Homily of the 11th of January: Saturday after Epiphany
I John 5:14-21, John 3:22-30
Our first reading today talks about one of the classifications of sin in catholic teaching:
“If anybody sees his brother commit a sin that is not a deadly sin, he has only to pray, and God will give life to the sinner – not those who commit a deadly sin; for there is a sin that is death, and I will not say that you must pray about that. Every kind of wrongdoing is sin, but not all sin is deadly”
This passage teaches us about the difference between venial and mortal sins. Venial sins are not deadly and can be forgiven through prayer and repentance. However, when we see someone committing such a sin, we are encouraged to pray for them, and God will grant them life. More so, mortal sins are grave and lead to spiritual death. These require deeper repentance and sacramental confession for forgiveness.
Above all, the passage reminds us that all wrongdoing is sin, but not all sin is equally serious. We should strive to avoid sin and support others in seeking God’s mercy.
Additionally, there are other ways to seek forgiveness; These include acts of mortification, such as fasting, wearing sackcloth as in the Old Testament, and pouring of ashes (Jonah 3:6–10), restitution of stolen items, and charity to the poor (Luke 19:8–9).
The truth stands out that the children of God are not to be identified by sins. Rather, they have the mark of God’s ownership on them, and they should all ways avoid every contrary to God’s will and ever be ready to repent whenever they fall away.
May God’s mercy speak for us. Amen.
