The readings for today are very appropriately Lenten. Ezekiel (18:21-28) promises forgiveness for repentant sinners and punishment for sinful righteous folk (presumably those who do not repent). The Psalm (130:1-8) is most encouraging with its assurance that "forgiveness is with the Lord." It paints a lovely picture of our souls that wait for the Lord, full of hope in his steadfast love. Both the prophet's promise and the Psalmist's assurance are comforting words that should encourage us all. Whatever our faults, penance has its upside.
The other passage, from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:21-26), moves in a slightly different direction. The words of Jesus, as usual, have an element of surprise and offer a striking challenge. He sets expectations rather high. We are not even supposed to get angry with one another or say anything nasty about anyone. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has fallen short in these points. Thank goodness for the promises of Ezekiel and the Psalmist! But Jesus does even more than warn against the kind of discourse that is all too common these days. His challenge is even more striking than his prohibition. We are not only supposed to be repentant sinners; we are also called to be dispensers of forgiveness and agents of reconciliation. Being a penitent is easy by comparison!
So Lent, like discipleship in general, has its assurances but also its challenges. May the Lord give us the grace to meet them.
