This morning’s readings have an important lesson about sin and an equally important teaching about grace. David’s sin reminds us that sin impacts not only the sinner but inevitably affects others in typically negative ways. On the other hand, Jesus’ ability to cure some of the sick in his hometown—despite the majority’s disbelief and rejection of him, reassures that God’s grace can still effect change even in the midst of sin. Therefore, the negative consequences of our sins on others should motivate us to expedite our ongoing conversion, while God’s grace effective even in the midst of sin should enliven our hope of extricating ourselves from its deadly grasp. Saint Agatha bears witness to both: Her violent death was a deadly consequence of the sins of her executioners, while her exemplary holiness manifests the power of God’s grace sanctifying and transforming the sinner. May her example and intercession sustain us in our own struggle towards that holiness that draws others to God and helps undermine sin’s destructive stranglehold on our suffering world.
Michael Baker says
We seem engulfed in sin all around us and most are not aware of their situation. It. Seems that sin has become the norm for modern living. The grace you speak of also comes through with our fellowship with other Christians and particularly the religious communities. No wonder people are drawn to the monastic life as a beckon of grace in a world which seems obsessed with sin and materialism. The monastic witness is vital in our sad world thank you for your great witness to a pure, simple, and fulfilled life.
George Paul Alexa says
Are the people really drawn to the monastic life? I wish that were true for I like nothing better than to know that some 50+ young men are praying at the Monastery, but that isn’t the case.