First Reading: Ti 1:1–9; Psalm: 24. R. v. 6; Gospel: Lk 17:1-6

ACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Every one of us has the proclivity to abuse our freedom of choice and action. This is so true because we all have the right to choose how we want to live our lives. But actions have consequences and we have the moral responsibility to accept them. If there is a penalty to stealing for instance, we should be ready for such penalty when we choose to steal. But beyond being morally responsible for an action, we have the moral obligation to always remember that actions do not only have direct but also indirect consequences.

In the gospel of today Jesus said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.” It is true that most times when we set out to carry out an action with huge consequences, we often do not choose to do so to influence or lead others astray but to satisfy our desire. This shows how selfish we can be at times. But if we are very consciously considerate, we should know that whatever we do affects or influences the people around us. And Jesus warns that we shall be accountable for that.

These berating words of Jesus should keep us in check whenever we are tempted to act as we please. Because we live in a world where people are easily influenced by conventional lifestyles. An immoral act becomes right when it gains general acceptance. And people learn so fast. So we must be wary of our actions. The wrong things we do and the unholy places we go might seem right to the sight of a vulnerable teenager. Our way of dressing can lead someone battling with some addiction into sin if we unnecessarily expose our bodies. Every wrong action we take has double consequences. So we will be doing some charity if we pay careful attention to our actions.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, we pray for the grace to watch over one another through our choices and actions. Amen.