Justice and Judgement

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our judgement of the people in our community who live in precarious situations and our efforts to bring the justice preached by Jesus to these situations.

Justice for Homeless

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans proclaims God’s Just Judgment.

* [2:1–11] As a first step in his demonstration that Jews enjoy no real moral supremacy over Gentiles, Paul explains that the final judgment will be a review of performance, not of privilege. From this perspective Gentiles stand on an equal footing with Jews, and Jews cannot condemn the sins of Gentiles without condemning themselves.

* [2:6] Will repay everyone according to his works: Paul reproduces the Septuagint text of Ps 62:12 and Prv 24:12.

* [2:11] No partiality with God: this sentence is not at variance with the statements in Rom 2:9–10. Since Jews are the first to go under indictment, it is only fair that they be given first consideration in the distribution of blessings. Basic, of course, is the understanding that God accepts no bribes (Dt 10:17). (Romans, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

Psalm 62 is a song of trust.

* [Psalm 62] A song of trust displaying serenity from experiencing God’s power (the refrains of Ps 62:2–3 and Ps 62:6–7) and anger toward unjust enemies (Ps 62:4–5). From the experience of being rescued, the psalmist can teach others to trust in God (Ps 62:9–12). (Psalms, PSALM 62, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke continues Jesus' Denunciation of the Pharisees and Scholars of the Law.

* [11:37–54] This denunciation of the Pharisees (Lk 11:39–44) and the scholars of the law (Lk 11:45–52) is set by Luke in the context of Jesus’ dining at the home of a Pharisee. Controversies with or reprimands of Pharisees are regularly set by Luke within the context of Jesus’ eating with Pharisees (see Lk 5:29–39; 7:36–50; 14:1–24). A different compilation of similar sayings is found in Mt 23 (see also notes there).

* [11:44] Unseen graves: contact with the dead or with human bones or graves (see Nm 19:16) brought ritual impurity. Jesus presents the Pharisees as those who insidiously lead others astray through their seeming attention to the law.

* [11:45] Scholars of the law: see note on Lk 10:25. (Luke, CHAPTER 11, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth offers some thoughts about helping homeless people. When Jesus told the Pharisees that “You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them” she notes a City Council considering two approaches to the issue. One suggestion, hopefully abandoned, would be to disband unsightly encampments and fine residents if they refuse to move. The other calls for disbanding the encampments after helping residents find housing and counseling for mental health, substance abuse or other problems.

But Jesus tells us to “lift one finger to touch them.” There are ways to stay in your comfort zone and still do this: you can swing a hammer at a Habitat for Humanity, build or join your parish St. Vincent de Paul Society. You can even get creative like my daughter did when she was a waitress in high school. Every weekend she would drop off leftover baked goods at a homeless shelter to keep them from being thrown away.

I don’t want to imply that all homeless people are alike. When I did some mentoring for Habitat, I discovered that homeless or poorly housed people seeking a better life were individuals like the rest of us. They’ve just had much more difficult lives than those of us who grew up in stable homes, I marveled at how they coped with problems that would have defeated me like domestic violence and caring for troubled children. Many juggled two horrible jobs just to stay afloat. It was easy to see Jesus in these people.

And now as I’m getting involved in a project for Habitat, I’m reminding myself that Jesus was homeless! (Wirth, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Binding heavy burdens on others,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"Just as the scribes and Pharisees wickedly sat upon the throne of Moses, so do some in the church who sit upon the ecclesiastical throne. There are some in the church who have the right understanding of the law and pass it on correctly. They say what each person needs to do, but they themselves do not do it. Some of them lay heavy burdens upon the shoulders of men, but they won't even lift a finger to help. These are the ones the Savior is talking about when he says, 'Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of God' (Matthew 5:19). There are others, however, who sit on the throne, who act before they speak and speak wisely, restraining those who are disordered. They place merciful burdens on the shoulders of others. They themselves are the first to lift the heavy burden, for the exhortation of other listeners. It is these of whom the Lord speaks when he says, 'He who does so and teaches others to do so, this man will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.'" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 9) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Romans 2:1-11 comments that God also wants us to withhold judgment (Matthew 7:1). As we refrain from rash judgments—including judgments against those poor drivers out there—we are opening up space in our hearts to receive more of his peace. We recall the ways he has shown us mercy and forbearance, and that helps us grow in patience with the people who annoy us the most.

