Dire Implications
Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel,
each one according to his ways, says the Lord God.
Turn and be converted from all your crimes,
that they may be no cause of guilt for you.
Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed,
and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Why should you die, O house of Israel?
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,
says the Lord God. Return and live! (Ez 18:30-32)
We learn, from a very young age, to do things for ourselves. We pick and choose so that we get what we want. We do things, on a regular basis, for our own benefit.
Many times, we do things even at the expense of others. As long as we make out good, that’s all that matters to us. Why should we care if someone else got hurt in the process? They need to take care of themselves. We’re taking care of ourselves.
That’s what we often learn — and often act — at any rate
But, what if we were accountable for all those times that we hurt others just to get ahead?
What if?
There is no what if.
We are accountable.
The prophet Ezekiel told his people, thousands of years ago, to turn and be converted from the things that they had been doing wrong because they were on their way to everlasting death. Ezekiel reminded his people that God does not desire the death of His people. God desires life for all of His children.
However, God will not force Himself on us. If we want to choose sin — and, consequently death — that is our choice.
What will you do? Return and live? Or continue going against the Lord and risk eternal death?
FAITH ACTION: Saturday afternoon, confession is available at most parishes. If you realize the need, make time and go. Confessions at St. Thomas More are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Saturday.