Homily: February 13, 2023, Monday of the sixth week in Ordinary Time.

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 In Genesis 1, we saw how “God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good.”

Then in Genesis 2, “The Lord God called to Adam and asked him, "Where are you?"”

Now in Genesis 4, “The Lord then said: “What have you done!”

As we continue our journey through the book of Genesis, we see how darkness again fell on the earth through the disobedience and growing sins of man.

There is violence, murder, cheating and many other evil doings of man. These are big contrasts from the first chapters where we see the love, generosity and intimacy of God the Father, a world so beautiful.

But God said His creation is very good, what went wrong?

He created man in the image and likeness of Himself, how then could man turn evil?

Did the crown of His creation become a curse?

As we read on, we might have many more questions. We see man disregarding God, doubting and disagreeing with Him, we ourselves might also wonder why God seems unfair and has favourites. We see His own people complaining and arguing against His ways.

It is hard to accept that God could have made a mistake in creating humans, that the world went wrong at the beginning, that everything was out of control since then. Because if this is so, is there any hope for a better tomorrow?

Yes, of course there is hope because there is love and there will be mercy. Everything will be made right again.

Despite Cain’s murderous and unrepentant ways, God protected him. He punished him to help set him right in life yet protected him from condemnation.

Because we are made in God’s image and likeness, beneath our evil ways, planted deep into our being, is the seed of love, the breath of God’s spirit. This is hope.

The book of Genesis shows us how evil man can be but tells us more firmly and consistently how loving and merciful God is. Despite all the disobedience and sins of humans, our God did not stop loving us. And because He is love, He will never stop forgiving us. Our sins can never exhaust His mercies. Jesus is God’s mercy for us.

So, no matter what wrongs we have done in our life, let us turn around now and embrace God’s love. Let us give thanks for His mercy and let His grace flow through us. God is love and love never changes. This is hope.

In the God who loves us, we place our trust.

Amen.



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