Redemption

Ash Wednesday, the start of lent saw many flocking to church, the beginning of a period of repentance, a period of forgiveness. A time when most are overcome by the weight of their burden, a time to look to the Saviour, a time to pursue redemption, a time for release from our many struggles .

Leading up to the crucifixion, a time of reckoning, a time to acknowledge our sins and weaknesses, as we seek absolution, a cleansing at the fountain of the Cross. We come as one to the altar, we resort to making deals with the Lord, for freedom from our many bondages, for healing from sickness, for deliverance from financial troubles .

We fall on our knees, swear to work at redeeming ourselves, by offering sacrifices. By abstaining from rich food and drink, from indulging in the lust of flesh, from carnal desires. As we try to buy our stairway to heaven, we promise to be charitable and forgiving, to go on pilgrimages. Even by inflicting pain on ourselves, we try to wash away our sins .

But the Holy Book teaches us that Jesus Christ died to save us ! Why then do we not believe that our freedom from bondage, is bought by the sacrifice of Heaven’s perfect Lamb? Why do we not believe, that Salvation is already ours, and our entry to heaven is secure ? Why do we not believe, that by faith we are redeemed, and by His stripes we are healed ? Why do we still strive for redemption, through our sacrifices, when all we need is to go to the Lord, with a humble and contrite heart ?