The theme that the Church sets for us in the readings today
is “covenant.” These pacts or bonds are woven through the old testament- God
forming agreements with his people. In this particular covenant, God promised
great things to Abraham and his people. He promises descendants, a line of
kings, and land. However, at the end of the first reading, God reminds Abraham
of the people’s pledge: “On your part, you and your descendants after you must
keep my covenant throughout the ages.” (Gen 17:9)
Our God is a loving Father. He desires union with us. In the
Old Testament, he promised land, descendants, and kingdoms. He now, through
Jesus Christ, has formed a new covenant with us in which he offers us
salvation! It is precisely now, at the close of Lent, when we should assess how
our Lent has been. What are those small “covenants” we have formed with God
over the last 40 days? Have we been faithful? If not, why?
As we know, in the Old Testament, God had to renew his
covenant with Israel numerous times. In the same way, now in the New Testament,
he renews his covenant with us in the Sacraments, especially in the Mass, and
when we are repentant in Confession. It is never too late, whether in the
shortfalls of our disciplines of Lent, our habitual sin, or broken
relationships, to renew our covenant with our God. In these last days of Lent,
how can I offer my own preferences, my sacrifices- to complete the great
journey of Lent? Our longing is for that Easter Day, when Christ rose- for the
cross was not the end. After all, it is NEVER too late to renew our
relationship with God. He waits.
-Andy Day
-Andy Day
