So many times, I feel the “stern God of the Old Testament” is very different from the “Loving God of the New Testament.”  Yet, when I really read excerpts from both, the message is the same.  I need to follow the rules and turn from evil.  I need to truly look into my heart and understand the times when I am drifting away from the teachings that I know to be true.  Evil is not manifest just in monsters in horror movies.  We are tempted constantly and need to find ways to keep walking the path to our Creator.  Today’s readings from both the Old and New Testaments force me to face this.

The first reading from Ezekiel lays out the promises and consequences

If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 

There is the sense of a stern Father, indeed, yet one who is loving and not malicious rather forgiving and offering options.  And then there is that thing that haunts us/ME . . .  free choice!  There lies the rub, we get to choose.  What will that choice be?  The constant push and pulls, how will we make the choice?  What will we allow to influence us?  Do we shout out about what is fair and unfair as the reading suggests?  Just as our earthly parents will deliver consequences resulting from our choices of behavior, our heavenly Father promises the same.

Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord GOD. 
Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?

How many times did our parents (or us as parents) wisely advise: Make good choices?? Sometimes it is the thought of what our parents (or our beloved grandparents or whoever) would say or think that keeps us in line.  The earthly teachings and influences can lead us in many directions, however, the greatest determining factor in our final destination will be our actual choices. The Psalm used in the Response eloquently reminds us:

If you, O LORD, mark iniquities, LORD, who can stand?
But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered. 
I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in His word.
My soul waits for the LORD more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
    Let Israel [ME] wait for the LORD.
For with the LORD is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption;
And He will redeem Israel [ME] from all their [MY] iniquities.

Like the old game shows, we get to pick the proverbial curtain or door or the clear path, we choose and we will reveal the final prize. For when we decide to turn away from all the sins that he [we have] committed, he [we] shall surely live, he [we] shall not die.
As I complete this first week in Lent, this seems a good guide to my prayers for this time of reflection and asking for forgiveness of my iniquities.  Soon we will witness the ultimate sacrifice of a loving parent and our hope of salvation, still, my choices will be mine own.  I pray that I will be guided by the Holy Spirit!

Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the LORD, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

East to West   to remind me that each day, I make the choice!
Shout to the Lord   to celebrate!!