The of Life

 

      13th March 2026

      The Word of Life 

    One who keeps the Law multiplies offerings; one who follows the commandments offers         communion sacrifices. 2 Proof of gratitude is an offering of fine flour, almsgiving a sacrifice         of praise. 3 To abandon wickedness is what pleases the Lord, to give up wrong-doing is an      expiatory sacrifice. 4 Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord’s presence; for all these             things are due under the commandment. 5 The offering of the upright graces the altar, and         its savour rises before the Most High. 6 The sacrifice of the upright is acceptable, its                 memorial will not be forgotten. 7 Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits      you bring. 8 Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.     9 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, as generously as your means can afford; 10             for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over.  (Sirach 35:1–10,             NJB)

• The Lord is requesting that we abide by the law and commandments. Jesus did not come into the world to eliminate the law; rather, he came to fulfil it. Therefore, Christians' lives are closely linked to obedience to the Lord's commands and regulations. Scripture makes it quite plain that obeying the law increases the offerings we make to the Lord. It is similar to fully participating in Holy Mass, the spiritual communion with the Lord, when we do the commandments. Lent serves as a reminder of all the wonderful things that the Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished for us. The Lord Jesus, who was born, died on the Cross, and rose from the dead for us, is the real salvation that God the Father brought. The Lord will be pleased if we give up wicked ways, and refraining from wrongdoing will serve as an expiatory sacrifice. My child, have you sinned? Do so no more, and ask forgiveness for your previous faults………………. (Sirach 21:1-3 NJB) Ask the Lord every time for the forgiveness of our sins, and keep away our mind and body from the sinful ways. 

• The Lord is telling us not to approach Him empty-handed, that is whatever the blessings and talents God has given to us, we have to use it for the glory of God. Lord, I ask your forgiveness for my negligence in doing Your will. Whatever we do, everything is due according to the commandments of God. When we do our sacrifices uprightly, it will grace the altar and will be pleasing to God. Thanksgiving is the biggest sacrifice we are offering to our God. Our uprightness matters in front of the Lord, and its memorial will not be forgotten. Honor our Lord generously by doing the things He entrusted to us, and we honour Him by remembering His blessings and glorifying Him for the wonders and miracles He has done in our life. The Lord is so generous towards us, so give Him back generously without any measures and He is a good rewarder.