Jesus said, “I tell you, there will be more
joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous
persons who need no repentance."
Lent is a somber and solemn time because we
are remembering the death of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. But Lent is also a time to rejoice because of
what Jesus’ death means to me and you.
Like the angels, we should rejoice each time a person recognize they need
to be forgiven by God and then they go to God for their forgiveness.
Anytime a person repents, the power of the
cross is working because people lives are being transformed in a positive way,
because of what Jesus did for us on the hill called Calvary. So, when we repent
of our sins, our faith is strengthened because Jesus released us from the
burden of sin. And every time we repent, confess our sins, and renew our
commitment to follow Jesus Christ, the devil’s power is broken.
Finally, Lent is also a special time for
meditation, prayer and penitential practices. It’s a time to increase our
understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Lent is a time for us to
rejoice, renew our baptismal vows and recommit to the Christian life.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, every time we repent
give us joy to worship and praise Your holy name. Amen.
