The Gravity of Sin

Saturday, 26 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 4:7-16, Ps. 122:1-5, Luke 13:1-9

“Do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5)

Nothing is as bad as trivialising our sins, not to mention bragging about our sinfulness. Sin, any sin at all, be it mortal or venial, should never be taken lightly.

- A report came to Jesus about how Pilate murdered some Galileans and mixed their blood with the sacrifices. The popular opinion in the minds of many at that time was that God punished these Galileans because of their sins. And this was the impression Jesus wanted to correct.

- God does not use calamity to punish us for our sins. Rather, He gives us ample opportunities to repent. Jesus asks, “Do you suppose they were worse sinners? I tell you, No!” Calamity in our lives is not calculated according to the degree of our sins. Calamities can happen to anyone at any time.

- Think about this. If all suffering in our lives is a result of our sins, what is the sin of those babies in the womb whose parents abort? However, Jesus added: “… But, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” This means that what these Galileans suffered is nothing compared to the suffering of hell – the eternal separation of the soul from God.

- The word “sin” literally translates as “missing the mark.” It means going out of line, and there is no way we can justify it or escape its consequences. Recently, I was watching a football match, and I noticed a player who had the chance to score a goal. He wasn’t offside but had succeeded in dribbling the goalkeeper. He was with the ball and a wide empty goal post, but he “missed the mark.” He kicked the ball so high that it went above the goalpost.

- The match ended one goal to nothing. His team lost the game, and I saw him crying furiously at the end of the match. Jesus wants us to perceive the smell of sin, to see it for what it is. We do not avoid sin to please God or because we fear the consequences; we avoid sin because we want to enjoy the best of everything God has put in place for us. If that player had scored that goal, imagine the joy that would have enveloped him and his teammates. That would have given them the morale to win the game.

- God wants us to win in the game of life, to bear fruits, and to fulfil our calling. A football player who doesn’t play well (passes the ball to the opponent and takes joy in scoring “own” goals) will soon be replaced. A cook who consistently misses the mark in the kitchen will produce food he cannot even eat. If we cannot afford to miss the mark in every other aspect of our lives, we should avoid missing the mark when it comes to our relationship with our creator.

- In our first reading today, St. Paul explains that some are called to be “apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and some teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” The question is: Am I fulfilling my calling? Am I scoring goals for God as an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, etc.? Or am I missing the mark – pushing people further away from God?

- Jesus told a parable to conclude today’s Gospel passage. A man planted a fig tree, but the tree only used up space on the ground instead of bearing fruits. It consistently missed the mark. It failed to meet the expectations of its owner. Since it wasn’t bearing fruits, the owner decided to cut it down (so its wood could be used for something else), but the vinedresser pleaded for one more year. The best time to repent is today. You never can tell if today is your last chance.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our eyes to see the gravity of sin so that we may live sinless lives. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 4:7-16, Ps. 122:1-5, Luke 13:1-9).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu