Too Good to be True

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, February 22, 2026:
First Sunday of Lent

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Romans
​5.12, 17-19 (shorter) 

​(For the longer version, see the print edition of Living with Christ.)

Brothers and sisters: Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, so death spread to all people, because all have sinned.

If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all people, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all people. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

Last month, my reflection focused on the poor in spirit and the call to let go of pride and recognize that we are the body of Christ, called to care for one another and accept the care of others. 

This month I am caught by the word ‘righteousness’,  because my brain connects it to an arrogance I am called to let go of in seeking Christ. 

Today’s reading from Romans is clear though; this righteousness is a gift and it is not haughty or proud, because I do not receive it as a form of merit for things I have done. Rather, this righteousness is a given by the Righteous one Himself. It is Jesus who saved me from sin and death. It is Jesus who conquered death and freed all who accept His gift from eternal death.

Life has taught me to stand on my own two feet; to take care of myself and get the job done. I cannot get anywhere in the world if I don’t make it happen. These wordly lessons interfere deeply with my desire to be open to receiving the free gift God desires to pour out in me. I am free to refuse it, but why would I? The world would want me to believe it must be too good to be true, but faith shows me time and again that despite not deserving this gift, it is there for me to receive.

The Lord is inviting me to surrender myself to Him; to allow Him to live and move in my life and that I simply need to say yes to Him. This is not just a one time yes, but I must say yes daily to all that God is giving me. I pray for the grace to trust in His righteousness and salvation. I cannot conquer death, but I love the One who can! 




Sr. Teresa MacDonald

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