Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ephesians 6:1-9; Luke 13:22-30)

Today’s gospel challenges Christians who think that hell in uninhabited.  They reason that God, who is all-loving, would not damn anyone. Yet Jesus makes clear here, as in other places, that hell has many occupants.

Yet Jesus does not intend to discourage people from striving for eternal life.  He insists that many will come from the four corners of the earth to share at the heavenly table.  And he would never underestimate the Father’s mercy.  He would allow that those who try to live virtuously but fail in significant ways may be judged with leniency.

Presumption takes God’s mercy for granted.  It would permit different kinds of erroneous behavior saying that God would never condemn one for it.  It is an adolescent way of thinking. We should realize that God has created us with freedom so that we may take responsibility for our behavior.

 

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