Who will be the residents of Hell/Gehenna? by Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

WONDERING GURU

26^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 29 September 2024

(Num 11: 25-29; Ps 19: 8-14; James 5: 1-6; Mk 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48)

Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

Introduction: It is neither popular nor palatable to preach about hell.  In modern times one hardly hears any sermon about going to hell.  Many don’t even believe in the existence of hell.  No matter what we choose to believe the reality of hell is real as it is stated by Jesus in today’s gospel. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity.  Hell is the “state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed….” (CCC 1033) Furthermore, the Catechism states, “The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death, the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, ‘eternal fire’” (CCC 1035). Let’s reflect on today’s gospel reading a bit deeper.

How do we cause one of these “little ones” to sin?

The “little ones” Jesus speaks about in the Gospel can refer to those new in faith, new converts or to little children who are growing in faith and love of Christ.  In both cases the good example of the adult Christian is very important.  Many times our unconscious behaviour can lead others away from God.  A few examples of unconscious unchristian behaviour.

·      When we do not pray in crucial moments of our life, we teach the little ones, that God doesn’t answer prayer anymore. A child asked his father. “Dad, is God dead?” “Why of course not. Why would you ask such a question, my child?” said the father. The child responded, “Because you don’t talk to him like before.”

·      When we don’t read God’s Word, we teach the little ones, that His word is no longer relevant.

·      When we don’t tell others about Jesus’ love, we teach the little ones that witnessing is out of fashion.

·      When we sin and don’t repent/no confession, we teach the “little ones” that God’s standards are “optional.”

 How many Christians believe in hell?

Someone said, it’s better for us to literally be without part of our body and have a fire in our spirit than to have all of our body and be dead in our spirit.

In a survey, it was determined that 35% of Baptists; 54% of Presbyterians, 58% of Methodists, and 60% of Episcopalians DO NOT Believe in a literal place called HELL! 71% of the 8 leading seminaries in the United States Do Not Believe in either Heaven or Hell. Dr. A. C. Dixon stated, "If we had more preaching on Hell, then we would have Less of it in our communities!"

Today, Hell is thought of as a Joke! The English word for "Hell" appears in the Bible 54 times. In the New Testament alone, the "eternality of Hell" occurs 126 times; while Jesus spoke of Heaven only once, He spoke of Hell eleven (11) times!

 What is the understanding of Hell?

§  Eternal Association with the Wicked (2 Pet. 2:4; 9; Rev. 21:8). Hell was not created for mankind, but rather for the devil and his angels; as well as the Beast & False Prophet (Rev. 20).

§  Eternal Darkness (2 Pet. 2:4; 17; Jude 13; Mt. 8:12). In Egypt, (Ex. 10:21-23), the Bible says that Darkness was felt by people during the plagues upon the land.

§  Eternal Death (Rev. 20:13-14). It is quite obvious that at that time, There Will Be NO Second Chances! No More Hope of Being Saved! This death does not mean annihilation or extinction; It means Separation from LIGHT!

§  Unspeakable Sorrow-Mk. 9; Matt. 13; Lk. 13; and many other passages speak of the awful sorrows that will be in Hell! Bitter, Biting, Burning Remorse & Memory (Lk. 16)  Dan. 12:2 speaks about shame and everlasting contempt."

§  Unsatisfied desires (Lk. 16) Like the rich man in Hell thirsting for just a drop of water to cool his parched tongue, YOU too will have cravings that will never be satisfied.

§  Despair & Hopelessness (Mt. 25:41; 46; Rev. 14:10-11) One thing that is clearly taught in the Scriptures - Hell is Forever and Ever and Ever!

§  Unquenchable Flame of Fire (Matt. 13:41-42; 49-50).

§  Sounds produced by those in Hell (Mk. 9; Matt. 13). The flesh worms eating at one’s flesh! The Weeping and Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth!

 If Hell is real, and it is, then who will be there?

