Sun on Good and Bad, Rain on just and Unjust

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eleventh Week :  Tuesday* 

*Gospel : Mt 5:38-42*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 8:1-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 146:2, 5-6ab, 6c- 7, 8-9a*

*Sun on Good and Bad, Rain on just and Unjust*

*1) God’s Universal Grace (Common Grace)*

This verse reveals the universal goodness of God. 

Whether a person is righteous or wicked, God gives the basic blessings of life—sunlight and rain—without discrimination.

Psalm 145:9 says: *“The Lord is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made.”*

This is known in theology as *common grace*—God’s kindness to all people, regardless of their spiritual state.

God’s generosity is not limited to those who are morally upright. 

He shows His benevolence even to those who oppose Him. This challenges us to move beyond narrow views of justice and grace.

*2) Invitation to Imitate God’s Love*

The context of Matthew 5:45 is Jesus' teaching on loving one's enemies.

Just as God shows kindness to the unjust, we too are called to imitate that divine love.

Jesus is urging us not only to admire God's impartial love, but to practice it. 

We cannot limit our goodness to those who "deserve" it.

*3) God’s Patience with Sinners*

Sending rain and sun on the unjust doesn’t mean God approves of injustice. Rather, it reflects His Patience

God gives time and space for people to turn back to Him. This delay of judgment is mercy.

When we see people who do evil yet prosper, it's not that God is unjust—it may be that He is waiting, giving them a chance to repent. 

We are reminded not to envy the wicked, but to trust in God’s timings

*4) Challenge to Human Concepts of Fairness*

From a human standpoint, we often want reward for the good and punishment for the bad—immediately. 

But Jesus reveals a deeper, more merciful justice.

The rain falls on all because God’s justice is not only about fairness, but also about love and mercy. 

The final judgment lies in God's hands.

*5)Sun and Rain as Symbols of Blessing and Trial*

Interestingly, sun and rain can also symbolize both blessing and trial in the Bible.

Sun brings life—but too much brings drought.

Rain nourishes—but storms can destroy.

Both the righteous and the wicked will experience good and bad in life. 

What matters is not what happens to us, but how we respond, and where our heart stands before God.

*6) Final Thought*

Both the righteous and the wicked will experience good and bad in life. 

What matters is not what happens to us, but how we respond, and where our heart stands before God.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*