Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Notice how our first parents pass the blame in our First Reading. God discovers that Adam has eaten the forbidden fruit. Adam deflects his responsibility in the matter and says, “The woman whom you put here with me— she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it." It doesn’t stop there. Eve then protests to God, "The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it."
What does the serpent do? We aren’t told what it does, but I think the snake smiled all the way home.
This brings the saying to mind for those who are old enough to remember the comic Flip Wilson, whose line was, “The devil made me do it.” The truth is that we usually sin because we want to do it. Sin looks good at first, and only tastes sour after we have bitten into its tempting fruit.
We have only ourselves to blame for the consequences of our sins. We can try to pass the blame, but the responsibility is ultimately ours. And we must also own the results of our sinfulness. That is why we need a savior. And it is good news for us that we have one. Jesus. Jesus is the remedy for the consequences of our sins. Where we bring death, Jesus brings life!
As we try to develop virtuous lives (the habit of doing the right thing), we learn that we can decide to choose good rather than evil.
And when we stand with God, Jesus calls us his closest relatives: He said, “For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."
We can either be swayed by the devil and his false promises or be drawn by the beauty, goodness and truth of God. But, in the end, the choice is entirely ours.
And, friends, when we sin — and we do — let’s not blame someone else. Let’s own it and ask for God’s mercy. He always gives it to us. God is rich in mercy.
Have a blessed week everyone.