051 26 Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings

Cycle B 26 Sunday in Ordinary Time

Numbers 11: 25-29; Psalm 19: 8, 10, 12-14; James 5:1-6; Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48

Homily Theme

Sin and Failings

This week the scriptures really emphasize sin and our failings. It could be really easy for us to leave Mass with a heavy guilt trip. Both in the first reading and the Gospel, we see good intentioned believers judging others. God tells us in both readings not to judge those who are not like us. In the psalm and the second reading it also speaks of our failings.

Then, in the Gospel, Jesus really puts us on heavy guilt trip, telling us if our hands, eyes or feet cause us to sin, it is better to cut them off rather than to go to hell with them intact. If we cause little ones who believe him in Him to sin, it is better to have a mill stone around our neck and be cast into the sea. Does Jesus really mean us to take this literally? If so, there is not much hope for any of us, for we have all sinned and some of us have sinned grievously. He is using exaggerated language to let us know the seriousness of sin, especially mortal sin. A doctor friend of mine who had a near death experience when all of his sins were revealed to him. He told me, I am so scared now to sin that I won't even commit a willful venial sin. Can you and I say that also?

Remember, every sin can be, and is forgiven, except the sin against the Holy Spirit. This sin is unforgivable because we won't seek forgiveness, either through despair or presumption, at the moment of death. Make sure then, that you don’t presume that you can continue living a sinful life without repentance, or you will probably despair of forgiveness in that final moment. God loves you so much that He suffered and died for you on a cross so that you can live with Him forever. He has paid the price for your sins. Do not despair or be frightened. Jesus wants us to know the seriousness of sin but also the extent of His infinite mercy. Repent while there is still time for if your sins be scarlet they shall be made whiter than snow.

Do you keep Holy the Lord’s Day by attending Holy Mass? How about sexual acts outside of Holy Matrimony? Are you Pro-Life? God is. He is the author of every human life, so if you believe and promote abortions this is a serious mortal sin in defiance of God’s law. This is just a few mortal sins to ponder. Don’t wait until you are dying to repent. Now is the acceptable time. Go to confession and confess all your sins and receive God’s forgiveness.

Come Home to the Church and feel the joy and peace of God’s love for you.