Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Our first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel has a warning for us. If people are doing evil, and we do not warn them, then we will be held personally responsible for the result of their error. On the other hand, if we do warn them, and they continue in their sinful behavior, we shall not be held accountable.
The passage reads:
"Thus says the Lord…If I tell the wicked, "O wicked one, you shall surely die, "
and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way,
the wicked shall die for his guilt,
but I will hold you responsible for his death.
But if you warn the wicked,
trying to turn him from his way,
and he refuses to turn from his way,
he shall die for his guilt,
but you shall save yourself.”
The Church does not keep silent on moral issues since to be silent could bring God’s judgment on us. So, we will continue to speak up on the issues of life, including abortion and euthanasia. We will continue to speak up on the issues that involve the welfare of our neighbors, including the plight of the homeless and all those who suffer from hunger and poverty. We will continue to speak up on the issues of peace and justice, including racism and violence in our streets.
The moral teaching of the Church never makes us popular, by the way, but the Holy Spirit gives us the gift of courage to be free from the fear of being rejected by others.
However, the greatest reason to speak up when others go astray is our love for them and our desire for the salvation of their souls. As St. Paul said in his Letter to the Romans, “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
So, let us always hate the sin, but never the sinner.
Have a blessed week everyone.