God did not make death

Homily Notes for 13th Sunday in OT

“God did not make death” – statement that immediately stands out to me

· Physical or spiritual!

· Genesis 1:26-27 – “Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness… God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them.”

· Where did it come from?

o “But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it.” (Wisdom 2:24)

o Came through pride and envy

Envy

· CCC 2539 -Envy is a capital sin. It refers to the sadness at the sight of another’s goods and the immoderate desire to acquire them for oneself, even unjustly. When it wishes grave harm to a neighbor it is a mortal sin: (1866)

o St. Augustine saw envy as “the diabolical sin.” “From envy are born hatred, detraction, calumny, joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbor, and displeasure caused by his prosperity.”

· Clear example - Cain and Abel

· Wars started over territory; family fueds over money; phones, watches; shoes;

What does God desire? To be full alive and in relationship with Him

· St. Irenaeus – “The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of man is the vision of God."

· What truly gives God glory is when those create in his image and likeness are fully alive because they seek Him and know him!

· He seeks that relationship! What destroys it? Pride and envy

· Path to overcoming and to healing is humility

o In the Gospel today, Jairus and the woman suffering with the hemorrhage know the need for another, someone greater

· More than just doing something

o Many people came to Jesus

o Many touched Jesus

o Their humility brought a faith in Him; going to Him

We encounter Him first off in prayer; a unique and personal way that we encounter Him is in the Sacraments. More than just doing something or saying words; it is encountering with humble faith.

· An encounter of healing – from Eucharist, Confession, Anointing of the Sick

Homework- what is a source of envy in your life? What healing do you need? Bring it to the Lord and pray with Psalm 30 “Thanksgiving for Deliverance” or “Thanksgiving for Recovery from Grave Illness”