Dear friends, as we journey in this season of Lent, we are continually drawn to what is important. The readings of today call our attention to the fact that while we pray, fast and give alms, they must be directed towards ceasing to do evil.
In the first reading of today, the word of God addresses the rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah. The message is “Cease to do Evil.” Do you ever wonder why evil continues to thrive and multiply? Turn on your television and radio, go to your social media platforms and see for yourself. It’s all about the evil and wickedness people melt on themselves. Killings of different kinds, kidnappings, robbing and many more. You then begin to wonder where the world is turning into. Yet, we have many churches all around us. There are many registered and unregistered Churches at our various corners. Why is evil still thriving? What are we not doing well?
In the gospel reading, Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees that these evil thrive simply because they are not true to themselves. They are not genuine. They use religion to oppress the poor and less privileged. They do not practice what they preach.
Dear friends, our fasting, prayers and almsgiving would be useless unless they have transformative effects in our lives. The best way to see this effect is to Cease to do Evil. We cannot serve God and be orchestrators of Evil. We are yet to decide. Evil thrives because you and I have refused to let the world see God.
In this season of Lent, let us truly be transformed that Jesus may be seen.
May the Lord bless His words in our hearts.
The Lord is with you. Amen
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