Yes, Lenten season supposed to prepare us to be in a state
of grace and to be pleasing to God. This requires that we keep the
commandments. Fasting energizes us and strengthens our will to choose rightly,
and deepens our love for God and neighbor. However, because man is created with
a sublime free will, he is naturally inclined to freedom without restriction. But
such a freedom without borders turns out to be euphoric and unrealistic since
man by nature is unlimited. So, laws and discipline are necessary to bring the
human free will down to earth, and order it in accordance with God’s will.
With Jesus’ constant emphasis on love of God and love of
neighbor as the fulfilment of the law and the prophets, it seems the many ordinances
of the Lord as given by Moses are no more necessary. Jesus says, “Do not think
that I have come to abolish the law and prophets; I have come not to abolish
them but to fulfil them.” When we focus on love of God and neighbor, we cover
all aspects of the law and at the same time, satisfy its purpose. Above all, in
Christ Jesus, observance of the law begins from the heart. That is why the Christian
is expected to be detailed in keeping the commandments as promotes goodness and
does not give room for any form evil.
Therefore, conversion of the heart in love is the bold step
we take in keeping the commandments. Conversion of heart is not just avoidance
of wrongdoing, it means to follow Jesus more closely, to act with the mind of
Christ (1 Cor 2:16). The more the life Christ is promoted in our words and
actions, the more we satisfying every detail of the law.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Wednesday March 15th, 2023.
22nd Lenten meditation
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