23rd Week of Ordinary Time, Thursday, 9-12-24, Year B
Readings: 1st Reading: 1 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13; Psalm: 139 1b-3, 13-14ab, 23-24; Gospel: Lk 6:27-38
Optional Memorial: The Most Holy Name of Mary
Theme: Avoid Being a Source of Sin for Others
Sometimes I just have to scratch my head about what some people are thinking when they act in a way that causes others to sin. I read a social media re-post of a meme that made fun of God’s first commandment. The meme had a picture of the words of the first commandment written in old English with this statement printed over it:
“The funniest part of the first commandment is that it admits the existence of other gods and implies that God is insecure about His status among them.”
The post was a jab at organized religion and mocked God by making fun of Him. It was a way of poking fun at religion and its so-called ridiculous claims and ideals as they see it. It was blasphemous and inappropriate. We know the real meaning of the first commandment and St. Paul verifies it in today’s first reading to the Corinthians. But, for many who have little formation in Christian religion or faith and are looking for answers and understanding, may read this meme and be turned away from God and instead listen to the men of the world only. It is a great sin, one where knowledge, inflated by pride, has contorted the minds of people in believing there is no God but themselves.
Knowledge inflates with pride, St. Paul says. The more we know the more we can become arrogant and conceited and lord it over others. We can use knowledge in a good way to bring people to Jesus or in a bad way to convince, convert, or challenge the weak and cause them to sin by turning them away from God.
With knowledge comes power, and if not used wisely, can cause others to sin. In their weakness, they put their trust in those who appear to know the truth but do not. As St. Paul says, “Through your knowledge, the weak person is brought to destruction, the brother for whom Christ died.”
Jesus says in today’s Gospel,“ love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” What He is really saying is, do not cause others to sin because you hate your enemy, do bad things to those who hate you, curse those who curse you, or stay silent by not praying for those who mistreat you.
If we cause others to sin, it is a great sorrow in heaven and two souls could be lost. But, through love, if we bring one sinner back to God, it is a great celebration in heaven and our reward will be great.
Practice what you preach and live a life of goodness in all circumstances, not just in Church but at home, in the car, at work, or the grocery store. You would be surprised at how many people actually pay attention to the things you do every day. Do not let any of those things cause others to sin.
If you live out your faith as Jesus has taught us, God will repay you with gifts that are a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing.
God the Father is glorified by the exalted role in Salvation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thus, her name is a Name of Honor, a Holy Name, a Maternal Name, and a Name of Response to the needs of the Church!
Saint James Catholic Church 