Homily – Saturday, 28 February 2026

First Week of Lent
Readings: Deuteronomy 26:16–19 | Matthew 5:43–48

Introduction

My dear friend,

You are not listening to this by accident. On this Saturday of the First Week of Lent, God is speaking directly to you.

Lent is not just a church season. It is a personal invitation. And today’s readings are strong. They stretch you. They challenge you. They call you higher.

Life Story

A little boy once prayed,
“Lord, please make all bad people good… and if You can’t do that, at least make them move to another country!”

We smile — but deep down we understand. Loving “nice” people is easy. Loving difficult people? Yoh… that is another story.

And today, Jesus goes straight there.

The Word

Deuteronomy 26:16–19

Moses tells the people:

“This day the Lord your God commands you to observe these statutes… You shall be a people holy to the Lord.”

Notice something — God does not suggest holiness. He commands it. Not because He is harsh, but because He knows who you are meant to be.

Holiness means belonging fully to God. It means living differently — even when the world lives casually.

God declares:

• You are His people.

• You are treasured.

• You are called to walk in His ways.

Holiness is not about being perfect. It is about being set apart for God.

Matthew 5:43–48

Then Jesus takes it even further:

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Now that is radical.

It’s easy to love those who love you. Anyone can do that. Jesus says even tax collectors do that.

But you — you are called to something higher.

Why?

Because you are a child of your Father in heaven.

God lets the sun rise on the good and the bad. He shows mercy beyond fairness.

And then Jesus ends with a line that sounds impossible:

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

The word “perfect” here means complete. Mature. Whole in love.

In other words:
Grow up into love.

Three Practical Lessons for Your Day

1. Holiness Is a Daily Choice

Today — not tomorrow — choose obedience in one area of your life.
One decision.
One attitude.
One action that says, “Lord, I belong to You.”

2. Pray for One Difficult Person

You already know

Conclusion

My friend,

Lent is not about small adjustments. It is about deep transformation.

Today God reminds you:

• You are His treasured one.

• You are called to holiness.

• You are capable — by grace — of loving beyond what feels natural.

Loving your enemies does not mean approving of wrong. It means refusing to let hatred live in your heart.

That is maturity.
That is holiness.
That is becoming like your Father.

You may not feel ready.
But growth begins with willingness.

Today, choose love — even if it costs you pride.
Choose prayer — even if it stretches you.
Choose holiness — even if it feels uncomfortable.

That is how Lent changes you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You have called me to be Your own.
You have chosen me to walk in Your ways.

Help me to live as Your child today.
Give me courage to choose holiness in small, hidden decisions.

Lord Jesus,
Teach me to love as You love.
When I feel hurt, give me grace not to retaliate.
When I feel anger, give me strength to pray instead.

Make my heart mature in love.
Make me whole.
Make me more like You.

This Lent, do not let me remain the same.
Shape me. Stretch me. Sanctify me.

I belong to You, Lord.

Amen.