Jesus tells us very plainly why Hell was created. It was designed as a place of eternal punishment for Satan and his demonic followers (Mt. 25:41). And, we know that at the end of the Tribulation Period, Satan, along with the Antichrist and the False Prophet will be cast into Hell (Rev. 20:10). But, there are others in Hell! Jude speaks of certain angels “which kept not their first estate” as being in Hell (Jude 6). Is Hell then just a place for spiritual beings who have rebelled against God? No! In Matthew 25:41, Jesus sends a group of people away into Hell! In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells us the story of a rich man who died and went to Hell. The Bible is clear about who will be in Hell. Psalm 9:17 tells us that the “wicked will be turned into Hell”. The bottom line is this: everyone who rejects God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ will go to Hell (Jn 8:24; 2 Thes. 1:9-10).

What Is the Saddest Thing about Going to Hell?

The Saddest Thing About Going to Hell Is - realizing that you don’t have to go there!

How to avoid the road going to Hell?

1. Recognize the fact that you are a sinner - Rom. 3:10; 23; Rom. 5:12.

2. Understand the penalty that God has placed on sin - Rom. 6:23.

3. Know what God did to save you from your sins - Rom. 5:6-9.

4. Turn from your sins, make confession and place your faith in Jesus alone for your salvation - Rom. 10:9-13.

5. God’s plan of salvation is as simple as pure faith in Jesus: Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 16:31; Jn 3:16; Jn 6:47; Jn 5:25.

To be First be Servant of all by Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

 

WONDERING GURU

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 22 September 2024

(Wis 2: 12, 17-20; Ps 54: 3-8; James 3: 16 – 4: 3; Mk 9: 30-37)

Why the apostles remained silent?  “They came to Capernaum. When He was in the house, He asked them, ’What were you arguing about on the road?’ But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.” Mark tells us that they didn’t answer Him. They didn’t answer because they were ashamed. As long as they thought that Jesus didn’t know, it seemed reasonable. But when they realized Jesus knew about their intention and discussion, they felt ashamed.  If they had been discussing how to serve God better, they would have been eager to tell Jesus about that.

What could be the reason of their discussion? Peter, James & John after transfiguration episode might have been having very excited discussion among themselves.  Now when the rest of the apostles heard them talking like that, you can imagine their curiosity: “What are you talking about? What did you see?” Then Peter might have replied, “Well, we really can’t say. Maybe someday we can tell you what we saw on top of the mountain, but right now Jesus only wants the 3 of us to know, & we’ve been instructed not to tell anybody else.”

Did Jesus reprimand His apostles? “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve & said, ’If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, & the servant of all.’”  Now notice that Jesus did not condemn them or rebuke them for desiring greatness. He did not say that it is wrong to want to be great. I believe that God has given all of us an inborn trait that makes us want to be great in whatever it is that we do. Jesus doesn’t say that’s wrong. But He defines what “greatness” is. What is “greatness?” “True greatness is to be found in service, in a concern about others, willing even to be last, instead of always putting ourselves first.” This is contrary to everything the world teaches. The world says that greatness is measured by how many people serve us. Greatness, according to the world, is measured by the number of lives that we control.

Why did Jesus use a child as an object lesson? Someone said, “Jesus used a child because a child really can’t do anything for us.” A child can’t enhance our position in society. A child can’t add to our success. On the contrary, a child demands things. Every mother & father knows that when they become parents they begin to learn what “serving” is all about. They quickly learn about sacrificing themselves, their time, their energy and money to meet the needs of their children. The moment they become parents they start giving & giving & giving.  And when children get married parents are still giving. So, Jesus took the child & said, “This is what I’m talking about. A child can’t do anything for you. A child can’t make you more important in the eyes of the world. But a child can teach you what ministry is all about.”

Stories: Dr. Viktor Frankl was an Austrian physician who was imprisoned in one of Hitler’s death camps. He and his fellow Jewish people suffered unbelievable atrocities. Everything about their living and working conditions were deplorable, including their medical care. Dr. Frankl offered what little medical help he could to the sick and dying. Over time, he discovered a unique phenomenon he recorded in his book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’. He said those people who kept their strength and sanity the longest were those who tried to help other prisoners and share what little they had. Their physical and mental condition seemed strengthened by their friendliness, compassion, and focus on something other than themselves. Ministry energizes, contrary to the great fear that resources will be depleted if we help others.

