Set Things Right

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to act on the injustice we witness and stand with Christ to help the “widows and orphans” of our political and social systems.

Working to set it Right

In the reading from the Prophet Isaiah, the people are instructed to set things right.

* [1:2–31] This chapter is widely considered to be a collection of oracles from various periods in Isaiah’s ministry, chosen by the editor as a compendium of his most characteristic teachings.

* [1:18–20] Let us set things right: the Hebrew word refers to the arbitration of legal disputes (Jb 23:7). God offers to settle his case with Israel on the basis of the change of behavior demanded above. For Israel it is a life or death choice; life in conformity with God’s will or death for continued disobedience.

(Isaiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 50 praises the Acceptable Sacrifice

* [Psalm 50] A covenant lawsuit stating that the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience (cf. Mi 6:1–8). It begins with a theophany and the summoning of the court (Ps 50:1–6). Then in direct address God explains what is required of the faithful (Ps 50:7–15), rebukes the hypocritical worshiper (Ps 50:16–21), and concludes with a threat and a promise (Ps 50:22–23; cf. Is 1:19–20).(Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees.

* [23:1–39] The final section of the narrative part of the fifth book of the gospel is a denunciation by Jesus of the scribes and the Pharisees (see note on Mt 3:7). It depends in part on Mark and Q (cf. Mk 12:38–39; Lk 11:37–52; 13:34–35), but in the main it is peculiar to Matthew. (For the reasons against considering this extensive body of sayings-material either as one of the structural discourses of this gospel or as part of the one that follows in Mt 24–25, see note on Mt 19:1–23:39.) While the tradition of a deep opposition between Jesus and the Pharisees is well founded, this speech reflects an opposition that goes beyond that of Jesus’ ministry and must be seen as expressing the bitter conflict between Pharisaic Judaism and the church of Matthew at the time when the gospel was composed. The complaint often made that the speech ignores the positive qualities of Pharisaism and of its better representatives is true, but the complaint overlooks the circumstances that gave rise to the invective. Nor is the speech purely anti-Pharisaic. The evangelist discerns in his church many of the same faults that he finds in its opponents and warns his fellow Christians to look to their own conduct and attitudes.(Matthew, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

Sara Schulte-Bukowinski comments that Lent is a time for introspection, simplicity, and sacrifice. 

It is a time to ask God to help me turn my heart yet again, and reform me in God’s own ways. In this season I am reminded that a middle ground is more difficult than an extreme. It doesn’t have the gratifying self-righteousness of absolute discipline, or the gratifying luxury of self-indulgence. The middle doesn’t feel “washed clean.” Yet this is where I believe God meets us. (Schulte-Bukowinski, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Who are the proud?” by Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Who are the proud? Those who do not perform penance and confess their sins in order to be healed through humility. Who are the proud? Those who attribute to themselves the few good qualities they seem to possess and endeavor to diminish the mercy of God. Who are the proud? Those who, while attributing to God the good they accomplish, insult others for not performing such works and raise themselves above them." (Commentary on Psalm 93, 15)(Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 asks how are you going to love your neighbor during this Lent? Maybe you can help in the soup kitchen at your parish or donate some of your clothes to the needy. The options are endless!

During this season in which we turn our hearts to the Lord, let’s make it a priority to love our neighbor. Let’s make justice our aim so that “the orphan’s plea” does not go unnoticed and “the widow” does not remain alone (Isaiah 1:17). Let’s imitate Jesus’ love so that we can produce the fruit of joy, peace, and mercy.

“Lord, help me to turn my heart to you by loving others as you love me!”

(Meditation on Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes how the early chapters of Isaiah address social injustice referring to widows and orphans in a manner similar to Amos. The “loose and bind” power of the Pharisees had become an over-scrupulous interpretation of the Law and presentation of their position in their visible tassels and phylacteries. Friar Jude reminds us of the message to be humble and avoid pride and arrogance.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Biblical scholar Ched Myers who writes of the prominence of immigrants in the Scriptures. The Gospel writers portray Jesus as a refugee in need of hospitality.

The gospel story begins with Jesus’ family fleeing violence as political refugees, pushed around Palestine by the imperial forces of Caesar and Herod (Matthew 2; Luke 2). The adult Jesus not only characterizes himself as homeless (“the Human One has nowhere to lay his head,” Luke 9:58), but stateless. “My kingdom is not of this world,” he says before the Roman procurator (John 18:36). The evangelists also portray Jesus as a constant recipient of hospitality who sometimes even “invites himself in” (see, for example, Luke 19:5). [2] (Richard Rohr, n.d.)

