St. Mary Catholic Church

DeKalb, Illinois

RCIA SESSIONS IN THE PRESENTATION ROOM OF THE PARISH OFFICE FROM 7:00-8:30

For class dates and more information, click here.

We are reminded on this
First Sunday of Lent that, although
depicted as an apple in art and
lore, it was actually the fruit of
“the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil” that became a
temptation and source of fall from grace for the hu- man race. The serpent is successful in convincing man and woman that we are missing out on something if we only do good. Lack of gratitude, idleness, pride, and presumption continue to be fertile ground for de- ception and suffering.

It is an unchanging truth that we may not mor- ally do evil so that good may come of it. This is a lie. It is always right to do good and avoid evil. Evil is never justifiable and whitewashing it does not change the reality. Of course, we must have faith, especially in our fallen state, that God’s Word is a reliable guide to happiness. If we are tempted, it may seem that fol- lowing our own inclinations and whims, even if they run counter to God’s law is justifiable. We are very capable of rationalization. May the Lord help us to be honest this Lent and seek His Mercy for our sinful tol- eration of evil in any of its forms, whatever the per- ceived justification; and be merciful with our brothers and sisters.

In Christ, Son of Mary, Fr. Russell