SERMON/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II 27TH JANUARY 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II 27TH JANUARY 2024

2Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17; Ps.51; Mark 4:35-41

Do not delay to Repent

The encounter between David and Nathan reflect a common human tendency, namely, it is always easier to identify the wrongs in other’s action than the wrongs in our personal action, even when both actions are similar. We tend to find it more convenient to correct others while we justify ourselves. Thus, to enable David understand the gravity of his misdeeds, Nathan wisely conjured the misdeeds of David on a certain rich man in a make-up story. David could relate with the wrong of the rich man but did not see how it relates with what he himself did, until Nathan drew the line of relationship. Beloved, if we want to evaluate our actions and inactions more objectively, let us always try to put ourselves in the shoes of those at our receiving end. Even when our actions are justified, such consideration can at least help us to be more human and merciful.

When David saw how he was not different from the rich man in Nathan’s story, he quickly admitted his fault and sought God’s mercy. David could have chosen to deny everything or give an attitude of being above the Law. He may have even tried to punish or kill Nathan for daring to confront him on such issue. Today, it is not uncommon to find those in authority attacking those who confront them with the truth. This has brought about the silencing of the truth, even in high places, under the guise of diplomacy.

Beloved, at those moments when we fall due to human frailty, let us, like David, do only what is necessary; namely, to admit our fault and seek the mercy of God. Trying to silence the truth or defend ones misdeeds does not right a wrong; we only succeed in deceiving ourselves thinking that we have had our way.

Immediately David admitted his wrong, God forgave him and withdrew the punishments he has earlier spoken through Nathan. This tells us that God’s mercy is readily and abundantly available. Far from giving us the leverage to sin unscrupulously, let us rather be encouraged to always return to the Lord as soon as we stray. The longer we stay away from Grace, the more disgrace we find ourselves in.

From the gospel reading, we see that God is always out for our salvation, so long as we make effort to reach out to him. We reach out to God not only when we ask favours from him but also when we genuinely seek his mercy and forgiveness.