- 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 11th, 20
