Human and Divine Retribution?
Homily on Wednesday, First Week of Lent; 12 March 2025, DBPH Chapel, Talamban
Yesterday our former President was arrested by the authorities to be tried soon before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged crimes against humanity. Everyone knows that despite the many good he has done for the country, sad to say tens of thousands became victims of extra-judicial killings conducted during the ruthless and bloody war that he, as President, had waged to swiftly rid the country of both drug pushers and drug users. Now, could this be the beginning of both human and divine retribution for him and the high-ranking officials who supported him? We have to keep in mind that no matter how good we might be, once we are found guilty of a crime we have committed, we will be held liable by the court for any damage caused.
By divine coincidence, the first reading today (Jonah 3:1-10) presents to us the amazing story of how one great city called Nineveh which deserved punishment went down to its knees to heed God’s call to conversion and a change of heart. It is also the inspiring story of one reluctant prophet named Jonah who, despite being sent by God to the pagan city, could not believe that his words could move its people to repent and reform their lives.
In the gospel passage we have heard today (Luke 11:29-32), Jesus affirms the Ninevites for having responded promptly to Jonah’s call to conversion while lamenting how unbelieving and unresponsive the Jews were during his time. The Lord has already performed countless miracles and has shown them many incredible signs of healing and deliverance and yet many refused to believe. When the religious authorities demanded for a sign, Jesus’ response showed only his disappointment “No sign will be given them except the sign of Jonah” referring to his resurrection three days after his death.
Today Jesus’ resurrection from the dead continues to be the greatest sign for the whole world to realize that God has indeed been calling us and continues to call us all to conversion, to make a return to him who is the God of infinite mercy and compassion, before human and divine retribution takes a toll on our lives.
Let us pray in this Mass that we, Catholics in the Philippines in solidarity with the universal Church, may take seriously and persevere in the Lenten program of prayer, penitence and almsgiving so that we may all be saved (at least) from divine retribution. We also pray that this Jubilee Year of Hope may truly help bring about a just and peaceful resolution to the crisis we are facing as a God-fearing nation and soon bring unity and prosperity to everyone. GiGsss!