Repentance, Conversion, The Ark of Salvation

As we begin the Lenten season of penance and conversion, Brother Matthew invites us to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the blessings that flow from sincere repentance. Though God has guided us by His light, redeemed us by His Blood, and strengthened us by His grace, we have often offended His justice. Let us humbly confess our sins, remembering that it is only by the Lord’s mercy that we have not been consumed. In His tender mercy, God continually calls the sinner back to Himself, desiring that all be saved.

God promised Noah that He would never again destroy the earth by a flood. Yet in His justice He has permitted chastisements throughout history. The Roman Empire, once great in power and corruption, was overrun by barbarian invasions, and later many Christian centers of the East fell during the rise of Islam, including Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople. The lesson is sobering: when nations turn from God, they risk grave consequences. Let us therefore make peace with the God we have offended and walk in holy fear until love grows strong enough in our hearts to follow His commandments.