A Change of Heart: From Sin to New Life

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A Change of Heart: From Sin to New Life

Readings: 

First Reading -  Ezekiel 18: 21 -28
Responsorial Psalm -  Psalm 130: 1 -5. 7 -8
Glory and Praise  -  Ezekiel 18: 31
Gospel Reading  - Matthew 5: 20 - 26


Today’s readings speak powerfully about repentance, mercy, and true righteousness. They remind us that no one is trapped in their past — God always leaves room for conversion.

In Ezekiel 18: 21–28, the Lord gives a message of great hope:

If the wicked turn away from all their sins… they shall surely live; they shall not die.

This is one of the most comforting truths in Scripture. God does not delight in punishment. He desires repentance. He wants transformation. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God makes it clear: your past does not define your future. What matters is the direction of your heart today.

Sometimes we carry guilt for mistakes we have made. Sometimes we label ourselves by our failures. But God does not fix us to our worst moments. If we turn back to Him sincerely, He wipes the slate clean.

Later in Ezekiel 18:31, the Lord pleads:

Cast away from you all the transgressions… and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

God invites us to participate in our own renewal. Grace is freely given, but we must choose to receive it. Conversion requires action — letting go, confessing, forgiving, and beginning again.

The cry of the psalmist in Psalm 130 beautifully echoes this longing:

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

This is the prayer of someone who knows their need for mercy. It is honest. It is humble. And it is hopeful:

With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.

No depth is too deep for God’s mercy. No sin is stronger than His love.

Then in the Gospel, Matthew 5:20–26, Jesus challenges us even further. He says our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. This means faith is not about external appearances. It is about the heart.

Jesus moves beyond the commandment “You shall not kill” and addresses anger, insults, and broken relationships. In God’s kingdom, harboring resentment matters. Speaking hurtful words matters. Reconciliation matters.

He even tells us that if we are bringing our gift to the altar and remember someone has something against us, we must first go and be reconciled.

This is powerful. It means worship without love is incomplete. Prayer without forgiveness is hollow. God cares not only about what we do — but about how we treat one another.

Reflection for Our Lives

  • Do I believe that God truly forgives my past when I repent?

  • Am I willing to “make a new heart” by letting go of old sins?

  • Do I cry out to God from my depths, or do I hide in shame?

  • Is there someone I need to forgive or seek reconciliation with?

Lent — and every day of discipleship — is about turning back. It is about choosing life over death, mercy over bitterness, humility over pride.

God does not trap us in condemnation. He invites us into transformation.

Today, let us cry out from our depths. Let us trust in His mercy. Let us seek reconciliation. And let us allow Him to create in us a new heart and a new spirit.

Lord, from the depths we call to You. Wash us clean. Remove our anger. Heal our relationships. Give us a new heart, and lead us into life. Amen.

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