Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Today's Readings

Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the LORD, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. –Ezekiel 18:31 

I chose to reflect on the verse before the Gospel for April 13th. The simple yet powerful verse from Ezekiel has few words but much meaning for me now and especially for the season of Lent. The Lord tells us to cast away all of the sins we have committed and make a new heart and spirit, to awaken from sin and repent. It can be difficult for one to realize that decisions that are made in our lives out of love for our families could actually be hurting them and ourselves. We move through our days and make mistakes that affect others that at the moment seem to protect them but over time we see how these mistakes are hurtful. The Lord gives those who believe in Him forgiveness for their sins and wrongdoings through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. As Christians and believers in Christ’s death at the Cross we believe that we need not despair and always remember that the Lord gives us a new day and a new spirit each day to overcome the past sins we’ve committed and the ability to heal and start anew in an effort to move toward the light. This Lenten season should serve as a time to remember others and meet each day with a promise to give of ourselves as a means to repent for our past sins and to seek the Lord’s mercy. Throughout the 40 days of Lent and beyond, I am hopeful that I can bring the light into someone’s life each day by an act of kindness and mercy. It is in giving that we will receive the Lord’s true blessings into our lives and every effort should be made to share a kindness each day with someone who is in need and in so doing the Lord’s mercy and love will be given. 

Cathy McDermott ‘74