It is 10th March 2017. The readings are from Ezekiel 18:21-28; and the Gospel from Matthew 5:20-26. The first reading projects the need for interior conversion. God is not interested in annihilating us when we continue to live in sin. God wants us to return to Him as early as possible. Lent is the time we must return to the Lord. It displeases God when a good person begins to leave what he/she believed once as good and falls prey to the claws of evil that gives pleasure to the body while it pains the being to the core. Our commitment must be noticed in our penance by God and in charitable actions by the other persons. “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” (Ez.18:23). God wants to forgive our sins, we just need to make the crucial decision to submit and surrender to the Lord. None of us go unpunished, if God would treat us according to our sins. It is the mercy and forgiveness of Lord has brought us this far. The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive?” (Ps.129:3). The Gospel reminds us that the need to be reconciled with one another is very vital for our spiritual life. Jesus points out that the origin of sin and the impact of sin is from our being. Our spirit is punished or rewarded for the sins of the body. We get fragmented by the sins. Sin destroys the unity and integrity of body and soul. God is not interested in our offertories when we are not will to offer ourselves for the sake of reconciliation and forgiveness. “So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. (Mt.5:23,24). We will not be able enjoy the mercy of God unless we become merciful to the other person. It is our sole responsibility to change with the grace of God. No one can change until we decide to. Conversion happens when we have communion with God. Without God’s grace, there is no conversion is possible. May the Spirit of God reveal the deep-seated sins never confessed so far in our lives so that we may be reconciled to God as frequently as possible. May you have a good day.