“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.”
Woah. Is Christ saying here that unless I am holier than the people who kept all the rules, I’m not going to Heaven? That sounds like a kind of perfectionism that I’m just never going to obtain. But, as I reflect further, it is clear that acting morally or righteously is the natural outgrowth of a burning love for the Lord–something I definitely desire.
He is calling each of us to “cast away from you all the crimes you have committed and make for yourselves a heart and a new spirit.”
In other words, our God is a God of mercy who isn’t keeping a tally sheet of our transgressions, but is constantly offering us an opportunity to cultivate a “new spirit”, a spirit that seeks an Encounter with Him in all that we do.
As the editor of Human Life International’s Truth and Charity Forum, I recently ran a series on the way that we vote as Catholics that really challenged me. I realized that while I was very familiar with parts of the Church’s rich teaching (for example, on marriage and religious freedom), I knew very little about other aspects (like the environment and human labor). If I truly want to live out my faith, to invigorate my spiritual life, there are some areas I need to rededicate myself to.
While I have given things up this Lent, I am finding that my focus is increasingly on drawing closer to the Lord during this time and opening my heart to this “new spirit” rather than just following the letter of the law. Consider joining me in praying today that God will open our eyes to what righteousness really means and that we might be like the wicked man in the first reading who, if he repents, “shall live because of the virtue he has practiced.”
Caitlin Bootsma is the editor of the Truth and Charity Forum. Read articles on life, marriage, family and faith or sign up for our newsletter here.
Hi Caitlin,
I converted two years ago and have been blessed with a daily strengthening faith.
However, unbelievably, I have never gone to confession, not even before my first communion.
As a baptised methodist I have struggled with the concept and necessity of confession.
Your article suddenly shone a light on why Catholics go to confession. The phrase “casting away…..” instantly sent an arrow into me.
It’s very funny how I read about confession = renewal dozens of times but it didn’t hit home. I guess I’m ready now.
Thank you, Martine
Amen Amen ♡ Please Pray for All those Suffering Physically Mentally and Spirituality Throughout the World! Amen