It is 24th October 2023. We celebrate the memorial of St. Antony Mary Claret.
We reflect on Romans 5:12, 15, 17-21 and Luke 12:35-38.
The first reading addresses the impact of sin through the first man Adam and redemption through Christ’s sacrifice.
God desired humanity to be close to His heart yet humanity chose something that would affect the rest of all. Having made human beings in his own image and likeness, God bestowed them with free will that is the crown of human dignity and greatness. Through free will man had to take responsibility for all his actions.
The doctrine of Original Sin, implicit in today’s first reading, is teaching us the eternal consequences of our actions for the future, not just ours but the future of humanity at large; not just on this earth but life hereafter.
The sin of Adam has caused the rest of us to be deprived of the gifts that belong to Original Justice. Without welcoming Christ, we cannot live in grace. Our solidarity with sin cannot die without the intimacy with Christ.
The atheist and the secular world want to destroy enjoyment of life and grace offered by Christ. We need to equip ourselves with adequate formation for the mission that is entrusted to us. “So grace will reign to bring eternal life, thanks to the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom.5:21).
The responsorial Psalm intercedes, “Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.” (Ps.39:8,9).
In the Gospel we are invited to gird our loins by preparing ourselves for the Passover of the Lamb. We need to keep our lamp burning even in a tsunamic sinful and selfish climatic conditions out there. We need to be ready and prepared to bear witness as the stewards of God’s creation and gifts and keep our homes in order. May the Lord bless us to leave the attachments to sin and form and reform ourselves before we wish to transform the other. May you have a good day. God bless you.