Thursday, March 2, 2023

THE HIGHER RIGHTEOUSNESS

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

Let us meditate on the message from the prophet Ezekiel that if a wicked man turns away from his evil ways and begins to do what is lawful and right, he shall surely live. “For the righteousness which he has done he shall live.” On the other hand, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity and does the same abominable things that the wicked man does, he shall die. So, the choice of life or death is within our reach. And this Lenten season, we are urged to repent of our evil ways, choose righteousness and live. Moreso, we should deepen our choice and commitment to righteousness through our Lenten observances.

In gospel, Jesus talks about that level of righteousness which exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. These men were known for their hypocrisy; they were inconsistent and dishonest in their practice of righteousness. A righteousness that is practiced for people to see, which is selective and selfish, cannot bring life. A man who has chosen to serve the Lord and live a righteous life, should allow every aspect of his life, and all his life, to be soaked in righteousness. Thus, to avoid shifting from righteousness to wickedness, man must aim at the higher righteousness centered on Christ Jesus. From within, in the silence of his heart, a man inclines his heart and mind to righteousness, obeys the law and does the right thing. This too is how a wicked man can be pulled out from his wickedness to righteousness.

 

In the higher righteousness, obeying the law and doing the right flows from within, and it is not externally influenced. It becomes part of one’s life. So, where the law says, “You shall not kill”, the higher righteousness inclines you to be reconciled with one another always and live in peace. This higher righteousness is heavenly; it unlocks the kingdom of heaven for us, bringing among us the reign of God and leading us to heaven. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday March 3rd, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

10th Lenten meditation

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