Saturday of the 1st week of Lent 


Deuteronomy 26:16-19

Matthew 5:43-48


ABIDE IN GOD’S PERFECT LOVE


There are lots of meanings of what perfection stands for but we say that something is perfect when it is in its pure and complete state. It could also refer to the end of all that is good or be all of something. There is nothing more to add. It is a static, unchanging state of being. Jesus tells us today to be perfect like the heavenly Father. The God whom Jesus calls “Father” is superlative, and all-expansive in love. God’s perfection means there is always room for more!” Our God possesses us as His own; called to walk, daily, in God’s ways and be co-heir in heaven. Our God is ever-forgiving, ever-desiring, calling forth our love in every circumstance, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.




In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus deepened the Law, in contrast to the literal, perhaps even smug interpretation of the Torah by the scribes and Pharisees, and by extension our understanding of the Commandments. Love is the perfect way of freedom.  So rather than coming to a state of completion or perfection, we are called today and tomorrow, to remain on the way, that every circumstance would continue to stretch us with the capability of loving more and more. 


The Lord wants us to go the extra mile. Go deeper, Jesus urges us.  He calls us, not merely to obey the letter of the law, but to go the extra mile.  Exercise out even those negative attitudes, hurtful and ugly feelings, and the negative energies that can lead us to violate those commandments.  Begin with love and reconciliation, faith and confidence. Interestingly, the early second-century catechism, the Didache, applies this same principle to the Eucharist: “Let no one who quarrels with his fellow join you, until they have been reconciled, so that your sacrifice may not be defiled” (Did. 14:2). THEREFORE BE  PERFECT LIKE YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER  IS PERFECT 



Lent is more than checking and cleaning our boxes.  Jesus demands more.  Our Lenten journey of 40 days is a time to shake out of our smugness and secure our relationship with God.  This is a time of challenge, purification, and testing.  Love and reconciliation are the best ways – ultimately the only way – we can prepare for and experience true resurrection. Therefore, Pray for those who persecute you.  Be perfect like your Heavenly Father is perfect 




PRAYER


May God deliver our blessings into our hands. May he find our homes and hearts pleasing for him to stay. May victory be always ours and may we have a grateful heart for love becomes perfect through gratitude.



Happy weekend and God bless



Comments

  1. JudonFebruary 24, 2024 at 8:52 AM

    Thanks padre this homily consoled my health issues.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ChidozieFebruary 24, 2024 at 9:34 AM

    Amen. Happy weekend Padre

    ReplyDelete
  3. Flora OdiachiFebruary 24, 2024 at 3:17 PM

    Amen Thank you Padre for today's Reflections of God's love for humanity

    ReplyDelete

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