LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Lenten Exercises: Meditatively praying the mystery of the day with some charitable works.

Theme: It is time to go back...

"I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you." (Luke 15:18)

The theme for today's reflection called to mind the conclusion made by a man who having made effort to create comfort zone for himself, unfortunately being left in the crossroad of life. Having looked back, he found no solace, peace and tranquillity. This gives a true picture of our soul after baptism, the serenity we enjoyed while with God. But along the line, sins as a result of our frailty stole this peace of mind from us and left us with restlessness. 

In the light of this, that Evangelist Luke reminded us the Biblical story of the prodigal son who having squandered his life-inheritance decided to go back to his father.

"I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you." (Luke 15:18)

At this point in time, there must have been many thoughts in his mind, such as if I go back, and I am being rejected. Where will I go from there? Amidst this and many other thoughts, he made a bold step to forge ahead.

That bold step is what the Church is inviting us to take in the course of this long penitential walk with the Lord. No matter how grievous we  may think our sins are, God is ever ready to forgive us provided we approach Him with a contrite heart and resolve not to do it again. 

To buttress this point, the Psalmist says:

"For as the heavens are high above the earth, so strong his mercy for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far from us does he remove our transgressions." (Psalm 103:11-12).

Therefore, we need to take this bold step as soon as possible, to be more united with Him, who is our "all" and "all".

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who grant us by glorious healing remedies while still on earth, to be partakers of the things of heaven, guide us, we pray, through this present life and bring us to that light in which you dwell. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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