 

We witness the persecution of the “other” as rampant in our world and implore the Spirit to arouse our courage and faith to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and rejected.

References

Isaiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/1?10 

Matthew, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/23?1 

Meditation on Isaiah 1:10, 16-20. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/03/18/1228702/ 

Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50?8 

Richard Rohr. (n.d.). Welcoming Strangers in Scripture. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/welcoming-strangers-in-scripture/ 

Schulte-Bukowinski, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/031825.html 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings. dailyscripture.net. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=mar18 

Chosen Out of the World

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offer the example of Paul and his dedication to sharing the Way and the teaching of Jesus to meet opposition with Love.

Opposition by the World

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Timothy joins Paul and Silas and Paul shares a vision of the man of Macedonia.

* [16:3] Paul had him circumcised: he did this in order that Timothy might be able to associate with the Jews and so perform a ministry among them. Paul did not object to the Jewish Christians’ adherence to the law. But he insisted that the law could not be imposed on the Gentiles. Paul himself lived in accordance with the law, or as exempt from the law, according to particular circumstances (see 1 Cor 9:19–23).

* [16:7] The Spirit of Jesus: this is an unusual formulation in Luke’s writings. The parallelism with Acts 16:6 indicates its meaning, the holy Spirit. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 100 declares all lands are summoned to Praise God.

* [Psalm 100] A hymn inviting the people to enter the Temple courts with thank offerings for the God who created them.

* [100:3] Although the people call on all the nations of the world to join in their hymn, they are conscious of being the chosen people of God. (Psalms, PSALM 100 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John describes the World’s Hatred.

* [15:18–16:4] The hostile reaction of the world. There are synoptic parallels, predicting persecution, especially at Mt 10:17–25; 24:9–10.

* [15:20] The word I spoke to you: a reference to Jn 13:16.

* [15:21] On account of my name: the idea of persecution for Jesus’ name is frequent in the New Testament (Mt 10:22; 24:9; Acts 9:14). For John, association with Jesus’ name implies union with Jesus. (John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries was not available at publication time.

Don Schwager quotes “Those who suffer with Christ reign with Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

"It is just as if Jesus said, 'I, the creator of the universe, who have everything under my hand, both in heaven and on earth, did not bridle their rage or restrain ... their inclinations. Rather, I let each one choose their own course and permitted all to do what they wanted. Therefore, when I was persecuted, I endured it even though I had the power of preventing it. When you too follow in my wake and pursue the same course I did, you also will be persecuted. You're going to have to momentarily endure the aversion of those who hate you without being overly troubled by the ingratitude of those whom you benefit. This is how you attain my glory, for those who suffer with me shall also reign with me.'" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 10.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:18-21 comments that like our Lord, we need to see our persecutors as men and women who are created in the image of God and are loved by the Father. We need to remember that God wants everyone to know him and be saved. If we can keep these truths in mind, we are more likely to follow Jesus’ example to love those who hate us. That loving response, in fact, can be a powerful witness. It might just help someone recognize that it is only Jesus and his life in us that makes such a response possible.

Does someone “hate” you for your Christian faith? Today, pray for that person. Then ask the Spirit to soften your heart so that you can love them with the love of your Savior.

“Holy Spirit, give me the grace to love even those who hate me.” (Meditation on John 15:18-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explains that the seemingly odd circumcision of Timothy is based on his Jewish heritage being passed to him through his mother. Paul refrains from going to Asia because he saw his mission to preach where the Way had not already been shared, like Europe, through Macedonia. Friar Jude reminds us of the honour and trust that comes from following Jesus through giving witness on our cross.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Sophfronia Scott who, prompted by the life and writings of Thomas Merton, asks  “What else might we see more clearly if we could hold our stuff more loosely?”

 

As Merton writes, we have to exercise this feeling of “enough.” But we also have to recognize a certain tension inherent in this sensibility—this isn’t about being stingy or coming always from a place of grasping and lack. He observes, 

Knowing when you do not need any more. Acting just enough. Saying enough. Stopping when there is enough. Some may be wasted, nature is prodigal. Harmony is not bought with parsimoniousness. Yet stopping is “going on.”… [2] 

For me, “going on” looks like holding something in love but being willing to let it go—not because I have to get rid of it in a flurry of decluttering but because it has to leave my life when a turn of events warrants it. And knowing that’s OK. (Rohr, n.d.)

We live in an environment where we may encounter opposition and persecution because of our faith from those forces named by John as the world. We invoke the Spirit to guide our action to encounter opposition with love.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16?1 

John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?18 

Meditation on John 15:18-21. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/05/04/948601/ 

Psalms, PSALM 100 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/100?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Path to Simplicity: Weekly Summary. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/simplicity-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are Not of the World. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=may4 

Love for All

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the laws we follow that support our desire to follow the Way of abiding in Jesus.

