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Freedom to Choose

Throughout the history of the Israelites, God spoke to the people in various, powerful, and effective ways. He punished justly, but He also showed much goodness and mercy. I think that for the Israelites and for us also, it is most difficult to understand the reason why God treats both the good and the bad with the same patience. Sometimes we might even ask ourselves,

“Why is God indifferent to sinners, to people who commit evil, and to human weaknesses? What does His indifference mean?”

The devout Israelites and even we devout Christians and Catholics have a tendency to divide people into two groups: good people and bad people. One day we might be surprised to find out who is actually in Heaven. The kingdom of God is made of up of people who are weak and sinful, but who choose God over and over during their lives on the earth.

We have the freedom to either choose what is good or what is bad. Like a small child who learns right and wrong from his parents, we too must learn what is truly good from Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium of our Mother the Church. However, like every parent, the Church will not force us to choose what is good. Our Heavenly Father also will not force us. He simply waits for our choice.

We know that God is patient and that He gives us time to turn back to Him. What we do not know, however, is how much time we have left. Like St. Paul, I would also like to encourage you, once again, to invite the Holy Spirit to help you to truly pray for the gift of faith so that you will have eyes to see and the will to choose to do and to follow what is Good, True, and Beautiful—namely, God.

Yours in Christ,
Father Arthur

Readings for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Lectionary 106