“. . . and the fire is never quenched” (Luke 9:48)

Is it still possible today to talk about “Hell of Fire,” a place reserved for unrepentant sinners? The vivacity with which today’s gospel describes Hell gives the impression of someone who has seen Hell! The good news, however, is that God does not want anybody to go there, except, of course, the person who chooses to go there.

A sure way of avoiding going to Hell is to realize our common humanity – we are all children of God, the rich, the poor, the old and the young. How nice to know that giving a cup of water to another human being merits going to Heaven and avoiding Hell (today’s gospel)! Not too fast, though: why do we give water to another person? Because it our job or we make a living by supplying water (today’s second reading)? Indeed, one must recognize the humanity in another for his/her cup of water to count for Heaven (first and gospel readings). The rich of the second reading are condemned, not because they are rich, but because they rejected the humanity in their brothers and sisters!

The central message of today is that God has created humanity for unity and oneness. Any iota of discrimination is punishable by Hell! We need to treat one another as we would God Himself, and not take advantage of one another! May we work for human oneness every day!

Ayodele Ayeni, c.s.sp.
Fatherayo2u.com