Friday 19th February – Friday of the 1st week of Lent

Reflection: Matthew 5:20-26

THE DEMANDS OF THE KINGDOM

The Kingdom of God is a delicate matter which every serious Christian should pay keen attention to. This Kingdom demands that we live beyond the standards of this world. For instance, the standard of the world is to “be good to only those who are good to you”. But for a Christian, we are called to something much higher because the scripture enjoins us to “love our enemies, bless those that curse us and do good to them that hate us…” (Matthew 5:44). Often, we find ourselves falling short of this Kingdom standard. Hence, what must we do?

First we must acknowledge our weaknesses before God and implore the help of the Holy Spirit. One of the reasons why God gave us His Holy Spirit is to convict us of righteousness. (John 16:8). Beloved, what this means is that you will no longer try to be righteous by your own strength or human will, rather the Holy Spirit will teach you a new pattern of righteousness that comes from intimacy with Him. Dear friends, hatred and malice are never to be found in the rank of a Christian. Why not turn to the Holy Spirit today, He is ready to help you; He is ready to pour into your heart the love of God that stands above any form of pride, anger, envy or any vice that seeks to drain us of God’s love and mercy.

PRAYER: Precious Holy Spirit, I acknowledge your presence in me and ask you to help me shed off every weakness of character in my life this day. Please grant me the grace to cooperate with you in this purpose. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 112 – What will it be like when Christ judges us and the whole world?

“Even Christ cannot help someone who does not want to know anything about love; such a person judges himself.

Because Jesus Christ is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6), He will show what is of lasting value in God’s sight and what is not. Held up to the standard of His life, the full truth about all people, things, thoughts, and events will come to light.

HIDE A TREASURE: “If thou, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Psalm 130:3 RSV

Readings for today: Ezekiel 18:21-28; Psalm 130:1-5, 7-8; Matthew 5:20-26