Student Daily Reflection

Ez 18:21-28
Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8
Mt 5:20-26

“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.” Matt 5:26-26

Today’s readings offer up a very clear message about what must be done within oneself prior to acceptance into the kingdom of God. We must turn from the sin that is within our minds and hearts to fully embrace God. As Ezekiel mentions, it is better for one to turn from sin toward God in full sincerity than one who to follow the word of God for a time and then turn away.

It is very difficult to remain sin free in every aspect of life though. I know I often find myself with my back toward God because I have done or said something that went against the teachings of God. It is important when sin does occur, we acknowledge what we have done and turn from that experience toward God so we can learn and grow from it. It is about the turning back toward God that is important. Heading continually away from God, even if we have remained faithful for a long time, is not a good thing. We must try our best especially in this season of preparation for Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection to maintain faithfulness to God and avoid sinfulness.

For me the hardest topic presented throughout both Matthew’s Gospel and the reading from Ezekiel, is the idea of releasing a grudge. When I have been lied to, hurt, or disrespected in someway I have a hard time forgiving the person who was responsible. It is something that through this season of Lent I must constantly work hard on so that the forgiveness given by God toward me will be the same forgiveness I release to those around me. It is something that I will continue to put as a priority in my life and I hope that everyone will join me in the struggle towards forgiveness and compassion.