Sometime when I engage a penitent in conversation, I reference a thought I either heard or read by Matthew Kelly, the Australian Catholic motivational speaker, who talked about our having a good self, a better self, and a best self.
The subject of sin is prominent in the Scriptures today.
Hamlet was quoted as saying “To be or not to be? That is the question."
Well today God is saying, “To sin or not to sin? That is the question." Do what is right and just and you will find contentment, peace, satisfaction, a life that is meaningful. Some people prefer to engage in actions and activities that are not life giving consequently we are hearing today that eternal life will not be an option for them unless they repent.
We heard God say today in the reading from Isaiah that he didn’t enjoy having to take actions that some think are unfair. It reminded me of two of my older brothers who regretted the punishments they meted out to their first-born sons whose behavior at times needed correcting. Poor Aaron was told to stand in the corner but appears to be none the worse for it today and it may well have contributed to achieving his best self.
The psalmist today displayed a healthy understanding of sin and our capacity to sin when he said, “God if you noted all our transgressions none of us would be worthy of you”. He spoke about a God who was forgiving, kind, who rescued us from our transgressions.
As for Jesus and his take on sin, in the gospel today he is telling us not to settle with just being good. We are capable of being better and yes there is also a best self within our grasp. Jesus told his disciples on many occasions not to look to the Pharisees or the scribes as models. They were masters of the half measure. Not so with my followers, Jesus says.
He then proceeds to give six examples of what you could expect from a person who is intent on achieving his best self. Jesus begins, “you have heard it said, …but I say to you.” Jesus is telling his disciples that you will have to go that extra mile.
As an example, Jesus used the law of Moses that forbids killing but Jesus’ command is to diffuse anger and work toward reconciliation before the situation has accelerated to a dangerous state. Avoid insulting one another. Do not let things go to the extreme of needing to go to court. Do unto others what you would have them do to you.
Lent, it is the journey in quest of our best self.
