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The First Proclamation
Please read Ezekiel 18/21-28 prayerfully.
The Gospel Proclamation
...Unless your righteous-ness is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to the men of old, You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be liable ... But I say to you that every one who continues to be angry with his brother or harbours malice against him shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin and whoever says ‘You cursed fool’ shall be liable to and unable to escape the hell of fire. So if, when you are offering your gift at the altar you remember that your brother has any grievance against you, leave your gift at the altar and go, first make peace with your brother, and then come back and present your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way travelling with him, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge ... Truly I say to you, you will never be released until you have paid the last fraction of a penny.
Gaze on Jesus
Jesus in no uncertain words states, what matters is not just observance of a law but honesty and sincerity of heart and further more acceptance of guilt giving no reasons. What is pleasing to God is a broken and a contrite heart. He wants us to be honest and sincere to self rather than showing off to outsiders our actions. What is important is to accept humbly our weaknesses and depend solely on God. The words of Jesus “Leave the offering, first go and reconcile with your brother” - This act is more precious than the offering of the gift at the altar. Here Jesus corroborates the fact that action is more important than just thoughts, feelings and emotions. In other words be honest and sincere in words, deeds and thoughts.
Prayerful Awareness
Repentance and the change of one’s heart become more a power than mere performance of a law or principle. If we resort to such actions leaving aside our petty differences, desires and selfishness, the whole of humanity becomes a solid body immune to all types of evils, promoting peace, joy and happiness among men, bringing down God’s blessings on the whole human race and establish on earth the Kingdom of God. As stated in the first proclamation, “For if a righteous man turns away from God he shall die and if a wicked man turns away from evil, he shall live” let us therefore be humble and meek, accept our faults, turn away from evil and rally round God Almighty who is ever ready to rescue us and empower us.
Prayer Starter
Blessed are those who fear God and turn away from evil. May the Holy Spirit enlighten them and fill them with all power to give up all evil and turn to God and experience the steadfast love of God. Amen.
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