Every sin has its natural consequences!

January 27, Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Angela Merici, virgin
Daily readings: 2 Samuel 12:1–7a; 10–17; Mark 4:35–41

The first reading presents a parable to highlight the sin of David. He stands accused. When convicted of sin, David makes no excuses. He doesn’t make efforts to justify his actions, but he humbly accepts the responsibilities of his actions. He acknowledges his guilt (“I have sinned against the Lord”) and makes no complaints concerning the judgment. He professes repentance. Despite being assured of forgiveness, he must still bear the consequences of his sins.

Prophets are the conscience of the king and nation. Prophet Nathan’s presence has been a reminder that God does not take our actions lightly and that one has to bear the effects of sins in spite of receiving forgiveness. God has always been gracious to David and his dynasty and to re-establish His relationship with humans.

The Gospel depicts Jesus sailing in the Sea of Galilee together with his disciples. Seated in the stern, Jesus is fast asleep, unaware of the strong wind. Terribly frightened of the storm, they ask him with frustration, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus rebukes and calms the sea. The scene illustrates Jesus’ complete trust in God in the midst of adversity while his disciples begin to learn lessons on faith.

In spite of being fishermen who face these kinds of obstacles and adversities every now and then, the disciples lack faith in Jesus. They see him only as a man and not as a God. Their question reveals their bewilderment: “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” The divine humility of Jesus is evident in his tolerant approach to the entire scenario. This miracle evidences Jesus’ power over nature.

Just like God brought about order in the chaotic situation at the beginning of creation, Jesus brings about order and stability. Jesus’ self-disclosure in the presence of the disciples invites them to recognize the presence of God in him. It is an opportunity for the disciples to recognize the presence of God in Jesus.

Holy Mother Church celebrates St. Angela Merici, the Foundress of the Ursuline Order. The Ursuline Order is the oldest religious order of women in the Catholic Church, dedicated to the education of girls.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: It is human to commit sins. It takes courage to acknowledge and repent. The sin of the modern world is the lack of awareness of sins. Are you aware of your sins and sinful nature?