Only God is the final and just judge. Only he can set everything right. His ways and his thoughts are not ours. So let’s all slow down, breathe a short prayer, and ask him to fill us with his patience and kindness. His judgments are true—and they are merciful!

“Father, help me withhold judgment as you do, especially in those situations that are the most challenging to me.” (Meditation on Romans 2:1-11, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler recalls Paul’s earlier teaching in Romans 2 that the pagans deserve to be punished because in the worship of beasts they have become beast-like. He reminds the Jews you are more guilty and you rejected the goodness and forbearance of God. Commenting on punishment to the Jews and Gentiles Paul asserts that everyone deserves to be condemned and God has forgiven. The hypocrisy of the Pharisee is illustrated by tithing on mint and rue by counting grains of salt. This is scrupulosity but not interior conversion. The Scribes interpret the Law as a burden rather than a help. Friar Jude notes we are concerned with rules and external actions more than renewal of our hearts.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains the importance of wisdom in our everyday lives when we face temptations to gossip, encouraging us in the battle for virtue, wisdom, and goodness. He emphasizes that we must ask the Lord for his wisdom to guide us as we interact with the people around us, just like the Jews prayed before battle. Today’s readings are 1 Maccabees 7, Sirach 19-21, and Proverbs 22:22-25.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Theologian Dr. Obery Hendricks Jr. who describes the Jesus he was introduced to in his church communities as a meek and gentle Savior. 

To say that Jesus was a political revolutionary is to say that the message he proclaimed not only called for change in individual hearts but also demanded sweeping and comprehensive change in the political, social, and economic structures in his setting in life: colonized Israel. It means that if Jesus had his way, the Roman Empire and the ruling elites among his own people either would no longer have held their positions of power, or if they did, would have had to conduct themselves very, very differently…. It means that Jesus had a clear and unambiguous vision of the healthy world that God intended and that he addressed any issue—social, economic, or political—that violated that vision. (Rohr, 2025)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit as we accept our mission as disciples of Christ to work to alleviate the suffering in society by social, economic, and political policy that violates the healthy environment that God intends for us.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 11. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/11? 

Meditation on Romans 2:1-11. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/15/1407801/ 

Psalms, PSALM 62. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/62?2 

Rohr, R. (2025, October 14). Can We Be Prophets Like Jesus? — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/can-we-be-prophets-like-jesus/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/2?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Load Burdens Hard to Bear. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Wirth, E. (2025, October 15). Daily Reflection October 15, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-15-2025 

Mature Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to join Christ in bringing love and compassion into situations we encounter on our journey.

Building Love

In the reading from the Letter to the Colossians, Paul’s interest in the Colossians is to proclaim Christ in us.

* [1:24–2:3] As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul (see Introduction), he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the church (24). The preaching of God’s word (Col 1:25) carries out the divine plan (the mystery, Col 1:26) to make Christ known to the Gentiles (Col 1:27). It teaches the God-given wisdom about Christ (Col 1:28), whose power works mightily in the apostle (Col 1:29). Even in those communities that do not know him personally (Col 2:1), he can increase the perception of God in Christ, unite the faithful more firmly in love, and so bring encouragement to them (Col 2:2). He hopes that his apostolic authority will make the Colossians perceive more readily the defects in the teaching of others who have sought to delude them, the next concern in the letter.

* [1:24] What is lacking: although variously interpreted, this phrase does not imply that Christ’s atoning death on the cross was defective. It may refer to the apocalyptic concept of a quota of “messianic woes” to be endured before the end comes; cf. Mk 13:8, 19–20, 24 and the note on Mt 23:29–32. Others suggest that Paul’s mystical unity with Christ allowed him to call his own sufferings the afflictions of Christ. (Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 62 is a song of Trust in God Alone.

* [Psalm 62] A song of trust displaying serenity from experiencing God’s power (the refrains of Ps 62:2–3 and Ps 62:6–7) and anger toward unjust enemies (Ps 62:4–5). From the experience of being rescued, the psalmist can teach others to trust in God (Ps 62:9–12). (Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus cures the Man with a Withered Hand on the Sabbath.

