The prophet Isaiah addresses the leaders of Israel, who
were soaked in iniquity. He called them, “rulers of Sodom’, while addressed the
people as “People of Gomorrah!” From the midst of their evil, he invites them
to learn to do good, seek justice, correct oppression and defend the weak. “Come
now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall
become like wool.”
This invitation to repentance is given to us anew through
our Lenten observances. In silence and serenity, the Lord speaks to our hearts
as we take up fasting, prayer and almsgiving. He shows us through our regular
meditation on the Cross of Jesus this season the evil that has ruled us like
the rulers of Sodom, and the sins that have colored our hearts like crimson. The
Lord has pledged to wash us clean like wool, but we must be willing and obedient
to Him.
The strength of this divine invitation to a new life must
now rule our hearts and mind. Religious leaders and political leaders, who ‘sit
on Moses’ seat’ may fail us or scandalize us, but our willingness to do good
and obedience to God’s call will carry us onward. Every leader must lead us rightly to obey the Lord, not to be an obstacle like the rulers of Sodom. Such hypocritical
leaders are often full of themselves, reigning in their pride. Thus, humility
is our escape route from our present-day scribes and Pharisees, and at the same
time, it is the way forward to responding to the divine invitation to repent of
our sins and be cleansed. At the end Jesus says, “Whoever exalts himself will
be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Tuesday March 7th, 2023.
14th Lenten meditation
