The Effect of Sin (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 21st August 2023

The Effect of Sin (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 21st August 2023

Judges 2:11-19; Ps.106; Matthew 19:16-22

The Effect of Sin

Again, the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of God by serving Baal and Ashtaroth as their gods. They did this due to the negative influences from their surrounding towns. So, just as they borrowed foreign gods from the neighbouring idolatrous towns, they also copied how to serve the gods. The lesson we learn here is that if we must be consistent and authentic as disciples of Jesus Christ, we need strong stamina. Just as God did not prevent idolatrous towns from living around the Israelites, so also God will not prevent temptation from coming to us. Every Christian who wants to truly remain so, must learn to be an overcomer.

The Israelites must have first been friends with their neighbours before being lured into their idolatrous worship. Truly, evil communication corrupts good manners. While it remains our obligation to seek to convert people for God, we must take care that we are firm ourselves. Be mindful of the personality and character of those you draw very close to yourself. Never be too confident that their waywardness cannot influence you. _Fire no dey too small, make person put am for pocket o_ .

When the Israelites became idolatrous, the consequence was that they became susceptible to their enemies. This experience happened again and again such that the Israelites later came to understand that each time they loose at battle, it is because they have sinned against God. Today, sin does not have lesser effect in the lives of Christians. Each time we turn our back against God, we become prey to the devil. But then, most times we are very quick at perceiving the attack of the devil and his agents in our lives; we are very swift in searching for solutions from one place to the other; but we are very slow and sometimes unwilling to link the problem to our separation from God through a life of sin and/or a life devoid of sacramental grace.

Let the experience of the Israelites in today’s first reading, enlighten us that sin lodges us in the devil’s accommodation. The first and most important step towards deliverance is authentic conversion. God is ever able and willing to save us from our foes but we must allow ourselves to belong to His Army. When we come to the army of the Lord, then like the psalmist we can say: O Lord, remember us with the favour you show to your people.