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October 29, 2023Reflection for October 29th:
Exodus 22:20-26: This reading emphasizes Jesus’ Commandment to love our neighbor, as ourselves. This passage also evokes the Church’s social justice agenda of giving “preferential option” or “priority” to meeting the needs of the poor and vulnerable before less urgent objectives. Widows, orphans and aliens are offered as examples of vulnerable groups, needing our compassion, generosity and mercy. Note that we can classify the unwanted unborn as “orphans,” as they have no parent to love them; and so they need our help, our nurturing and our compassion, as do their parent or parents, who find themselves facing a crisis pregnancy. We must also welcome “aliens,” with compassion and love, no matter how they got here. Others can handle legal concerns, while we, as Christians, greet them with love and generosity that rise above “political correctness.”
Psalm 18: “I love You, Lord, my strength.” Recall that the “other half” of the Commandment to love our neighbor, as ourselves, is to love God with all our heart, all our soul and with all of our strength. Be aware that even the strength we have to love God, is ultimately also a gift from God! This week, let’s join the psalmist in consciously adoring, praising and thanking God for God’s Presence among us. When we address God as our rock, our fortress and our deliverer, we’re clearly thanking God for His compassion and mercy, His protection and His Salvation of us from the eternal punishment due to us, because of our sins. Let’s take time this week to thank God for His many blessings to us. Then, contemplate and pray for inspiration regarding how we might better show our “neighbors” that we love them, as we love ourselves.
Thess 1:5c-10: Paul starts this letter by reminding the Church at Thessalonica how he (Paul) and other believers compassionately and lovingly served the people of Thessalonica; immediately after first meeting them. Early Christian disciples set a good example of “loving others, as ourselves.” Now, Paul is complimenting the Thessalonica community for their receptivity to the Christian message of love and service. Paul observes, with pleasure, that now Thessalonians are “reciprocally” sharing or “passing forward” the loving treatment they’ve received; especially to the Christian communities of Macedonia and Achaia.
Like the Thessalonians, we’re being called to receive Jesus’ message of love and service with openness. May the Holy Spirit fill each one of us with love, mercy and compassion for the vulnerable among us; even toward those who have previously hurt us. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill us with compassion, true charity, mercy and forgiveness. Amen.
Matt 22:34-40: Today’s readings culminate in this Gospel message, focusing on the “greatest Commandment;” that of loving God with all of our hearts, souls and minds… and our neighbor, as ourselves. As Jesus emphasizes, loving God, fully, authentically and completely is the most important Commandment; while loving our neighbor as ourselves comes, necessarily, right after that.
What does Jesus mean when He says that “the whole Law and the prophets depend upon these two Commandments? Jesus is saying that the very stability of our world, our communities, our Church and our families depend upon our developing and maintaining behaviors of mutual caring for our fellow Church members, co-workers, families, friends and even just general fellow humans. Otherwise, we descend into greed, self-promotion, selfishness and destructive competition.
I’ll conclude with a focus of contemplation for this week: Can we rise above earthly politics and “political correctness” to cultivate and promote love and respect and care for all, without exceptions?
Challengingly,
Deacon Matt
