Lord Teach Me Your Path

Saturday after Ash Wednesday 

Isaiah 58:9-14
Psalm 85(86):1-6
Luke 5:27-32

The scriptural guidance from God regarding interpersonal conduct is remarkably straightforward and devoid of complexity. As illustrated in today’s reading from Isaiah, the core directive is unmistakable: cease harm against one another and extend care to the marginalized.

Despite this clarity, there tends to be a prevailing interpretation of divine instruction that emphasizes the necessity of ritualistic practices, the donning of specific religious attire, and the recitation of particular formulaic prayers to attain divine approval.

While these rituals may facilitate receptivity to God’s love, we must question whether such actions encompass the fullness of God’s intent. At the heart of His message is the command to love one another as He loves us, exemplified through the sending of His Son, who perpetuated this fundamental teaching.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus articulates His mission as one directed toward those who recognize their shortcomings. He states, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Acknowledging our failures in meeting divine expectations is a critical first step in the process of repentance that Jesus advocates. He embodies the hope assigned to all generations.

The righteousness exhibited by the scribes and Pharisees during Christ’s time was deemed insufficient then, and it remains inadequate today. Contemporary followers can often be overly critical of those who do not conform to the accepted standards of righteousness as established by specific groups. Additionally, we may fall into the trap of self-justification, mistakenly believing that observance of scripture alone merits divine reward, when in fact it is grace alone that grants eternal life.

To fulfill God’s requirements, we must pursue a righteousness that transcends mere human evaluation, as was exemplified by the religious leaders of Christ’s era. This calls for an inward transformation that moves beyond external displays of piety. We are challenged to go above and beyond in our commitment to divine will, turning adversity into opportunities for good and embodying love in its fullest form. This aligns with Christ’s earnest wish for humanity.

My prayer is for the insight to heed God’s unequivocal message and the resolve to implement it in my life. May we receive the grace to steward wisely what has been entrusted to our care, acknowledging our accountability in these matters. Let us seek divine oversight as we navigate our responsibilities, and may God’s guidance be ever present in our lives. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho