Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Exodus 33:7-11.34:5b-9.28; Matthew: 13-36-43)
The novel All the King’s Men relates the trajectory of
a tragic politician’s career. The politician,
who closely resembles a former governor of Louisiana, starts out meaning to do
good. However, not long after being
elected, he becomes corrupted by the dual nemesis of power and sex. Unfortunately, he is not the only character
who goes astray. All those who surround
him similarly betray their values and right judgment. In the end the novel shows how the world is a
miry mess entangling everyone.
With sin so prevalent, Scripture strongly warns of God’s
punishment. Today’s readings speak
directly to the issue. In the first, God
says of Himself that he does not declare the guilty guiltless but punishes even
children and grandchildren. The gospel
also indicates that God punishes evildoers.
We should not deny the possibility of suffering punishment
because of our sins. But Scripture also
speaks of God’s mercy as decidedly greater than strict justice can fathom. We have to recognize our faults, ask
forgiveness, and look for God’s mercy. Then
there is no need to worry about punishment as we enjoy God’s intimate care.
