God Who Keeps Covenant

 

To you, O  Lord, belongs righteousness.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of 2nd Week of Lent B, February 26th, 2024
Texts: Daniel 9:4-10; Psalm 79:8-9,11,13; Luke 6:36-38 

Prophet Daniel reminds us, today, that we have God who keeps covenant and shows mercy. He affirms that the recipients of God’s mercy and faithfulness are those who love him and keep his commandments. He puts it thus: “O  Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and merciful love with those who love him and keep his commandments”. If we are to enjoy God’s faithfulness and mercy, we are to love Him and keep His commandments.  

Prophet Daniel acknowledges that the problem we have is with us, not with God. He says, “To you, O  Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us confusion of face”.  He also says, “We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances; we have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name”. We break the covenant with God and deny ourselves of His mercy. 

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful

It is now time to turn to God, mend our covenant with Him and seek His mercy. Jesus Christ tells us what to do: "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back." 

Prayer 

O God, who have taught us to chasten our bodies for the healing of our souls, enable us, we pray, to abstain from all sins, and strengthen our hearts to carry out your loving commands. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke