DAILY HOMILIES #wickedness

Micah says: “Alas for those who devise wickedness and evil deeds on their beds!” (Micah 2:1a). You are a wicked person if you wish evil for or plan the destruction and downfall of others. Another characteristic of wicked people is arrogance; they are so power-drunk that they are not scared of anybody. They are not even scared of God. As today’s Psalm says: “For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart, those greedy for gain curse and renounce the Lord. In the pride of their countenance, the wicked say, ‘God will not seek it out’; all their thoughts are, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 10:3-4).

In today’s Gospel passage, we find the height of this wickedness when the Pharisees watched Jesus to see whether or not He would heal a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath day. Jesus asked them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or harm, to save life or kill?” But they were silent. They knew healing this man was not against the Sabbath Law but were too ashamed to admit the truth. Like these Pharisees, we could become blinded by hatred for certain persons and no longer understand the reasons for God’s laws.

Herod’s action casts a dark shadow on Christmas. It raises many questions about God's power in failing to protect these innocent children, but it also reflects our human nature. The book of Jeremiah says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Herod’s action shows the darkness of humanity in need of salvation. It explains what could have become of the world if God had not taken our flesh.

Do you feel sad about the suffering our leaders meted out on our people? It is time to start building yourself up to take their place. Complaining and insulting leaders on social media and other platforms might not solve the problem. Over the years, many have condemned our leaders openly, only to do worse things when they eventually get into power. You are the hope for our nation. Become the change you desire to see in society.

Regardless of the magnitude of our sins, God never stops loving us; He never stops believing in our inherent goodness. Like the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son, God never gets tired of waiting for our return. If God were to treat us according to our wickedness, none of us would still be alive. (cf. Psalm 103:10). It is easy to point fingers at others for wickedness. However, the truth is that we would do worse things if we were in their shoes. Before you ask God to kill anyone you consider wicked, why not ask: “Have I killed my wickedness?”

Jesus explains that in the resurrection, we are going to be like the Angels – pure spirits who would not need to marry or give birth.