Ezekiel speaks of our relationship with God. Our first relationship with God is that of creature with Creator. But we are fallen creatures, and so now our relationship takes the form of reconciliation, turning away from evil. Moreover, it is not enough to turn once away from evil: we must be continually turned towards God. Hence, God's demands on both the sinner and the just person are clear. God calls upon sinners to turn away from sin and evil and be reconciled with Him. The demands upon those who are just, those who have already become reconciled, are just as clear. They must persevere in this just way of life. They must continue to live a life of virtue. It is through the practice of virtue that we live. Through the saving grace won for us in Christ, we who were created as mere creatures can now live, not merely as creatures, but as children of our heavenly Father.

The Day of Atonement was an important part of religion in the Old Testament. Since Friday commemorates the day on which Jesus died, every Friday and especially this first Friday of Lent, is a day of atonement for us.