The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today underline the importance of justice and faith to people who desire to follow the Will of God.
Justice and faith
Cruz reports that Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz is behind the first new sculpture installed in St. Peter’s Square in over 400 years: It depicts 140 migrants and refugees and is called “Angels Unaware.” He created the original concept for the sculpture at the request of the Vatican’s Migrants and Refugees office, headed by Cardinal-designate Michael Czerny, but overseen directly by the pope himself.
The reading from the Book of Wisdom reveals how God guides and protects His people.
* [18:14–16] These verses attribute to the personified “word” the actions of the Lord mentioned in Ex 12:13–17 (note the role of the “destroyer” in Ex 12:23 and compare Wis 18:22, 25).1
Psalm 105 praises God’s faithfulness to Israel.
* [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people, cf. Ps 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Ps 105:1–6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Ps 105:7–11). In every phase of the national story—the ancestors in the land of Canaan (Ps 105:12–15), Joseph in Egypt (Ps 105:16–22), Israel in Egypt (Ps 105:23–38), Israel in the desert on the way to Canaan (Ps 105:39–45)—God remained faithful, reiterating the promise of the land to successive servants.2
The Gospel of Luke tells the parable of the widow and the unjust judge.
* [18:1–14] The particularly Lucan material in the travel narrative concludes with two parables on prayer. The first (Lk 18:1–8) teaches the disciples the need of persistent prayer so that they not fall victims to apostasy (Lk 18:8).3
Colleen Chiacchere writes it is vital that we celebrate and remember, in gratitude, the promises that God has kept for our well-being and the promises to re-order creation in the future, too.
Let us hope in the Lord, today, and always, but particularly when the daily activities of life seem overwhelming, when injustice seems insurmountable, when division seems permanent and when love and joy seem distant. May each one of us radiant God’s mercy and compassion in our lives, trusting that God is leading us (and needing us to collaborate) in the divine work of restoring justice and mercy here on Earth!4
Don Schwager quotes “Persistent prayer transforms iniquity and wickedness into mercy,” by Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD).
"How was that unjust judge immoral and wicked? How was the upright judge gracious and just? The first in his iniquity was not willing to vindicate the widow, and in his wickedness, he was not willing to put her mind at rest. The justice of God knows how to vindicate, and his grace discerns how to give life. The iniquity of this wicked judge was contrary to the justice of God, and the wickedness of this rebel was in opposition to the grace of the gentle One. His wickedness therefore was stubbornness, for it dared to go against the fear of God. His boldness was stubborn, for it refused the lowly person." "These two were stubborn, but persistent prayer was even more stubborn. The persistence of the widow humiliated both the iniquity that was rebelling against God and the boldness that was behaving arrogantly towards human beings. She subjected them to her will, so that they might provide her with a vindication over her adversary. Persistence transformed these two bitter branches, and they bore sweet fruit that was against their nature. The iniquity of the judge brought about a righteous judgment and a just retribution for the falsely accused woman. His wickedness gave peace to the afflicted one, although iniquity does not know how to judge, and wickedness does not know how to give refreshment. Persistence forced these two evil and bitter branches to give good fruit against their nature. If we persist in prayer, we should be even more able to prevail on the grace and justice of God to give us fruit that agrees with their nature. Let justice vindicate us, and let grace refresh us. Accordingly, the fruit of justice is the just reward of the oppressed, while the giving of refreshment to the afflicted is the fruit of grace." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 16.16.6)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9 comments that Jesus came to Israel unnoticed and in obscurity. When he comes to us, he also approaches us in moments of stillness. He comes humbly and in a quiet whisper (1 Kings 19:12). Often, like Pharaoh and the people of Bethlehem, we can miss him. We can be distracted by the tasks of life or the “noise” of our worries and concerns.
We can quiet ourselves by keeping a diary and reflecting each night on how God was present during the day. This is a good practice: to put aside the noise and, in the peaceful stillness, to listen for God. As you notice when God was present in the course of one day, you will be more alert to him in the next. You may hear God speak to your heart during your time of reflection. Write down what you think God might be trying to say to you. As you seek him, you will grow in hearing God’s all-powerful word. Be still—and listen. “O Word of God, come down into my heart.”6
Friar Jude Winkler notes that God will do anything that is needed to guide us to His Way. Chutzpah resonates with the traditional Hebrew way to be bold before God. Friar Jude reminds us not to soften our needs before God, who wants to address them.
The Franciscan Media post about Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini notes that in 35 years, she founded 67 institutions dedicated to caring for the poor, the abandoned, the uneducated and the sick. Seeing great need among Italian immigrants who were losing their faith, she organized schools and adult education classes. As a child, she was always frightened of water, unable to overcome her fear of drowning. Yet, despite this fear, she traveled across the Atlantic Ocean more than 30 times. She died of malaria in her own Columbus Hospital in Chicago.
The compassion and dedication of Mother Cabrini is still seen in hundreds of thousands of her fellow citizens who care for the sick in hospitals, nursing homes, and state institutions. We complain of increased medical costs in an affluent society, but the daily news shows us millions who have little or no medical care, and who are calling for new Mother Cabrinis to become citizen-servants of their land.7
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Tara Brach, who is a skilled psychotherapist and meditation teacher who has developed countless ways to help her students transform their suffering not only for their own sake but on behalf of the world. Over the last seventeen years she has focused particularly on the RAIN meditation practice, [1] which “cultivates a trust in our own basic goodness and by extension helps us recognize and trust that same light shining through all beings.” [2].
When you are caught in difficult emotions, the RAIN meditation can bring you back to a wise and compassionate presence. Give yourself a few moments to pause and turn inward.
R Recognize what is happening. Mentally whisper whatever you are aware of: fear, anger, hurt, shame.
A Allow. Let whatever you are feeling be here, without judging it, trying to fix it, or ignoring it. Simply pause and “let be.” You might whisper “This too belongs.”
I Investigate. With curiosity, feel into your body—your throat, chest, belly. Discover where the emotions live inside you. You might gently place a hand wherever feelings are strongest. Sense what is needed or being asked for right now. Is it love? Forgiveness? Acceptance? Understanding?
N Nurture. Offer care to feelings of vulnerability, hurt, or fear. Let the touch of your hand be tender, and send whatever message might most offer healing. You can imagine this coming from your own awake heart or from another being (friend, grandparent, spiritual figure, dog) you trust and love.
After the RAIN: Take some moments in stillness, simply sensing the quality of presence that has unfolded. Notice the shift from when you started (an angry or fearful or victimized self) to the compassionate awareness that is always here. [3]8
We pray with persistence with faith that the goodness in all people will triumph in accord with the Will of God.
References
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