"The dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live" (Jn. 5:25). Although we live for the Lord (Rom. 14:8), our sins lead us to the grave and threaten our inheriting the promise of eternal life. Since Jesus does what He sees His Father doing (Jn. 5:19), then the Father who "spoke" life into existence, is now imitated by the Son who speaks His word of mercy and new life. Lent invites us to focus on our sins so that we may be more attentive to the voice of Jesus who saves. He speaks but are we listening and responding? God wants us to enjoy the gift of peace through His forgiveness and our conversion. But do we want this gift, and are we prepared to align our lives to His word and will? Listen to the Lord, and allow His word to wash away all our sins. Speak Your word of mercy and life Lord, and help me to listen and respond for Your glory. Amen.