In a homily I gave earlier in the week I mentioned that sometimes commercials come to mind when I begin to think about a homily. Well today when St. Paul was telling some Romans not to let sin into their lives, I thought of a commercial that features creepy crawly creatures that delight in having free range over us until one spray and they are gone. What would it be like if we could do this with sin? But it is not that easy.
Sin is insidious, and unfortunately, we sometimes find ourselves to be defenseless.
Just this past week I read about a young notable hockey player here in the Boston area who died at home. The day before there was a family celebration for his second child, family members were in attendance, and he appeared to be enjoying himself. The following morning, he was found dead at home. Initially it was thought he had a heart attack. The day his wife and father were traveling to New Jersey to participate in a ceremony honoring this young man she received the toxicology report. His system was ravage with drugs. But how could this be?
In his letter to the people of Rome, St. Paul asked them a question. "Do you realize that if you consent to sin it will lead to death?"
But he went on to say that we can keep sin at arm’s length if we allow ourselves to embrace the pattern of teachings that Jesus lays out for us.
He didn’t elaborate but we know the lesson plan Jesus detailed - the Commandments, love God and neighbor with all our minds, hearts, and souls, seek to serve and not to be served, pray, and receive the Eucharist.
Paul is urging them to construct a firewall to keep sin out and God’s grace in.
St. Paul didn’t say it, but I will. Don’t become slum lords with our bodies. Keep the property in good shape and up to code, Jesus’ code
In the gospel today Jesus spoke of a homeowner who took the necessary precautions to protect his home and property from being broken into. He was prepared for any eventuality. The story had to do primarily with how to be prepared if God calls on us unexpectedly.
But the story can also apply to sin, who pays unexpected visits and tries to enter our households.
At the end of the gospel today it was said that Jesus expects more from us because we have received more. He expects more from us in doing battle with sin because He shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins.
