HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME/The untold consequences of sin

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 5th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Genesis 3:9-24; Mark 8:1-10

The untold consequences of sin

Yesterday, we read of how the devil gave Eve convincing reasons to eat of the fruit in the midst of the garden and to give some to Adam. For every temptation we encounter, the devil gives us all the reasons why we should commit a particular sin. But while doing so, he hides from us greater and more grievous reasons why we should not commit the sin.

Often times the much that comes to mind during temptation is that sin is just an offence against God. This could be wrongly interpreted to mean that the only consequence of sin is that God will not be happy. With such interpretation, the devil can further convince us that God’s anger lasts only a while; God will definitely forgive as usual. But the devil continues to hide from us the consequences of committing a particular sin. Unfortunately, we only come to realize these consequences after falling into the temptation.

This was the fate of Adam and Eve in the first reading of today. After eating the forbidden fruit, they were covered with shame. They could no longer behold the presence of God; their Creator and Friend tuned a stranger immediately. Obviously, God was not simply offended, He was betrayed. Each time we experience or remember the pain of betrayal, let us bear in mind that that is what our sins mean to God.

Furthermore, the sin of Adam and Eve made life difficult for them henceforth. Indeed, life is difficult or even unlivable without God. This too was the experience of the prodigal son. Beloved, at the time of temptation, do not only consider the pleasure of the sin, also consider the suffering that necessarily comes with it.

Sin takes us out of God’s presence and glory. This is what was signified by the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Obviously, Adam and Eve did not anticipate these consequences as at the time of interacting with the Devil. Surprisingly, the devil was no longer available to now explain why life was not glorious for them as earlier promised. Even their explanation to God that the devil was the reason for their fall, could not excuse them. Remember what I use to say: whatever cannot guarantee you heaven should not preoccupy you in this world. Only HIM who can save you has the right to instruct you.

My dear, to eat with devil with a long spoon is never a wise thing to do. Do not eat with the devil at all. Never give the devil a ride; if you do, he will always want to drive. The principle of Prevention is better than cure, should be our rule if we must continually strive towards holiness of life.

Remain blessed