In today’s gospel reading (Mt 5:20-26) taken from the Sermon
on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that His Way is not an easy way. It is tempting
to think that it would be better if our religion were less demanding and easier
to practice – and sometimes we even try to make it so.
Although our Lord demands much, He also shows us the Way to
fulfil those demands. In the Sermon on the Mount, He points us to where the key
to this fulfilment is located: the heart. It is from the heart that our motivation,
ideas, and thoughts emanate. So renewing the heart is a key part of the gospel
message, hence why He calls us to repentance and belief.
So we must consistently examine our hearts. From this
examination we must give thanks to God for His grace in the good virtues we
show, and we must confess and ask for forgiveness for the sins we have
committed; not only that, but our relationships with others must come from the
heart. If we even harbour anger against a brother or sister we must be
reconciled. If we are filled with lust towards a brother or sister, then we
must confess the sin - it is adultery in our Lord’s eyes. If we harbour anger
we must deal with that even if we haven’t expressed it.
It is at the level of the heart that we must work, and perhaps
the most important part of that work is confession and thanksgiving. This Lent
why not attend confession more often than you would usually and also make a
point of regularly thanking God for His goodness and His grace at work in your
life?
Fr Ian
