Lenten Devotion (2) 

1 March 2023

 

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REPENT AND COME BACK

 

Reading: Romans 8:22-23

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St. Paul rightly mentions that the whole world or the whole creation (including human beings) is full of suffering (Romans 8:22-23) caused by countless reasons. Therefore, it is called the wounded world.

 

What is the primary cause or root of the suffering of the world? Different people may have different answers. Yet we people tend easily to blame others apart from ourselves, like Adam and Eve did (Gen 3). In fact, the falling nature of human beings caused by their disobedience to the Word of God makes them unable to cut the root of the suffering.

 

Therefore, even though generations of human beings have been trying to solve the problems of suffering of the world by highest human efforts, it still exists up to this day with its various and advanced forms – increasing numbers of wars, crimes and disasters which have more powerful and more destructed forces are proofs of it.

 

Two scripture passages which we usually read in Lent clearly touched the primary source or root of the suffering of the world – temptation of Satan and disobedience of human-beings (Gen 3); temptation of Satan and Jesus' victory over Satan, the world and the flesh in which sin is deeply rooted (Matt 4:1-11). That is to say, in brief, the root of the suffering of the world is "Satan and Sin" which are also powers, principalities and evil forces (Eph. 6:11-12). Sin is deeply rooted that man cannot overcome it. (Rom 7: 15-24)

 

Without cutting off the roots of all sufferings of the world, Satan and Sin, however we put highest efforts with the best strategies, the most advanced modern technologies etc., the wounded world will hardly be healed. And the sufferings of the whole creation including the sufferings and wounds of our Anglican Communion will not be healed unless we try to cut of the roots of evil, Satan and Sin. 

 

So, what should and must we do? What is the answer? The only answer is " the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ which is the grace of God." (Romans 7:25)

 

Therefore, brothers and sisters let us REPENT and COME BACK together to the FOOT OF THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST.

 

“Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

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With Love and Truth of God

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Contributed by:
The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo. 

Primate of the Church of the Province of Myanmar

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