Sunday, September 15, 2019

"Put your sin in the Chalice for the precious blood to wash away. One drop is capable of washing away the sins of the world.” - Mother Teresa.

We live in a sin-sick society with a suffering humanity where human dignity, family bonds, marital unions, societal cohesion, etc have been disintegrated. This owes to that fact that we not only ”proudly” glorify our sinful ways but also boldly justify our blatant wrongs. In the name of ”my right and my liberty” our religious (societal) values and moral principles have been compromised and reduced to ”doing what pleases me” concept. But the consequences are disastrous more than the good we thought it would be.

The episode of our first reading showcases the character and attitude of the Israelites in turning away from the precepts of God into paganism and idolatry, when Moses had gone to bring the commandments from God. This engendered the wrath of God to punish them. Moses’s intercession calmed and changed the plan of God. 

There are many times we have behaved like the Israelites in transgressing from the tenets of our faith; but there is still  hope for us to get back to God. For some of us; due to a goofy mistake you did, a temptation you fell prey to, a sin you deliberately committed , a decision (action, plan, desire, etc) you mischievously undertook: ever since, your conscience kept on hunting you and it's been giving you sleepless nightmares. Because of that you hate everything around you, including even your very own self. You think you can not be forgiven! But, I must tell you that it is not about what you think, it is rather about your readiness to embrace mercy and forgiveness. Your effort is needed. Take the first step (repentance) and God will supply the rest. God hates the sin in you, but He loves you, the sinner. You need not ever and should never despair!

Beloved one's in Christ, the Apostle Paul, in our second reading uses himself as a living testimony of the mercy and love of God. So there is no sin that is greater than the Divine mercy. All that you need is to repent from your sinful ways, trust and believe in God. He is a God of infinite mercy who loves with a love we can not grasp. Where there is a will there is a way. Be grateful to the Lord for His enduring mercy.

Jesus Christ in the gospel reading uses the parable to drive home the Divine intent for us. That is, not to lose any of us, and His goal is that we will turn away from our sinful ways. He delights that we be good. Remember what the Lord says, ”if the wicked (sinner), however, renounces all sins he has committed, respects my laws and is law-abiding and upright, he will most certainly live because of his upright actions.” (Ezekiel 18:21) Simply avoid the usual justification and glorification of your wrongs (sins), only accept and be ready to rise and go to the Father. Your story will change, your life will never be the same. There is nothing impossible before God. Just be courageous to say, ”it is enough!” This is what the Saints did. Are you ready to be one?

Let’s meet at Church. 

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Fr. Emmanuel

Readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time