4th Sunday after Easter 10 May 2020 Sermon

4^th Sunday after Easter 10.5.20 Ignorance is not bliss

Father forgive them they know not what they do. (Lk 23,34)

It is often argued that people today, especially the young, cannot be held guilty for much of what they do because they do not know it is wrong. No one has told them, so how can they know?

It is a dangerous approach in matters of faith and morality to rely too heavily on ignorance. There must come a point where we really did know, or should have known.

Even in secular law there are things we are expected to know (like observing fire safety, or road safety). If we did not know, then we should have found out.

It may be that people do not want to know so they can continue in blissful ignorance. (This is one reason why prophets are often unwelcome: eg Herodias and St John the Baptist (Mk 6.17-28)). They would rather kill the messenger than heed his message.

Only God would know how to assess the guilt or otherwise of each person.

For our part, we affirm God’s mercy, and believe that anyone can be saved if only he makes the right turnings.

We resolve  never to hide behind a contrived ignorance, as that would be to show contempt for Christ, crucified for us. We would not drive another nail into His hands, or add another lash to His back by adding any further sin.

It is argued that the Church would do better to leave people in ignorance rather than preach to them as to rights and wrongs.

This would be degrading for human dignity. Every person is called to conversion and salvation. We should give each other the best possible chance to find their place in God's sight.

In today’s Gospel, Our Lord refers to the Holy Spirit who will convince people of what they may not have grasped before. (Jn 16, 8-11) He will convince, or convict. There comes a point where we cannot hide anymore; but must face our sins.

This sounds frightening, but really it is liberating as we discover the joy of union with God,

The Spirit will find different ways of getting through to people. Not many can read all the Bible, the Fathers, the Councils and the Popes etc; but everyone can be prompted by the Holy Spirit. The word of the Lord is quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Hebrews 4,12)

The law of God is inscribed on our hearts. It may not be discovered, or activated, but it is there. This can be described as the natural law, the law that flows from the nature of things.

All people are bound by this law, even if they would protest they are not.

It is liberating for us to discover our true state before God.

Would you go back to Egypt, to slavery to the flesh, to living in darkness? No. We have discovered a better way.

It comes back to our relationship with God. Sin is a personal transaction; it is giving offence to God.

God has established things in a certain way. We make it harder for ourselves when we go our way instead of His.

It is sometimes hard to find solid ground on which to stand, but it can be done.

Father, they know not what  they do, but we can find out what we are doing, and do something else instead - live in the holy will of God.