The Third Sunday in Lent (NTA)

1 Peter 4:1-11

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. ³ For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴ With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

⁷ The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Our deeds of darkness will not go unpunished, nor unnoticed. God sees all that you have done. He provides us a list here in the words of St Peter, as well as elsewhere in Scripture. The list should not be confusing. These are the way we act out our sinful life.

Many of us are able to look at a list like this and say we have not really done any of these things. But take another look. "living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry" passions and sensuality seem like vague terms to me covering your many indiscretions. You are a sinner and in need of someone to redeem you.

This almost sounds too simple. But St Peter is making it very simple for you. You are dead and the Holy Spirit comes to wake you to new life. Jesus Christ provides you with life and salvation through his sacrifice for your sin. He knows all your guilt and your full penalty, but his love for you covers your wickedness. There is no greater love than that one would lay down their life for another, or welcome a lost child into their open loving embrace.