“At that time, Jesus responded to the crowds, saying: ‘Those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them — do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!’” Luke 13:4-5

Am I more righteous than my own neighbor? Shall I boast that my sins are less numerous or less grave than others? Often, as we continue leading sinful lives, we make excuses like “I will repent later” and “I will have the opportunity to confess before death.” In doing so, we offend God with our presumption, and we certainly invite Hell to our doorstep by not repenting now.

Our Lord reminds us this Sunday that our fortune in this life is not directly proportional to the gravity of our sins. When Job was tested before the Lord, it was not a consequence of his sins, for Scripture tells us that he was found blameless and just. Likewise, are those who die of plague, accidents, or natural disaster punished for their sins more than we are? Our Lord reminds us today that accidents and heinous cruelty are inescapable consequences of our fallen world. Let us remind ourselves this Lent to be steadfast in prayer and penance, so that when death arrives at our doorstep, whether in calmness or calamity, we may be ready to face the Lord. “O most merciful God, help me to feel sorrow for my sins, and grant me the grace of final repentance and a happy death”

– Anonymous

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Mt 1:16, 18-21

This is what Joseph heard from an angel in his dream after deciding to divorce Mary quietly when he heard that she was with child. When reading this I am struck by Mary’s faith as she simply said yes to God, knowing that she could be divorced or even stoned to death. She did not rush to look at her calendar or to plan things out to make sure that everything would be okay for her. She simply had faith.

There have been times in my life when I am not sure that God is real and there have been times when no one can convince me otherwise. However, there have also been times in which, although I believe that God is real, I lack faith in Him and what he is willing to do for me. I am someone who can plan more than five four-year plans in minutes, trying to get the best version of what my life would look like and making sure that everything is a safezone for me to thrive. However, my plans often…well, don’t go according to plan, no matter how hard I try to force it. This Lent I am learning to let go of my plans and to have the courage to follow God’s.

– Anonymous