Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 23, 2022
“The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cries of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard, his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest until it reaches its goal.”
We may not be familiar with the book of Sirach, but how special is this teaching. A just God who is concerned about the widow and orphan, but all people as well. The teaching of the scriptures has always placed the needy, the oppressed, the hurting in front. We are led by a God of justice, and He calls us to labor in the same way.
How many of Jesus’ parables teach us the same thing? The good Samaritan, poor man Lazarus, the widow with her two coins. May we look beyond ourselves, praying for the victims and oppressed and acting in their behalf. In my own community we are offered countless opportunities to recognize and respond to the deepest needs of others.
by Rev. William J. Reilly