* [6:1–11] The two episodes recounted here deal with gathering grain and healing, both of which were forbidden on the sabbath. In his defense of his disciples’ conduct and his own charitable deed, Jesus argues that satisfying human needs such as hunger and performing works of mercy take precedence even over the sacred sabbath rest. See also notes on Mt 12:1–14 and Mk 2:25–26. (Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tamora Whitney considers “But is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than evil?” They are doing evil by accusing Jesus of working on the Sabbath, while he is doing good by helping someone who needs help. Jesus knows they are out to get him. He knows they will accuse him of breaking the Sabbath, but he still does the good thing, the right thing, even though he knows it will be considered wrong.

Being men and women for and with each other means helping each other when we have that opportunity, and not worrying about the day or the time. I would think that a good way to keep the Sabbath holy is to do good on the Sabbath, and on other days too. We can follow Jesus by doing good when we can, whenever we can. (Whitney, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus heals to teach the Pharisees mercy,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"The miracle sometimes converts to faith those who had disbelieved the word, but the Pharisees watched him to see if he would heal on the sabbath. The nature of an envious person is such that he makes the praises of others food for his own disease and is wickedly maddened by their reputation. Once more he spoke to this; 'he reveals deep and mysterious things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him' (Daniel 2:22). And why did he do this? Perhaps it might be to move the cruel and unpitying Pharisee to compassion. The man's malady [his withered hand] perhaps might shame them and persuade them to dispel the flames of their envy.

"This question is most wise indeed and a most suitable statement to meet their folly. If it is lawful to do good on the sabbath and nothing prevents the sick being pitied by God, cease picking up opportunities for fault-finding against Christ and bringing down on your own head the sentence which the Father has decreed against those who dishonor the Son. You have heard the Father where he says of the Son by the voice of David, 'I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him' (Psalm 89:23). But if it is not lawful to do good on the sabbath and the law forbids the saving of life, you have made yourself an accuser of the law." (quote from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 23). (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 6:6-11 asks how can we make sure that our own irrational temptations don’t overpower us and make us act like these Pharisees?

Don’t let any particular temptation become too strong before you deal with it. If you see an issue becoming too dominant in your mind, try to resolve it—even if all you can do is bring it to prayer. As hard as it may be, try not to let old resentments and past hurts influence your thinking. If you see them rising up in a situation, be very careful not to say something you may regret later.

Finally, examine your conscience every night before bed, and repent of any lingering sins or negative thoughts. Keep your heart pliable and open to the Spirit, and you’ll find yourself far more forgiving and open toward everyone else.

“Holy Spirit, soften my heart. Teach me how to love, and help me to forgive. I want to walk in your freedom!” (Meditation on Luke 6:6-11, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses Paul’s comment on what is lacking in the suffering of Christ. It is to make it present again in our flesh as we are ready to die to self to rise with Christ. Should Jesus have waited to heal the man with the withered hand to avoid conflict over keeping the Sabbath? Friar Jude reminds us of the encouragement of John Paul II to keep the Sabbath by extending our love in acts that help those that need it.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes prophets as “inside/outside” people, another way of saying they lived on the edge of the inside.

We can only criticize something if we walk the narrow line of being an inside/outside person that the prophets dared to walk. I find so few people can do that. I think only the Spirit can create it. There are a few prophets who can love their church, their country, or their company so much that they see it clearly and deeply and are free to criticize it. But there’s a difference when critique comes from anger and rebellion and spite, and when it comes from love. All of our actions and prophetic words must come out of an experience of gratitude for what is given. Only out of the joy and the fullness of what is given can we dare to speak against what is not given. Because if we speak against what is not given merely out of our own resentment and compulsion, we’ll destroy ourselves and probably others too. (Rohr, 2023)

We seek the wisdom of the Spirit to discern the quality of mature love that calls us to act based on the need of the other rather than adherence to custom or protocol.

References

Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/1? 

Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6? 

Meditation on Luke 6:6-11. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/09/11/780585/ 

Psalms, PSALM 62. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/62?6 

Rohr, R. (2023, September 11). Inside/Outside People — Center for Action and Contemplation. Richard Rohr. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/inside-outside-people-2023-09-11/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=sep11 

Whitney, T. (2023, September 11). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/091123.html