My wife, Anna, will honestly tell you that I am a terrible golfer. I consider it a” hole in one” if I make par. One time on a Florida golf course I even killed a duck. The poor thing was just swimming in a pond and my stray ball beamed him and the poor thing died. The duck took a “deep 6” in an alligator infested pond. Some things should be left to the experts and those with talent.
Sometimes, my mind trys to tell me that I am a good person. This arrogance comes with being human. Over confidence is a common human failing. Truth be told. I was never as good as I thought I am. Yes, there are times when I think I have done what Jesus wants me to do, but let’s face it . I am still a sinner. Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisee, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” He is saying we have to be better than the holiest person we know. On the surface that is impossible. This is not what Jesus is saying. He wants us to strive for excellence and consistency in our journey to the Kingdom of Heaven. Complacency and mediocrity have no place in a Christian’s life. We can’t be good one minute and turn around the next moment and sin.
You know the person at Church who seemingly is perfect and a super volunteer. They seem like they have the correct answer. These people should be emulated. Truth be told don’t compare them to you. This is about your relationship with Jesus. They are sinners too.
Still Ezekiel is giving hope to the Babylonian exiles and us. “If the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has commited, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life.” A sinner can always change. Hope, however, comes with a price. Ezekiel 33:11 I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. God wants us to succeed. God loves us. He proved that by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. Genuine repentence is never easy. The only way for anyone to surpass the scribes and Pharisees is through God’s grace. Grace changes our hearts and it is free for the asking.
Jesus further says, Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with you brother and then come and offer your gift. We can only attain this reconciliation with God’s help. We have to accept the fact that we have to take the first step.
On a personal note I have not grumbled so far this Lent. The thoughts have come through my head but quickly leave. Easter is a long way off. Grace!
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please pray for peace for the people of Ukraine and Russia, for Cancer victims and their caregivers.
