2nd Week of Lent

Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord. 

God doesn’t mince any words here. Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, he laments that his chosen people have committed sins that are “like scarlet” (Isaiah 1:18).   That’s a pretty strong image!   But in addition to calling them out, God is also offering them the opportunity to repent and change.   He sounds like a stern but loving father when he says, “Come now, let us set things right” (1:18).

The Hebrew word for “repentance,” the word Isaiah would have used, is teshuva, or metanoia in Greek.   It literally means to turn back or to turn around and go in a different direction.   This word—along with Isaiah’s prophecy today—shows us that repentance is not just about recognizing our guilt and confessing it.   It also means “setting things right” by taking some kind of action.

In what areas of your life might the Lord be inviting you to turn around?   It may help to use an examination of conscience, such as the one inside the front cover of this magazine.   As you pray, the Holy Spirit may show you some small stuff—areas in your life you’re tempted to overlook or excuse.   Or he may show you something bigger that affects other people and requires significant change.

Whatever the Lord brings to mind, take it to Confession.   Be open and thorough in what you tell the priest.   Receive God’s forgiveness, and then try to “set things right,” even if that means just taking the first step.   It could be trying to repair a relationship by making a difficult phone call.   It could be admitting to your spouse an area of struggle so that he or she can support you as you try to change.

It’s never too late to repent and to ask God to help you turn back to him.   Isn’t that why God sent his Son, Jesus?   No matter what you have done, you can be made “white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).   And with the grace that comes with this sacrament, you will find the strength to turn things around.

Don’t leave God’s mercy on the table.   Take courage and come clean so that he can make you clean.   Then, with his help, you can make things right.

“Lord, how would you like me to set things right?”

Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Matthew 23:1-12