Homily: February 13, 2024, Tuesday of the sixth week in Ordinary time.

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"Then desire conceives and brings forth sin, and when sin reaches maturity, it gives birth to death."

What is the root of sin? It is in our desires.

In the Gospel reading of last Wednesday taken from Mark 7:14-23, Jesus said, “From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.”

And so, the evil desires from a person’s heart can lead to sin, and grave sin leads to death. Death is forever.

Buddha rightly said, “Desire is the cause of all miseries.” What misery could be more final than death.

In the garden of Eden, Satan tempted Eve, suggesting that she could become like God. That desire led her and Adam to disobey God, to pursue their desire and forgo their privilege. That desire which led to sin, made the immortal man mortal.

Ever since that beginning, history continues to repeat itself. We see peace broken by greedy desires of leaders for more power, families torn apart by the lustful desires of unfaithful spouses, relationships, health and homes lost because of selfish, prideful and foolish desires. All of which have been forewarned by God who wants to protect us with the ten commandments.

If only we learn to obey Him, we will not follow our desires which lead us only to sin and death.

Yes, we can live by the commandments and practise virtues instead of vices. That will lead to life - life in its fullness, and ultimately, life in eternity.

If we desire mercy, we become merciful, if we desire love, we become loving, if we desire peace, we become peacemakers. These will bless others and grace ourselves. These will lead us out of forever death into everlasting life.

Our life on earth is short; if we choose sinful desires, that will satisfy us only momentarily and superficially. But if we choose virtuous ways, we might suffer discomfort or hardship temporarily, but we will be satisfied in eternity.

Lent is a wonderful season to again put our hearts and minds on choosing good over evil, it comes from the daily discipline of denying ourselves from our desires, to giving life to others and pleasing God. What desires will you give up this Lent in order to overcome sin and death?

Let us pray for strength, grace and virtues. Amen.


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