Laws for Love

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the Council of Jerusalem. 

* [15:13–35] Some scholars think that this apostolic decree suggested by James, the immediate leader of the Jerusalem community, derives from another historical occasion than the meeting in question. This seems to be the case if the meeting is the same as the one related in Gal 2:1–10. According to that account, nothing was imposed upon Gentile Christians in respect to Mosaic law; whereas the decree instructs Gentile Christians of mixed communities to abstain from meats sacrificed to idols and from blood-meats, and to avoid marriage within forbidden degrees of consanguinity and affinity (Lv 18), all of which practices were especially abhorrent to Jews. Luke seems to have telescoped two originally independent incidents here: the first a Jerusalem “Council” that dealt with the question of circumcision, and the second a Jerusalem decree dealing mainly with Gentile observance of dietary laws (see Acts 21:25 where Paul seems to be learning of the decree for the first time).

* [15:14] Symeon: elsewhere in Acts he is called either Peter or Simon. The presence of the name Symeon here suggests that, in the source Luke is using for this part of the Jerusalem “Council” incident, the name may have originally referred to someone other than Peter (see Acts 13:1 where the Antiochene Symeon Niger is mentioned). As the text now stands, however, it is undoubtedly a reference to Simon Peter (Acts 15:7). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 96 offers praise to God Who comes in Judgement.

* [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God (Ps 96:1–3), who is the sole God (Ps 96:4–6). To the just ruler of all belongs worship (Ps 96:7–10); even inanimate creation is to offer praise (Ps 96:11–13). This Psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Is 40–55, as does Ps 98. Another version of the Psalm is 1 Chr 16:23–33. (Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus exhorts us to abide in His love.

* [15:1–16:4] Discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples. His words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of the departure of Jesus. (John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries was not available at publication time.

Don Schwager quotes “Joy in rejoicing over us,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"And what else is Christ's joy in us except that he is pleased to rejoice over us? And what is this joy of ours that he says is to be made full, but our having fellowship with him?... His joy, therefore, in us is the grace he has bestowed on us, and that is also our joy. But he rejoiced over this joy even from eternity when he chose us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Nor can we rightly say that his joy was not full. For God's joy was never at any time imperfect. But that joy of his was not in us. For we, in whom that joy could exist, had as yet no existence. And even when our existence commenced, it began not to be in him. But in him it always was, who in the infallible truth of his own foreknowledge rejoiced that we should yet be his own. Accordingly, he had a joy over us that was already full when he rejoiced in foreknowing and foreordaining us. And there could hardly be any fear intermingling in that joy of his that might imply a possible failure in what he foreknew would be done by himself." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 83.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:9-11 comments that when Jesus tells us, “Remain in my love,” we can receive it as an invitation to do a spiritual version of Swedish death cleaning. We can ask whether there are other loves—false loves—that are distracting us, burdening us, or preventing us from fully remaining in the love of Jesus.

Jesus promised that as we remain in his love, his joy will be in us and our joy will “be complete” (John 15:11). Like the people who practice Swedish death cleaning but on a much deeper level, our hearts will be lighter and our minds will be clearer.

“Jesus, your love is all I need! Help me to remain in that love.” (Meditation on John 15:9-11, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the account of the Council of Jerusalem where Paul and Barnabas receive the rules that Gentile converts should observe. The earlier version of this meeting in Galatians emphasizes the role of Paul and requires no observance of Mosaic Law by the Gentile converts. Friar Jude reminds us of the joy, not happiness, that we experience as we attend to the mission of abiding in Jesus.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Episcopal priest and spiritual director Margaret Guenther (1929–2016) reflects upon the challenge of “true” simplicity.

We grow in generosity as we embrace simplicity. We are able to hold all things lightly and, if need be, let them go—our possessions, our money, our pretensions, even our anger, our prejudices, and our fears. But the letting-go, if it is the fruit of generous simplicity, can never be coerced. It must be joyful, and it must be voluntary. It is not to be confused with spiritual deadness, living without passion. Indeed, we live more passionately because we are set free from the burdensome work of holding on tightly to anything that comes within our grasp. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We invite the Holy Spirit to guide us in the path that abides in the Love of Christ and serves the needs of the people we encounter on our journey. 

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15?7 

John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?9 

Meditation on John 15:9-11. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/05/02/947510/ 

Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Set Free from Holding Tightly. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/set-free-from-holding-tightly/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Abide in My Love. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=may2