Again today, it might be a good idea to reflect on the gospel first, and then re-read the first reading for mass again, from the book of Kings. In the gospel, Jesus said, “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” He then proceeded to tell us, that it isn’t enough to just not kill anyone, we must also control our anger. Anger is a normal emotion, and in and of itself it is not a sin, but what we do with our anger is a different story. If it isn’t nipped in the bud, it can mushroom out of control and cause serious damage to other people. Out of control, or chronic anger, damages us too and jeopardizes our eternal salvation.
Why don’t we hear more about managing anger or the reality of hell in our priests’ homilies? It seems like that would be an important factor in the mission of the church, to deter people from hell and guide them toward conversion, contrition, forgiveness, reconciliation and eternal salvation. It seems like Catholics in general skip through this process and focus their attention almost entirely on heaven, without giving hell very much thought. Jesus spoke of hell more often than he did heaven in the gospels. It is an unpleasant word that most of us would rather not think about though.
The middle verses of the gospel reading today talks about paying more attention to who you have harmed or hurt, rather than just routinely showing up at church on Sunday for worship. That’s a difficult concept for Catholics because we are told that it is a mortal sin to miss Mass. But, actually Jesus is telling us it is also a sin to go to church to worship, knowing that you have done something wrong, without attempting to rectify the situation first. Perhaps that is because Jesus takes it serious if we hurt someone, and ignore our conscience when we come to worship. Everyone knows it is a sacrilege to receive communion in a state of mortal sin, but hurt feelings matter to Jesus too.
The end of the gospel today is the basis for the Catholic belief in purgatory though:
“Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
Basically, what Jesus is talking about in the gospel today is nipping the small sins in the bud, before they become large sins that condemn us. And that even if we are not condemned, the small sins will have to be dealt with in purgatory and it won’t be a very pleasant experience.
That is what the first reading for mass is about too. Elijah wanted Ahab to eat and drink, to prepare himself for the big storm that lay ahead. Elijah climbed to the top of the mountain to watch for the storm that he knew was coming, so he could send his servant to warn Ahab.
The first sign of the approaching storm, was a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea. At the first glimpse of this tiny sign, Elijah sent his servant to warn Ahab to leave before the big storm stopped him. This is exactly what venial sin is like. The first inkling of a small, venial sin needs to be nipped in the bud before it become a big, mortal sin that endangers our eternal salvation.
Today’s scriptures can’t be read through rose colored glasses. We need to be realists about the readings for mass today. With proper warning and guidance, and concern for our well being, our Holy Mother Church seeks to prevent a catastrophe from destroying our happiness in life, and in eternity as well. However harsh her teachings may seem at times, it’s result is joy.
The food and drink that Elijah had Ahab partake in, before the big storm hit, strengthened him to better handle the big storm that was coming. In much the same way, the body and blood of Christ does the same for us as well. The grace we receive from Jesus in communion, helps us to resist sin and not let it get the upper hand in our lives.
Confession is like the lookout point where Elijah and his servant were on alert, and watching for the first sign of the big storm. That is why it is important to confess our venial sins in confession, because becoming more aware of them might deter the mortal sins before they even happen.
Daily Mass Readings:
Kings 18: 41-46 / Psalm 65 / Matthew 5: 20-26
