February 26, 2023
“But the gift is not like the transgression. For by the transgression of the one, the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many... For if, by the transgression of the one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ.”
Our journey of Lent begins today, with our familiar practices of prayer, sacrifice and good works. Our customs and devotions mark the way we will live this time of penance and reconciliation. The Word of God, telling of the fall of our human ancestors and the temptations of Jesus in the desert are familiar to us.
May we take a minute to reflect upon the teaching of Paul in his letter to the Romans. Look at the words he uses, the ‘grace of God’, the ‘gracious gift’, ‘overflowing for the many’, that's us.
We begin this time seeking the ‘abundance of grace’ and the ‘gift of justification’, which Jesus won for us, and offers us today. May we move from words to allow the grace of God fill us. May we live each day this week thanking Him for the gift and treasure, the grace of this season.
‘The Lord your God shall you worship and Him alone shall you serve.’
by Rev. William J. Reilly