Pro-life reflections and intercessions related to the Sunday readings
In today’s Second Reading, St. Paul’s words manifest a deep awareness of the ultimate purpose of life: to be at our heavenly home with the Lord. This talk is sustained by faith, not by sight. To the world, however, this is nonsense, as only what can be seen and measured is real while everything else is wishful thinking.
Read MoreShame is a natural consequence of sin. Whenever we do something wrong, we want to hide; we don’t want anyone to see us, or talk to us; even if our sin is committed in private, we may at times feel that others are onto us. Edgar Allan Poe shows us the thoughts of a sinner in hiding: “Was it possible they heard not? ... –no, no! They heard! –they suspected! –they knew! –they were making a mockery of my horror!” This sinner in hiding was afraid that others already knew about his sin and were pretending not to. The story ends when the sinner readily admits his sin to the—unbeknownst to him—clueless bystanders.
Read MoreLeprosy was regarded with particular dread and abhorrence, not merely because of its hideous character and the risk of contagion, but also because it meant that the afflicted person would be cast out of the community. In fact, it can be compared to mortal sin.
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