THE PENANCE OF GIVING
As we get set for the Lenten season, the gospel reading of today is very apt to introduce and remind us of what we already know. 

Just as a man came to Jesus to ask what to do so as to inherit eternal life, we too are to be very concerned about our lives and how the type of life we live will determine our destiny. We should take the commandments of God more serious, we should avoid occasions of sin, and work towards perfection. Today we hear Jesus tell the man that it is not enough to just observe the ruled, he has yo go the extra mile of giving to those in need.

Generosity or almsgiving which is one of the tenets of the lenten season, is very much emphasized by Jesus in the gospel reading. Jesus told the man to go and sell all he had and give it to the poor and then come and follow him. 

Charity is a penance that can atone for our sins. It is a sign of God's love and compassion showed to those in need, especially those who are not opportune or lucky enough. St Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4:8, that love covers a multitude of sin. The man in the gospel who refused to give to the poor, went away sad. May we be truly reconnected to God this lenten season. Amen. 

*Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP*