But if the wicked,
turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just,
he shall preserve his life;since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed,
Ezekiel 18:27-28
he shall surely live, he shall not die.
The peace of the Lord be with you.
Both readings for today deal with issues of justice and righteousness. Both justice and righteousness must go beyond the surface of our lives and into the very depths of our heart. When these things are anchored in our heart they become manifested in the way we live and how we conduct ourselves.
The reading from Ezekiel today reminds us that doing things properly and living according to God’s law gives life. Those things that are contrary to God’s law create destruction and death. These are not things that God besets on us. No, God tries in every way possible to soften our hearts with his love and turn us toward ways that are life-giving. We do, however, have a free will that permits us to choose, but that free will must be informed by a good conscience. As always this is not something that we can do on our own; we need God’s grace and assistance to aid us in our journey throughout our life.
Today, may our hearts be open to this love, to this direction that provides life, not only for ourselves, but for the world at large. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.