Knowledge of our calling is serious

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary bring the concepts of Divine justice to mind. Paul addresses the Romans about the judgement of God. He warns that we should not judge others as we are likely doing the same things we condemn. The responsibility of those who know the will of God is to be kind, forbearing and patient is greater than those in ignorance. The self seeking actions of our lives will bring grief and the giving actions will bring glory, honor and peace. There is nothing new here but our inability to hear is the issue. The psalmist takes the position of those who we may be in conflict with. The victim claims the rock and salvation of an intimate relationship with the Divine. He will not be shaken. The burdens with which we can impede and annoy others are condemned by Jesus in the Gospel from Luke. Like the Pharisees and lawyers we can find ways to be less responsive to those who annoy us. We can move slowly, find excuses and delay when our "help" is for those for whom we would rather not serve. "But woe to you!"