Ezekiel 18:21-28 / Matthew 5:20-26
Though we have to acknowledge that we are sinners, it is not that we are hopeless sinners.
Because when we believe that Jesus is our Saviour, then we have become hopeful sinners.
And as hopeful sinners, God gives us the grace to strive for holiness.
But even as we strive for holiness, let us remember that the temptation to sin is always lurking around.
The temptation to sin can be so subtle that it can even make us think that we are being better than others.
As the 1st reading warns us, we may be practising integrity, but we may succumb to spiritual pride and begin to criticize others for their faults and failings.
So we may not kill or commit serious mortal sins, but Jesus warned us that even calling others with derogatory names like “fool” or “renegade” is a serious offence.
So, prayer, penance and fasting are meant to make us humble and to be aware of our weaknesses and sinfulness.
To be holy is to pray for ourselves as well as for others that we put our hope in God who help us grow in holiness and to be aware of our weaknesses and sinfulness.