Reflection for Friday of the First Week of Lent

Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030212.cfm

"Jesus said to his disciples: 'I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.'"

What type of righteousness is Jesus referring to in the above passage?  He is referring to one that begins in the heart and flows outward to virtuous deeds, rather than one that is merely outward.  The scribes and Pharisees had reduced holiness to the outward observation of minute and detailed rules, and they thought their good works obligated God to reward them with eternal life.  However, they ignored the sinful attitudes and perspectives they had in the heart.  For example, they thought they could hate others passionately, but as long as they did not physically kill them, they were not guilty of sin.  They were outwardly very religious; but their hearts were full of pride, selfishness, greed, envy, and hatred.  Jesus makes it clear in today's Gospel that this perspective is, at best, only partially true.  The heart counts just as much as the works.

During Lent, it is good for us to perform the works of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving; but we must not forget that they do not mean much if they do not flow from a repentant and pure heart.  We must also avoid the perspective that thinks that our Lenten disciplines put God in a position where he owes us heaven.  Strictly speaking, God owes us nothing.  He is pleased to reward that which he works in us, but we can never manipulate God with religiosity to the point where he becomes our debtor.

This Lent, may God give us the strength and wisdom to focus on our inner life so that our good works will flow from hearts that have been renewed by God's love.