INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY (Homily for Saturday of the 19th week in the ordinary time

Theme: INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

Homily for Saturday of the 19th week in the ordinary time

Ezekiel 18:1-10,13,30-32; Mathew 19:13-15

It is no news that children inherit many things (biological, psychological, physiological, social inheritance etc) from their parents and ancestral lineage. However, it is worth knowing that moral righteousness or vice is rather personal or non-inherited. In other words, one does not inherit either righteousness or wickedness from his parents or ancestors. 

In the liturgy of today, the first reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel reflects on the individual's responsibility. The Jews while in exile attributed their sufferings to the iniquities of their parents and ancestors. Hence, the proverb: “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on the edge” (Ezek 18:2). They lamented that the sins of their parents and ancestors are the reasons why they are in exile. God through the prophet Ezekiel addressed this disposition of the Israelites. “As I live, says the Lord, there will no longer be any reason to repeat this proverb in Israel...the man who has sinned, he is the one who shall die” (Ezek 18:). 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, by the virtue of freedom given to man, the capacity to choose either good or bad grants unto man the sense of personal and moral responsibility for his actions birthed by the choices he makes. Hence, children will not be responsible for the moral actions of their parents and vice-versa. Therefore, I will judge you, O house of Israel, all of you according to your ways, says the Lord (Ezek 18:30). 

Friends in Christ, the first reading of today not only reminds us of the consequence of sin which is death but also calls us to repentance from our evil ways. For the word of God says: “If a man is righteous and does what is lawful and right... Does not commit robbery, gives bread to the hungry...such a one is righteous; he shall surely live, says the Lord God (Ezek 18:5-9). Repent and turn from all your transgressions, otherwise, iniquity will be your ruin...I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn then, and live (Ezek 18:31-32).

In the Gospel reading, Jesus reminds us that becoming like little children holds the key to the entrance into the kingdom of God. Children are humble, trustful and dependent on their parents for protection, care and provision of their daily needs, they are some and innocent, they are reachable and obedient, they are forgiving, bear no grudge and are forgetful of the wrongs of others. They are guileless, sincere and open-minded etc. They are virtues synonymous with being a child. They are plausible virtues befitting of gaining entrance into the kingdom of God. Hence, the recommendation to adopt these beautiful virtues is manifested by children. 

Jesus rebuking his disciples for their actions of preventing the children from coming to him is reminiscent of the abuses children undergo in life: the abuse of minors. Many times because of their tender nature they become victims to the evil manipulations of adults. Obstructing their moral and spiritual dispositions. Jesus laid his hands on them and blessed them. May we not be hindrances to the blessings of God upon the lives of our children in any way whatsoever. May they continually remain the apples of God's eye. 

May God bless your going out and your coming in this day in Jesus' name. Amen

Have a happy weekend!

Fr Remi osj