Vol. 13, No. 2, April, 2008

Turn From Sin and Live
by Sr. Brigid Meierotto, S.N.C.

In this teaching, we will accept the word of God, the Scriptures into our hearts and minds, letting them be light to us. The Scriptures are the inspired word of God which has the power to accomplish what it says, for us. Yes, for us, right here. Right now!

The Scripture we are reflecting upon is Ez.18:25-32; Phil. 2:1-11; Mt. 21:28-32. Read these passages slowly, prayerfully.

As you read the Scripture, in your heart ask the Holy Spirit to explain to you the message that the Lord has for you personally. Do not doubt that the Lord Jesus will do this for you, because that is why he came, so that you can get to know and to love Jesus. "These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:25f). Ask the Holy Spirit what you expect from him...something like this: "O Holy Spirit, Jesus said that you would teach me all things and I believe him. Teach me how to turn from sin and live! Teach me how to put my trust in Jesus. Teach me to love Jesus with my whole heart, giving him praise and adoration with every breath! Thank you, O Holy Spirit."

The Lord loves you, he wants you to live, not die! He wants to lift you out of trouble. He wants you to preserve your life, not throw it away.

In the prophet Ezekiel the Lord says, turn from your sin, whatever it is: pride, anger, selfishness, conceit, do what is right and just and you will live. "Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of any one, says the Lord GOD; so turn, and live."

What a consoling prophecy! The Lord assures us that he has no pleasure in the death of anyone. The Lord is our creator who has given us life -- he loves us and so he is telling us, "...turn, and live!"

Is it possible to turn from our sin? Is it possible to change? Can I really be healed of the sin in my life, of the evil? Yes it is! I can be healed because of Jesus!

The Father sends his only beloved son, Jesus. Jesus filled with compassion for us, humbles himself, is obedient to death on the Cross so that we can have his Spirit and live!

Jesus knows us so well! In the parable he tells us in Matthew's Gospel, the first son says. "I'm not going to work in that vineyard today!" But his conscience bothers him, he changes his mind, and he goes to the vineyard. Does this ever happen to you? Thank God for a good conscience! The Lord gives us wonderful opportunities to test our love for him and for our neighbors.

Change is possible! It is not too late to change our minds and believe that Jesus is Lord. It is not too late to believe that my whole life is dependent on Jesus. It is not too late to look to the interests of others as well as our own! Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Closing prayer: Thank you, Spirit of love, for teaching me to turn from sin and to live. Continue to teach me about getting myself a new heart and a new spirit so I can live the new life of God's love poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us! Now the prayer to Mary: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus! Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen!"