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, let alone 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. Jesus correct this impression.
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 we can’t justify it or escape its consequences. Recently, I watched a football match and noticed a player who had the chance to score a goal. He wasn’t offside, but he still managed to dribble past the goalkeeper. He had the ball and a wide-open goal, but he “missed the mark.” He kicked the ball so high that it went above the goalpost.
The match ended one-nil. His team lost, and I saw him crying furiously at the end of the match. Jesus wants us to smell sin, to see it for what it is. We don’t avoid sin to please God or out of fear of consequences; we avoid it 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. Perhaps that would have given them the morale to win the game.
God wants us to win the game of life, bear fruit, and 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 in 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 meeting God’s goals for me as an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, etc.? Or am I missing the mark and pushing people further from God?
Jesus told a parable to conclude today’s Gospel passage. A man planted a fig tree, but it only took up space on the ground instead of bearing fruit. It consistently missed the mark. It failed to meet its owner’s expectations. Since it wasn’t bearing fruit, 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, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty with a sincere heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. 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. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ephesians 4:7-16, Ps. 122:1-5, Luke 13:1-9)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu