Friday of the 1st Week of Lent
Scripture Text: Ezekiel 18:21-28
Thus says the Lord GOD:
If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced. Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord GOD. Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?
And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does, can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die. You say, “The LORD’s way is not fair!”
Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair? When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Breaking the text open – background and summary:
The first reading for today from the prophet Ezekiel shares with us the LORD’s desire for us to have life by turning away from our sins and relying upon the LORD’s mercy.
Meditating on the text with personal questions:
Am I turning? Am I trying to do what is right and just for love of the LORD and others?
Praying:
LORD, You have always set the path of righteousness before us, the path of love, love for You and love for one another. Send your Spirit to guide us along this path, to fortify our loving hearts and strengthen our wills to choose the right and just this day and all day. We ask this in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.