We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us.
Sin makes us arrogant!
Saint Paul writes: We are in difficulties on all sides but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems but never despair. Mankind has had difficulties since we left the garden of Eden. Sinners don’t see the arrogance of their sin. “Everyone else is doing it” or ” It is okay because it makes me feel good.”
Our Gospel in Matthew talks of divorce and adultery but the real focus is all sin when it says, If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. The real problem is we are so focused on the word “me” and not on God. Others are not me, so I don’t care about them. Nonetheless, Jesus’ message is about loving others as ourselves. His message is about serving and not about your pleasure.
I volunteered last week for a game day at Church. There were children’s games, but the main event was a kickball game between priests and seminarians. Not sure who won but the point is that it was about others. I met a young man named Peter who was just entering the seminary out of High School. The whole afternoon gave me hope for the future. The focus was about others and the vocation to serve others. It was about everything that “me” isn’t. It was about us.
Now let us speak briefly about divorce. If you are in an abusive situation, stop what you are doing and get out of that relationship. No woman or man is serving God by staying in an abusive situation. Get Help and Get Out of the relationship. Matthew 5:32 says But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery. Abuse not only rts a spouse but hurts the children and leads them to choose abusive spouses.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation helps to focus less on “me” and more on “others”. The smaller we become the bigger God is in our lives. Our relationship to Jesus also becomes more focused as He becomes more important.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please Pray for the soul of our beloved Pontiff, Pope Francis and for his successor, Pope Leo. Please Pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people and their soldiers. Pray for the Holy Land. Pray for peace! The impossible could and can happen. Never deny God!
