THE MOST IMPORTANT

• The Most Important
• Meditation for Friday of the First Week of Lent
• (Ezekiel 18:21-28; Mt 5:20-26)

Sometimes we tend to approach every issue in our lives with the same attention and energy. When we allow ourselves get entangled in this way, we may begin to lose sight of the things that are more important. Not everything carries of equal value; not every relationship deserves of equal commitment. How can we discern properly the things that are more important than the others?

The prophet Ezekiel tells us that what God wants most for His children is for them to live! Life is His first gift, and life is what God desires for us. Though we battle with sin, God does not want us to die in sin and be lost. “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” Once a wicked man repents, God focuses on what is important and forgets his sinful actions. “If you O Lord should mark our iniquities, Lord, who could survive?” (Ps 130:3).

Jesus explains deeper that the most important thing for us it to enter Heaven. So, we must strive for that height of righteousness, which exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, and which brings us to Heaven. That means we should do away with those vices that can lead us to hell, such as hatred, unforgiveness, etc. We should rather focus on the greater virtue of forgiveness and reconciliation. For example, making offering to God is good, but reconciling with and aggrieved brother is more important. Fighting for my right is good, but freedom, peace and love are more important. The more important things are those that are closer to the gate of Heaven!

The kingdom of God is the most important; eternal life is the greatest value. And this becomes for us believers a principle of life from which we discern what is more important than others. No more shall we dispense our energies and commitment equally on everything that comes our way. Instead, we give preferential place to the Kingdom of Heaven, its righteousness and all that draws us closer to it. Amen.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday March 11^th, 20

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com