Jesus made Lazarus rise from the dead but it is not only him who was dead. People who live in mortal sin completely cut off their relationship with God. In turn, they live but their hearts and souls are no longer alive. Yet we should not fear because God is both Mercy and Love. We must pray fervently for ourselves, others and the world especially those who do not pray and are far away from God. We shall also save our souls if we do this spiritual act of mercy consistently.

There are many who were already spiritually dead – the worst of sinners, who came back to life redeemed in Christ because of the prayers of others. Now, in this time of Lent, God also tells us that no matter how dead we are to sin, God can make us new persons again. He is our Resurrection. It can happen now to a person who sincerely confess his sins with a repentant heart – a heart that truly sees its mistakes and a heart that truly humbles itself before God. God is not angry with sinners but is still loving them, and awaiting them patiently so they could return to Him. 

As long as we return to God our Father through the Church, specifically the sacrament of Confession and do it well, our sins will be erased. We can start again in Christ. We can love God again like never before. We can do good works again out of love and speak good things instead of hatred. These can be overturned as long as we still have life lived with God through the Church.

Now is the period of our spiritual renewal. We cannot enter the Holy Week and the Paschal triduum if we are still inflated with ego, pride, and self-centeredness. These block the graces of God that lead us to become dead inside. What will make us spiritually alive again is to turn away from sin and temptations, however hard it may be. May we remember to ask God to reveal our wrongdoings and for His help to amend our lives. It is never too late while we still live and breathe. May we do this now while we have time so we will have no regrets whatever happens in our lives, even towards the end of it.

Amen. +

Marga de Jesus | OLA Social Communications