Readings: Genesis 18:16-33, Ps. 103:1-11, Matthew 8:18-22
“Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there. He answered, ‘For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.’” (Genesis 18:32)
There are many in our society today who have sold their souls already to evil. Regardless of how much you preach, they aren’t ready to repent. This is the story of the towns called Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 19:4 onwards, we read about how the men of the city gathered around the house of Lot, demanding that he should release the men in his house so that they could have carnal knowledge of them.
The Apostle Jude says: “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise acted immorally and indulged in unnatural lust, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. Yet in like manner these men in their dreaming defile the flesh, reject authority, and revile the glorious ones.” (Jude 1:7-8).
Abraham did all he could to negotiate for Sodom and Gomorrah, and it was interesting to note that the Lord was willing to spare the entire city if up to ten righteous persons could be found in the town. This reminds us of salt. Only a small amount of salt is required to cook a whole pot of food. If the amount of salt is too small, the food will be tasteless. An entire city can be destroyed because there are not enough genuine worshippers of God.
To the man who wanted to follow Jesus, Jesus said: “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head because people prefer darkness to light. Why not give Jesus a space to lay His head and reign? Why not be among the ten righteous persons for whom our nation would be spared disaster?
Jesus said, “Leave the dead to bury their dead.” For those not willing to repent, they are the living dead. You cannot kill yourself for their sake. The best way to preach to them is to be good, and you start shining. Be the best version of you. Be the salt that will make the entire pot of food sweet.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to preserve righteousness that we may not be part of the evil in our society today. 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. (Monday of week 13 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 18:16-33, Ps. 103:1-11, Matthew 8:18-22).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu