The Social Character of Sin.

Tuesday 22^nd October 2019. Read Romans 5:12-21, Psalm 40 and Luke 12:35-38.

_“Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned…” *(Romans 5:12)*_ 

There is a common adage that when oil touches one finger, it spreads to the others. Every sin has a way of affecting others. Hence, Jesus was so particular about avoiding scandals. For Jesus, it is better for a stone to be tied to your neck and you be thrown into the river than to lead one of these little ones astray. A single sin, a single bad example can affect thousands of people around you and even to the next generation.

The Good news is that whatever applies to sin also applies to goodness. According to St. Paul, “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.” (Romans 5:19). Just as sin destroys others, being good (being obedient to God’s commandments) brings blessings to many others.

This is what Jesus tell us in the Gospel passage today: “Be dressed for action and have your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35-37). In other words, “let your light be shining at all times.” Live your life as if every day is your last. Live in such a way that whenever God decides to call you, you will be good enough for heaven.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, you gave your life for me, teach me to live not only for myself but for others. Amen.

_Today we remember Pope St. John Paul II. Karol Józef Wojtyła was born in 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. After his ordination to the priesthood and theological studies in Rome, he returned to his homeland and resumed various pastoral and academic tasks. He became, first, auxiliary bishop and, in 1964, Archbishop of Kraków and took part in the Second Vatican Council. On 16 October 1978, he was elected pope and took the name John Paul II. His exceptional apostolic zeal, particularly for families, young people and the sick, led him to numerous pastoral visits throughout the world. Among the many fruits which he has left as a heritage to the Church are above all his rich Magisterium and the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as the Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church and for the Eastern Churches. In Rome on 2 April 2005, the eve of the Second Sunday of Easter (or of Divine Mercy), he departed peacefully in the Lord. He was canonized by Pope Francis on 27 April, the Second Sunday of Easter 2014._

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 5:12-21, Psalm 40 and Luke 12:35-38).