“He had no mercy on a nation destined for destruction, who were taken away because of their sins.” — Sirach 16:9
The words of the Holy Scriptures are not written to flatter us, nor to soothe the guilty conscience with empty comforts. They are written to declare the truth of God’s justice as well as His mercy. Too often, people today prefer to hear what pleases the ear rather than what convicts the heart. “For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: and will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4) Too often, pulpits resound with little more than emotional appeals and pleasing sentiments, rather than the unvarnished warnings that the Word of God sets before us. But it is written for our correction that the Lord did not spare a people who persisted in rebellion. Their destruction was no accident, but the direct result of their iniquities.
There are harsh realities in Bible, and we must not shrink from them. Sin brings judgment. To harbour evil thoughts, to indulge wicked desires, to persist in transgression, is to invite ruin upon oneself and upon a nation. The God of heaven is not mocked; what a man sows, that shall he also reap. Mercy is promised to the repentant, but there is no indulgence extended to those who persist in their evil ways, excusing themselves and justifying what God condemns. We live in a time when accountability is despised, and personal responsibility is cast aside in favour of self-gratification. Yet the Bible says that every thought, every word, and every deed will be brought into judgment. (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Romans 2:16; Hebrews 4:12–13; Matthew 12:36–37) No one shall escape. The holy Judge of all the earth does not overlook our sins. The softness of man’s speech cannot erase the hardness of God’s decree: the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)
Let us cast aside the deceit of sentimental religion that pretends all is well while humanity perishes in their sins. Let us call evil by its true name and refuse to clothe it in the garments of tolerance. (Ecclesiastes 10:2) If a nation persists in wickedness, it will fall; if a soul refuses repentance, it will be cut off. But if we humble ourselves before the Almighty, He will have mercy, for He delights in those who turn from sin and seek righteousness. (Ezekiel 33:11)
“I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
Now is the time to awaken. Now is the time to repent. The God who spared not a sinful nation will not be swayed by our excuses. But to those who tremble at His word and forsake their evil ways, there is pardon and eternal life.
May God bless you +
Fr. Charles
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