FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT, MARCH 14, 2025

MASS READINGS:

Reading I

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.

REFLECTION:

The first reading reminds me how wicked I am and how much mercy God pours over me every day. I’m someone who thinks about death daily — it’s what happens when you lose the ability to move your limbs, not acrobatically, but simply for the bare necessities like holding a cup of coffee. It’s a stark reminder of how life can change in an instant.

Yet, surprisingly, in times when temptation is at its peak, I’ve learned that our God is a living God. Since He is not a hypocrite, He gives us the grace to live. Whether through a kind neighbor, a random phone call from a family member or friend, or even an animal like a quokka that makes you smile, God’s mercy is always present in unexpected ways.

With His Divine Mercy, He can wash us of our iniquities and give us a chance to live again. He can even protect your home from a cyclone — something I was deeply grateful for when I found my place spared, while others around me lost power. God provided me with water and electricity for food when many were left without.

Just as Ezekiel 18:21-28 reminds us that a person’s past does not determine their future if they turn from sin and embrace righteousness, I find comfort in knowing that even in our darkest moments, repentance and God’s mercy can bring about renewal. Our Living God does not desire our death, but desires to transform us to live our life to the fullest, no matter what state we’re in.