Deuteronomy 26:16-19 / Matthew 5:43-48
The season of Lent has a penitential character to it.
There is an emphasis on doing penance and making sacrifices, as well as fasting and to meditate on the sufferings of Jesus, especially in the devotion of the Way of the Cross.
All that have the objective of preparing ourselves for a renewal of faith as we journey on towards Easter.
This renewal of faith must begin from the covenantal relationship between God and us, and that is expressed in the 1st reading.
God takes us as His people and we pledge obedience and faithfulness to God by following His ways, keeping His statutes, His commandments and His ordinances.
But going further beyond what is required by the Lord our God, we also need to enter into a love relationship with God.
It is with love that we internalise what is required of us and we slowly grow into communion with God, to be what God is.
God is love and faithfulness. He is merciful, compassionate and forgiving.
More than just keeping to what God requires of us, we must grow to be like God.
As we journey on in Lent, may we enter deeper into God's love and strive to be perfect as He is perfect.