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. 
None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him;
    he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced. 
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?

Ezekiel 18: 21-22

Here are the complete readings for Friday, March 14, 2025

(“Repentance” by Elisheva Nesis)

Consider the image above. The person clutches their garment with the left hand, perhaps out of fear. The space is claustrophobic. But look at the person’s eyes. They are not downcast, they gaze with anticipation and hope. They hope for freedom from whatever prison they find themselves at the moment. When we think about conversion and repentance, it can unburden us from our faults and and the shame that comes from these actions. This alone is freeing for the mind and soul. Can we also look at repentance as the opportunity to be freed from the isolation that comes from turning inward in fear when we are invited to join in communion? Can we be free to open ourselves to loving relationships with full knowledge of who we are, with our many gifts and imperfections that make us very ordinarily…human?

In this shared faith of the community
you will experience
the ongoing revelation of Jesus.
I no longer call you slaves,
for a master does not confide in his slaves;
now I call you friends.
You will find
your love and friendship
within the community
one of the chief joys
with which God blesses you,
and a most powerful means of evangelization. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, your forgiveness and invitation to relationship are so profound. We cannot understand the depths of your generosity, but we celebrate that your invitation is constant, daily, and eternal. Help us share this good news with the people we encounter who feel unloved or incapable of being loved. Inspired by your confidence in us, may we be messengers of hope and freedom to cast away despair by helping people open up the windows to their souls.

Amen