February 26, 2021 – Friday of the First Week of Lent

Fr. Gibo Dandoy, CSsR

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022621.cfm)

Have you experienced being embarrassed in front of other people? Has someone insulted you, maligned you, and underestimated your person and your gifts?  I remember long time ago, someone has insulted me. I was so offended. I felt so little about myself. My ego was touched. I was so furious.

And at that time, in my mind and in my heart, I wanted to kill the person. Needless to say, I wished him dead. Because of  shame, I lost my manners. I was too overcome by my anger.

Thus, our human inclinations and human impulses are capable to do evil things to other people. Especially if we allow them to command our actuations, and all the more if they are un-reflected.

Prophet Ezekiel informs us of God’s attitude towards wicked persons; which is actually the exact opposite on how human beings treat offenders. “Do you think I enjoy seeing evil people die?, the Lord replied. No, I would rather see them repent and live (v. 23).”

In other words, God takes delight in our deep compunction and sincere conversion. He desires that we turn from our sins, heed his precepts and practice what is right and just. Rather than we continually wallow in sin and worldly allurements. And mind you, He is and will never get tired of giving us chances upon chances to repent and to change our lives. This is how much God has loved us!

And even if God knows how to mark our transgressions, but he chose not to. Because “with Him is forgiveness and so he is revered” and  “with Him is kindness, with him is plentiful redemption (Ps. 130: 4, 7).”

Also, says the Lord, “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies. Return and Live (Ez. 18: 32).”

Therefore, let us not put to waste this opportune time for repentance and renewal of our lives which God has accorded us. And let us humbly approach God’s grace to receive mercy and compassion. Amen.