Homily
for July 12, 2017
It
was Sir Isaac Newton that said: “To every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction.” In other words, it is how you lay your bed that you lie on
it. Yes, God is merciful but sin has its consequences.
There
is a reward for good and there is surely a punishment for evil. If we boldly
and wilfully commit sin with the sheer assumption that no matter what, God will
forgive us, let us remember that God cannot be deceived. He knows our hearts
and will surely make us face the rewards of our sinful acts.
When
Joseph’s brothers were being wicked to him, they felt they could cut short his
dreams but unknown to them, they were indirectly making those dreams a reality.
Dear friends, wickedness does not pay. The statement of Ruben in today’s first
reading is one that we need to ponder deeply:
*“DID
I NOT TELL YOU NOT TO SIN AGAINST THE LAD? BUT YOU WOULD NOT LISTEN. SO NOW
THERE COMES A RECKONING FOR HIS BLOOD.”*
It
was fun for Joseph’s brothers when they sat down to eat the food Joseph brought
for them while they watched him being led into slavery in tears. It is also fun
for us when we engage in sinful acts but there surely comes a day of reckoning.
Joseph
was just a child when he suffered betrayal from his brothers. The worst acts of
man’s inhumanity to man today are evils meted out against children. Think of
the millions of children whose lives are destroyed through abortion, child abuse,
neglect, forced labour and even prostitution.
Dear
friends, let us learn from the story of Joseph not to act like his brothers. Let
us be good to children. Help them achieve their dreams because no one knows
tomorrow. Yes, they may be young and fragile today but one day, our very lives
would depend on them.
Let
us learn to treat our assistants, our subordinates, our employees with love and
respect. We never know what God has planned for their future. Indeed, no matter
how wicked we are towards the young, we can never thwart the plan of God for their
lives.
In
the Gospel passage, Jesus empowers his disciples by giving authority over
unclean spirits and sicknesses. Jesus commissioned them to go to the lost sheep
of the house of Israel but later on, the same Jesus would tell them to “Go ye
into all the world…”
Charity
begins at home. Put your house in order first. Ensure your children grow up to
know and fear God.
Let
us pray: Lord Jesus, give me wisdom to always weigh the consequences of my
thoughts, words and deeds. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 14th week
in Ordinary Time. Year A. Bible Study: Genesis 41:55-57.42:5-7.17-24 and Matthew 10:1-7).
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