Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)


Num 11.25-29; 

Ps 18;  

Jas 5.1-6; 

Mk 9.38-43, 45, 47-48



STERN WARNINGS



Today’s scripture readings convey stern admonitions. The second reading by Saint James delivers severe warnings to the affluent, while the gospel issues a serious caution to all individuals, regardless of their wealth, regarding the genuine peril of facing damnation. Those who dismiss the reality of hell as a mere medieval superstition should adopt a more scriptural approach to their faith, as there are several explicit references to hell in the gospels, and there is no indication that these references should be interpreted metaphorically.



It is important to recognize that hell is neither a symbol nor a metaphor. The dreadful prospect of eternal separation from God, our ultimate good and the sole source of true happiness, is something that any sensible person would do everything in their power to avoid. Fortunately, the descent into hell is a choice made by individuals who deliberately turn away from God, rejecting Him perpetually. It is a relief that no one is compelled to go to hell; heaven remains open to all who desire it. The crucial decision is to unequivocally choose heaven as our eternal abode. By exercising our free will, we are capable of and obliged to repeatedly choose God every single day of our lives. This prepares us for the moment when we depart from this world and face the Lord. Our daily choice of God amidst the trials of temptation will yield eternal rewards. The Lord, whom we have chosen daily, will be our ultimate and everlasting choice: unending bliss with God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - alongside all His saints and angels.



The saints will be our companions in heaven, comprising an esteemed assembly. While it may be easier for us to comprehend the saints, who were and are human, angels, on the other hand, have never been human and never will be. Angels are pure spirits, devoid of physical form. Scripture indicates that God created the angels before humanity, and it suggests that the number of angels surpasses that of humanity. The book of Revelation implies that when Lucifer rebelled and was cast out of heaven, a third of the angels joined him in his banishment. It is the place of these fallen angels in heaven that redeemed humanity is destined to occupy. We must also acknowledge that the holy angels, who remained faithful, surpass us considerably in terms of intelligence, power, and splendor.



Every human being is called to become a magnificent being in Christ, transformed to an almost inconceivable degree, and destined for eternal glory. When we encounter strangers in passing, we should remember that they, like us, belong to a race of immortal beings destined by God for everlasting magnificence. All that is required of us is to cooperate with His merciful plans for us. However, we frequently overlook this glorious destiny, which is the ultimate privilege of being human. We settle for a short-sighted and narrow perspective, often aligning ourselves with the enemy, choosing Lucifer over Christ. To prevent us from falling into the clutches of the unscrupulous enemy, God assigns each of us a Guardian Angel from the moment of our creation.



Each of us is under the guardianship of a Holy Guardian Angel, a pure spirit who remains in the presence of God while also caring for us on earth. Our Guardian Angels provide us with the inspiration and comfort of the Holy Spirit, aiding us in resisting the snares of the devil. They protect us as we navigate through the trials and tribulations on our pilgrimage to the promised land. Although we seldom perceive our Guardian Angels and have no physical interaction with them due to their incorporeal nature, the Church teaches that they constantly accompany us, observing our thoughts and actions, and guiding us along the narrow path to heaven.


OFFER YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU HAVE TO GOD DAILY 



It is advisable to acknowledge and seek the supernatural assistance of our Guardian Angels at least once daily. Together with our patron saints, these angels act as our advocates. While we remain on earth, they occupy the throne room and behold the King face to face. May they protect and guide us on earth, and one day, present us unblemished and sinless at the throne of Our Saviour

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