WORD Today
February 15, 2019
(A reflection on the Bible readings in today's Holy Mass)
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Genesis 3:1-8
Mark 7:31-37
(Please read the Bible passages first)
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We all started life as innocent, pure-hearted children. We were afraid of sin and its penalty, and we obeyed our parents. But then we tried our first sin. Our ears had listened to Satan, we tasted the forbidden fruit (First Reading) and he opened our eyes to the pleasures of sin.
As time went by and the addiction grew, guilt and shame started to come. But Satan kept assuring us, "It's okay, it's still manageable, you can get away with it." He does not want sinners to repent. We listened to him and learned to lie to the people who loved us, and looked for dark places to continue indulging ourselves. Living in sin became a comfortable habit.
Until one day we woke with our world collapsing under the weight of heavy consequences.
THANK GOD FOR JESUS! Sent by our Father into this garden of sin, He comes calling us, searching for us in the darkest places. Let us not hide from Him for He comes not to punish but to save. He would do anything to win us back, even if it would cost Him His life.
No matter how dark and hopeless our situation has become, just give Jesus a try. Like the deaf-mute in today's Gospel, follow Jesus into a private place, allow Him to loosen your tongue and admit your guilt in Confession. Let Him open your ears and now listen to His voice only. And keep coming back to Him in the Eucharist for strength and guidance.
"Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven!" (Resp. Psalm)
Nothing is impossible if we are willing to give up our pride and self-rule, then just trust and follow Jesus. He will lead us back to the harmony and peace found only in the garden of God's love.
