Dear Parish Family,

“Stumbling Blocks to Salvation”

There are situations in life that makes it difficult for us to obtain our salvation. Obstacles that interfere with our spiritual growth in Christ. Yes, obstacles in life we call stumbling blocks. What are stumbling blocks? In the Sacred Scriptures, when reference is made to stumbling blocks, it means anything that leads to sin.

Today’s readings had perfect examples of stumbling blocks. In the First Reading from the Book of Genesis, we heard how Eve was a stumbling block to Adam’s salvation. She was deceived by the serpent and persuaded Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. They disobeyed God and were both exiled from Eden.  

Stumbling blocks could come from other people as well as from close acquaintances.  We see this in today’s Gospel reading as the Scribes tried to turn people away from Jesus by falsely accusing him of casting out demons by the power of Satan. I say to those Scribes and others who obstructs the work of God, they themselves are stumbling blocks which they must correct.

Even within the Catholic family we will find stumbling blocks. When children want to go to Church but their parents will not take them, will hinder the children’s spiritual growth.  Also, parents who refuse to take the time to raise their family in living the faith are creating a stumbling block to their own salvation. People who are constantly fighting, yelling, or abusing one another are stumbling blocks to the harmony of the spiritual family. Without peace and joy, how can Jesus dwell in the hearts of its members?

Today’s message is clear. Stumbling blocks can stunt our spiritual growth in Christ and make it difficult to obtain salvation. Anyone and everyone may be a stumbling block in our lives. Jesus said, "Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!" [Mt. 14:13]. 

But today’s readings also give us hope as we read in Psalm 130, “With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption”.  And in the second letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul encourages us to be diligent and to never to be discouraged. Never lose heart for we must believe that God will always be there for us and he will raise us up with Jesus.  For what awaits us at the end of our journey will be well worth it.
 

Deacon Rob Pang