Does God Punish?
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Praise the Lord, my soul!”Ps. 146
Many times, we hear preaching in the Church that God’s justice will be revealed after this life, interpreting the biblical text that repeatedly states that God will reward each person according to their deeds, with heaven, purgatory, or hell.
We hear that it is not that God rewards or punishes in this life, but rather that each person reaps what they sow or what the context of this world gives them; that God did not come to take away the cross, but to give meaning to it. Therefore, we should never interpret the cross or tribulation as God’s punishment, because we say He is love.
Can we be so sure of this interpretation? Could it be that God already, even in this life, places corrections along our path? Let’s look at some passages that might suggest this:
“…Moreover, you have forgotten the encouragement addressed to you as sons: ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are reprimanded by him; for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for your correction that you suffer; God treats you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?”Hebrews 12:5ff
“I rebuke and discipline those whom I love; therefore, be zealous and repent.”Revelation 3:19
“Sin no more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.”John 5:14
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”James 4:6
“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap eternal life.”Galatians 6:7-8
Even if these passages refer only to life after this one, the reality is that in this life we already suffer the consequences of not giving God the first place. This results in missing out on many blessings, fruits, and gifts of the Spirit, causing us to suffer more due to sin. IN SIN LIES PENANCE, because sin leads inevitably to suffering, destruction, and death, as Scripture makes clear.
“Claiming to be wise, they became fools. They even replaced the glorious, immortal God with images of all that is fleeting: images of men, birds, animals, and reptiles. Therefore, God gave them up to their secret passions; they indulged in impurity and dishonored their own bodies. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen!”Romans 1:22ff
St. Gemma Galgani
St. Gemma Galgani (1878-1903) was an Italian layperson who lived an intense prayer life. She experienced ecstasies, was reported to levitate, and received the grace of the holy stigmata. She is called the “Daughter of the Passion” because of her deep union with Christ’s passion.
Weekly Readings
Sunday: 1 Kgs 17:10-16/Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 (1b)/Heb 9:24-28/Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44
Monday: Ti 1:1-9/Ps 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6/Lk 17:1-6
Tuesday: Ti 2:1-8, 11-14/Ps 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29/Lk 17:7-10
Wednesday: Ti 3:1-7/Ps 23:1b-3a, 3bc-4, 5, 6/Lk 17:11-19
Thursday: Phim 7-20/Ps 146:7, 8-9a, 9bc-10/Lk 17:20-25
Friday: 2 Jn 4-9/Ps 119:1, 2, 10, 11, 17, 18/Lk 17:26-37
Saturday: 3 Jn 5-8/Ps 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6/Lk 18:1-8
Next Sunday: Dn 12:1-3/Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 (1)/Heb 10:11-14, 18/Mk 13:24-32
Observances for the Week
Sunday: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: St. Martin of Tours, Bishop; Veterans Day
Tuesday: St. Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Wednesday: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
Friday: St. Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Saturday: St. Margaret of Scotland; St. Gertrude, Virgin
Next Sunday: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
