substitutes for good behavior. Through my relationships with others, I can heal my relationship with God.

Author: Martin Day, Alumni Service Corps