A certain family had two sons. The older said he must make a name for his family, so turned his face towards Parliament and fame. The younger decided to give his life to the service of Christ and turned his face towards China and duty. He was Hudson Taylor, the missionary, who died beloved and known on every continent. “But,” someone wrote, “when I looked in the encyclopedia to see what the other son had done, I found these words, ’the brother of Hudson Taylor.’ “

“Unless our belief in God causes us to help our fellow man, our faith stands condemned.”–Billy Graham

Taking the Road Less Travelled by Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

                                                                    WONDERING GURU

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 15 Sept 2024

(Isaiah 50: 5-9a; Ps 116: 1-9; James 2: 14-18; Mark 8: 27-35)

Introduction: What did Jesus mean when He said to take up the cross? What does it mean to “take up” or “bear a cross”? What does the Bible teach about “cross bearing?” When Jesus says take up your cross and follow me, first of all, we see the startling honesty of Jesus. Jesus never tries to bribe us by the offer of an easy life. During the WW2, when Winston Churchill took over the leadership of England, all that he offered his people was “blood, sweat & tears.” Same was offered by Garibaldi to the people of South Italy.  And that is very much like what Jesus is offering to His followers, too. We must remember that Jesus never calls upon us to do anything that He was not prepared to do Himself. What He asks us to face, He has already faced. And when He calls upon us to take up a cross, He, Himself, has already borne one for us.  So, let’s see a few things about cross bearing.

Cross Bearing Was Confusing: Paul wrote: “Jews demand miraculous signs & Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews & foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews & Greeks, Christ the power of God & the wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:22 24). We can understand the Jews stumbling over the idea of their Messiah hanging on a cross. They were an oppressed people. They had been oppressed by Assyrians & Babylonians & Greeks, & now by the Romans.  But one thing kept them going through it all, God’s promise of the Messiah.  Fathers would tell their children, “One day the Messiah will come & set us free. He will be a magnificent king with legions of soldiers behind him. They will defeat our enemies & make them bow down before us.”  Then the Messiah came, but not as they had expected. He came as a carpenter, a preacher from Nazareth. Some called Him a madman. His army was made up of twelve men. And instead of great military victories, there was a crucifixion.  So, the cross was a stumbling block to the Jews. It wasn’t what they expected. It wasn’t what they wanted to hear. And neither do we.

JESUS CLARIFIES THE CONCEPT OF CROSS BEARING

1. Cross Bearing is Always Voluntary-Jesus calls us, & challenges us, but it is our decision. Taking up a cross & following Jesus is voluntary.
2. Cross Bearing is an Act of Love– Cross bearing is not an accident that happens to us, or something unavoidable that we must face. Cross bearing is an act of love that we choose to do. It is a task that we undertake, a price that we pay, out of love for Him. For Jesus it meant going to a cross to die because He loved us so much, He could do nothing else.  “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13).  It means reaching out to people who are unlovable & unlovely & who may never return the love. And yet we are to keep on loving because that’s what Jesus did. 1 Cor 13:4 reads (exchange the word “love” with “cross bearer”): “A cross bearer is patient. A cross bearer is kind. A cross bearer does not envy. A cross bearer does not boast. A cross bearer is not arrogant or rude. A cross bearer is not self-seeking.  A cross bearer is not easily angered, nor keeps records of wrongs. He does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. A cross bearer always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” That is what cross bearing means. It means taking the love of God to the very ends of the world. To touch the lives of people who are unlovable. It means denying & sacrificing. It means paying the price regardless of the hardships we must endure.
3. Cross Bearing is Hard– Off course it is hard. Whenever the message of the cross has been preached, people have always objected to it. Jesus talked about His impending death on a cross & His apostles recoiled at that. They tried to keep Him from going to Jerusalem. They said, “We don’t want you to die.” When He did die on the cross, they hid behind locked doors, fearful of what might happen next.

Conclusion: If you really love Jesus, take up the Cross and follow Him.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference”- Robert Frost

Why the Gradual Healing of the Deaf & the Dumb? by Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

 

WONDERING GURU

23^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time    8 September 2024

(Isaiah 35: 4-7a; Ps 146: 7-10; James 2: 1-5; Mark 7: 31-37)

Introduction: Hearing and speaking are a very important part of our lives and the reason we have two ears and one mouth. It has been said that we should see and hear more and speak less and that is why we have only one mouth. Deafness and dumbness often go together since you cannot learn to speak what you cannot hear. A person who cannot hear or speak finds it very difficult to communicate with others. Unable to express their thoughts and feelings they become isolated, cut off and shut off from society. Far worse than being cut off from society is being cut off from God and this happens when we are deaf to the voice of God. Hearing and speaking are essential to receiving the gospel and praising God and the ear serves as a direct link to our soul. What we hear with our ears goes deep down into our hearts and into our souls. Whether they are words of love, words of joy, laughter, music, or cries for help we are stirred up within.

