Tag Archives: Justice

July 11, 2016

16th Sunday of the Year – Aware of God’s presence in every moment

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
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Study:  Consider a profound moment when you felt God’s presence.  What made this possible?

Pray:  Are you feeling drawn toward a certain activity or task?  Ask the Lord for guidance.

Serve:  What types of service do you find most rewarding?  How does helping others lead you to Christ?

Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year

Here’s a quick overview of the readings this week:

  • 1st Reading – Abraham recognizes the Lord in the three visitors
  • Psalm – “who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord”
  • 2nd Reading – Through suffering we participate in the life of Christ
  • Gospel – Martha & Mary

One way to reflect on these verses is to see how the Lord meets us in the pattern of daily life.  Consider:

  1. Hospitality – serving others
  2. Justice – standing up for what is right, true, and good
  3. Suffering – caring for those in need, and bearing our own pain as well
  4. Listening – pausing from our labors to hear the Lord in our lives

We understand that our relationship with God touches multiple aspects of our lives, such as prayer, sacraments, relationships, work, and recreation.  The invitation today encourages us to see with our hearts how the Lord is present to us in the current moment.

Does it mean that we serve with a joyful heart?  That we swiftly respond to injustice?  That we compassionately care for others?  That we stop and “smell the roses” in moments of rest & renewal, beauty & blessing?  In all these ways we are led back to the Lord, recognizing the gifts God gives us with a grateful heart.

How is God present in your life right now?  May our response bring us closer to Christ and one another.

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September 16, 2013

25th Sunday of the Year – The Church in the World

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Helping Hands

Study:  Do I use my resources justly and prudently?  Am I a good steward of what I have received?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for guidance to use the things of this world wisely.

Serve:  Is someone in need that you can help right now?  Is there a way you can make a difference in the life of another today?

25th Sunday Readings

The readings this week all have some bearing on the relationship between the Church and society.  This includes elements of social justice, politics, and wealth.  Here is a quick overview:

First – condemns those who cheat the poor
Psalm – God cares for the poor and lowly
Second – pray for civic leaders
Gospel – the unjust steward; the use of wealth

In the first reading the prophet Amos preaches against those who would take advantage of the poor.  Buying and selling are their concerns, even if it causes pain and suffering.  Amos reminds the people that God will judge!

The psalm shows both the glory of the Lord and his care for the poor.  God knows the needs of the oppressed, and the Lord will raise them up on the day of vindication.

The second reading exhorts the people to pray for all leaders, regardless of their beliefs.  Christians are commanded to pray for the good of the world, that peace and tranquility may exist here on earth.  We also pray that the world will come to know the Lord (and that begins with our hearts!).

Finally, in the Gospel we have two elements.  First we hear about an unjust steward, who has cheated and betrayed his master.  When told he will be dismissed, he takes matters into his own hands in order to insure that other people will welcome him.

Second, there follows a string of sayings on the right use of wealth.  These sayings point out that faith, integrity, and common sense will quickly be apparent, especially for those who practice good stewardship in their lives.

The fact is, we cannot cut ourselves off from the world; indeed, we profess that much of life is filled with blessings and gifts that are precious, holy, and wonderful.  HOW WE USE THIS WORLD is the challenge!

We are commanded to protect the poor and vulnerable.  We are called to pray for our leaders and work for a world of justice and peace.  We are challenged to be good stewards of all that we receive, mindful that the Lord gave it to us, and one day the Lord will take it back.

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March 12, 2013

5th Sunday of Lent – Justice & Mercy

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Flower

Study:  When have I truly experienced mercy from another person?  When have I been clearly in the wrong yet encountered understanding and compassion?

Pray:  Is there something in my life that needs God’s mercy?  Is there something or someone that I need God’s help to face?

Serve:  How can I practice mercy right now with someone in my life?

5th Sunday of Lent Readings

Teaching in the temple area, Jesus is confronted by the scribes and Pharisees with a woman (where is the man?) caught in adultery.  We are told that their intention is not justice, but to trap Jesus – so he can be arrested and silenced.

Here is the overview of John 8:1-11.
1           Jesus at the Mount of Olives
2          Jesus teaching in the temple area
3-6      Woman is brought to Jesus; Law is stated
7          Jesus writing on the ground
8          “Let the one without sin cast the first stone”
9          Everyone leaves; Jesus & the Woman alone
10        “Has no one condemned you?”
11        “No one, sir.”
“Neither do I…Go, and sin no more.”

Note that in this passage the Lord addresses two different groups.  The first group is composed of sinners.  His words to the scribes and Pharisees are profound:  “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  Obviously, they must drop their stones; reflection and experience bring back numerous reminders of their sins.

Yet there is someone present who is without sin – JESUS!  His words to the crowd are about himself; he has the right and the authority to judge.

When the crowd finally disperses, he has the opportunity to speak to the woman.  “Neither do I condemn you.  Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”  Two crucial points surface from these words.

First, Jesus tells the truth; the behavior in question is a sin.  He does not ignore the fact, nor does he try to defend or explain it away.  He says it simply and directly.  His word is justice.

Second, the compassion of Jesus is evident in his gentle forgiveness.  He has the right to judge her, and he chooses mercy.

With the scribes and Pharisees Jesus reminds us “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1).  With the woman Jesus reminds us that in our sin and weakness we come to the Lord who longs to heal and restore us.

Which response speaks to us today?  We know that sin is real.  We know that all of us have failed and fallen through temptation and evil.  Do we need to ask forgiveness – for ourselves, or for presuming to judge others?  The Lord waits for us!

1 Comment   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Lent