During the season of lent we engage in sacrificial and spiritual exercises – going on pilgrimage, doing the way of the cross and holy hour, getting involved in charity, fasting from our favourite food, even quiting bad habits such as the use of alcohol.

These things make us feel spiritual, holy and right with God. These exercises are good but today the Lord is inviting us to dive deeper, to examine our hearts, minds, body and spirit. Instead of focusing on external activities to look within like the tax collector.

Our Lord is not in search of the righteous but the sinner – a true heart of repentance. “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”Luke 15:10 At home we are, our true authentic self – we show our ‘true colours’. We keep this side hidden from the world. It is like we are different people within our social circles –in workplaces, among relations, friends, colleagues/ peers, at church and the community. We choose to behave and project the personality that brings us the best level of respect, appreciation and recognition. We even pretend with God or hide away.

Today we can Come to the Lord just as we are, He loves us – sinful, broken, lonely, anxious, fearful, addicted. ‘Give the Truth of our Hearts to Jesus’. We can open ourselves to receive God into our lives – His love, forgiveness, mercy and healing, poured out on the cross. Christ is asking us today “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

The truth is we prefer to do our spiritual obligations and live life comfortably as we do not want to end up on a cross like Christ. Yet this is our Christian calling when we were baptized. When we truly repent, we hear our Lord’s voice and can rest in His presence irrespective of the challenges we face in life – like Christ at Gethsemane. Ultimately God will be glorified. When we accept Christ into our lives we are transformed, and we become a part of Christ Himself. The Holy Spirit leads us to be more than we can ever be by ourselves.

Prayer: Abba Father, I am a sinner, come and cleanse me, forgive me, take my hand and lead me closer in the waters of healing mercy. Amen