Jesus takes him aside away from the crowd--Christ has compassion on the crowd but He imparts his touch on an individual basis (Mark 8:2–23). In the gospel reading of today we see Jesus healing a deaf and dumb man. Anyone who at any time senses the need of being touched by the Master needs to get alone with God.  The crowd has a way of keeping us distracted and preoccupied with various voices. God, on the other hand, has a way of leading us to a place of solitude where He can have our undivided attention. Many biblical characters spent lot of time in isolated settings: Moses, David, John the Baptist, Paul, Elijah, Jonah, Daniel, Joseph, etc. It is safe to say that we must shut out the world’s voice if we would be touched by the Master. The most difficult thing for Christ to do during His time on earth was not to heal people, but to get people to listen to Him!

Jesus Touches him--The Lord who does all things right has healed and restored us. His actions are proof that He is the Messiah because according to the prophesy of Isaiah 35:4-6, the Messiah “will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened. And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer. And the tongue of the dumb sing.” Not only does Christ restore, He becomes involved in restored lives. It is not good enough to minister from a distance. Praying to meet the need of a person is important but equally important is being involved in meeting that need and being involved in the life of that person. Very often our involvement is only through the laying on of hands. Jesus was always involved with the people He ministered to. We cannot simply pray for someone who is cold and hungry to be warm and filled. We have to do something about his or her condition and this is what involvement is about. We are involved because we are Christ’s ambassadors. In a very real way we are His hands, His mouth and His feet, ministering for Him with the same loving concern He had for the world.

Jesus uses Saliva to heal- Jesus spit and touched the man’s tongue with His own saliva. This is a bit unorthodox but Christ never did anything without a reason. Jesus was communicating with His touch. The man’s speech was unclear because of his hearing impairment. He not only needed to hear right, he needed to talk right. Jesus was teaching us that in order to talk right, our speech must be touched by the Master. Sometimes our speech is too starchy filled with harsh words, gossip, vulgarity, pessimistic speech, or unkind words.

Jesus Looks Up--Everything that Christ does serve a purpose and each of His actions are significant. As Christ began to minister to the deaf and dumb man, He looked up to Heaven. This is symbolic of the relationship or communion He had with God. It was as if he was saying to the deaf and dumb man that the source of His power came from God. Communion refers to an intimate relationship and Jesus maintained this communion with God through prayer.

What about us? We're 2000 years removed from this event. What do we find here that is relevant for us? If this is only about the compassion of Jesus in the face of physical necessity, how many proofs do we need?  After all, how many sick people need to be healed, how many dead people need to be raised back to life, how many deaf ears need to be opened before we get the point? If this is only about Jesus' healing physical problems what's special about this miracle?  You and I are also in this text. In some way we are the ‘man’ who are healed. We think of deafness as a physical thing, and it certainly is. But what about spiritual deafness? What about not hearing God; not understanding God? Well, that’s how man is before he is converted. Man is deaf to God. He cannot hear God. He can't understand God. And as a result he cannot speak of God; he cannot confess God. Apart from Jesus man is helplessly deaf and dumb. Apart from Jesus our ears remain closed. Apart from Jesus we have no knowledge of God from which our lips can speak. In our text it was the fingers of Jesus and His spit which became the instruments of a miracle. For us Jesus worked through the hands of a priest and the water of baptism to perform His miracle. Spit certainly seems inconsequential - so does the water which is poured over us at the baptismal font. The fingers of a man placed into the ears of a deaf-mute must have seemed like nothing. So, too, the human hands which cradled you and applied to you the water of life. But in each case the result was the same. Ears that had been closed were opened, able to hear the voice of God. A tongue which had been bound was unloosed and able to confess. 

May we learn to listen to the voice of God that we may give him all the glory with our tongue. Amen!

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