In today's readings a choice is put before us - life or death. God's desire for us is life, life in all its fullness. By keeping His commandments and walking in His ways we will experience this life. If we choose to give up our sins of the past and live an upright life all our previous sins will be forgiven. But if we turn away from God and turn to evil how can we experience life?

At the beginning of this Lenten season it is good to look at our lives in the light of these two choices. What in my life leads to life and happiness and what in my life causes me to live in darkness? Each day from the moment we rise we are faced with choices, and it is how we respond to these little choices that help or hinder us when we face more difficult challenges in life. The gospel reading calls us to live in sincerity, not like the scribes and Pharisees whose virtue is only like a veneer, an outward show. We are asked to examine ourselves more deeply and this question is put before us for our reflection. Does my brother or sister hold anything against me? If so then I need to ask forgiveness before I can really offer my gift at the altar. Love is the criterion.