March 14th

By: Joseph Bertrand

OPENING PRAYER

My God, you have allowed the rains to fall upon us, let also your mercies fall upon all of us as well. So that in remembrance of your mercy, we may be brought into the fullness of your beauty and life. Let us never think that we are without need of you, for in our blindness we cannot know what goodness is without your heavenly aid.  But do not let us suffer from your justice for there is none fairer then you. Instead, O Lord, bring us your mercy so that we may regain our sight!

READING

First Reading : Ezekiel 18:21-28

²¹ But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. ²² None of the transgressions that they have committed shall be remembered against them; for the righteousness that they have done they shall live. ²³ Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live? ²⁴ But when the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity and do the same abominable things that the wicked do, shall they live? None of the righteous deeds that they have done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which they are guilty and the sin they have committed, they shall die.

²⁵ Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is unfair.” Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? ²⁶ When the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it; for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die. ²⁷ Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. ²⁸ Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die.

REFLECTION

The Cedars grow taller, the mountains higher, the waves of the ocean tossed to and fro. Not even the stars in their greatness stay in their own places. We are in a world that is constantly changing and moving, a dynamic equilibrium of life and death. But wherever there is motion, there must also be direction. Where exactly do we direct ourselves? For this life is passing away and dying, and though a new one will come, we are but crossing pilgrims not tied to this world.

But how often do we become too attached to the things of this world, wanting to stay here in the comfortable cradles of our childhood, instead of growing into spiritual maturity. We end up wrestling for control, fighting against each other and the world. But in reality, we are really wrestling with God, wasting our time and our energy. Don’t we know that everything is seen? There are consequences to everything, good… and bad! My wrong doings and my sins not only harm me but they harm others as well.

Just as the spokes of a wheel keep the whole wheel together and strong, the Church too is held together by its many people, and in particular, by YOU. But do not fear! For we are given a Helper, The Holy Spirit, and we can count on Him and on his inspiration daily, as He will guide us in the ways of salvation. He will daily inspire in us, if we are open, a choice to awaken from the depths of our slumber, to choose life and to remember where it is we come from: our home, Heaven.

MEDITATION

We are called to a readiness in Christ, a readiness that is being always prepared for His return. We need always be on watch. Jesus told us He would come like a thief in the night, not knowing at what time or hour He would come. God is never unfair with us; He gives us everything we need in this life in order to progress in sanctity and virtue.

• In what ways have we been unfair with God, not directing our wills towards Him in all that we do?
• Is sainthood the final end to everything you consent to?
• Do you really believe that God has a plan of salvation for you? Do you truly understand your call to sainthood?

For death does come to all, but as long as we submit ourselves to God, and following Mary’s example say ‘yes’, we have nothing to fear.

CLOSING PRAYER

My God, You are truly fair to us in everything in our lives. You have even allowed the burdens of the cross specifically to purify us. We know we are in need of you and your justice is right and fair. But do not withhold from us your mercy. We have recourse to your goodness, for just as Christ said “who is good but God alone”. We are before you, desperately in need of your love mercy. I love you Lord, please give me the desire and strength to live out a life of virtue and sanctity so as to please you as much as possible and never stray away from the path of sanctity again.

AMEN