The Power of Turning away from Sin

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - 1st Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:20-26*

*First Reading : Ez 18:21-28*

*The Power of Turning away from Sin*

*1) Major Turning Point*

The first reading of the day from the Book of Ezekiel, has a very important point 

This important point can be considered as *Turning Point*

This Turning point takes a complete *U Turn* from evil ways to Good Life 

*2) The Power of Turning Point*

The turning point is seen in the following words from Ezekiel *If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed*

So it is turning from Sin to Holy life 

It is turning from wicked to virtuous  life 

This turning point has terrible power and far reaching consequences in ones life 

The power of this turning point can be seen in the following things 

*A)None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him*

God will forget all the crimes, evil things, wicked things so far committed

*B) He/She shall surely live, he shall not die*

One will not be destroyed but one will be saved for eternity 

This is the power of the *Turning Point*

*3) Lent and Turning Point*

The season of Lent primarily aims at this particular turning point in our life 

The mood of Lent and the various spiritual exercises, which we undertake help us to have this turning point in our life 

*4) Turning Point in my Life*

As we reflect about this passage and the turning point in our life, which are the areas in my life need, a real *U turn*

U turn from greed to generosity

U turn from anger to patience

U turn from hatred to Love

U turn from revenge to Forgiveness

U turn from gossip to good news

U turn from jealousy to cooperation and appreciation

U turn from selfishness to selflessness

U turn from bodily passions to spiritual things?  

*5) Am I ready for a U Turn?*

As the first reading of today highlights the importance of turning away from sin and its benefits, am I ready for a change in my life?

If Yes, what measures I am taking to have this *U Turn*?

Without turning away from sin I will be perished. 

So what do I prefer?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*