Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial to the weak, yet he hears the cry 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…. Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner.”

 

The parable of Jesus provides a clear and poignant teaching. We can identify only with one of the two persons. The writer from the Jewish scriptures provides us with the oppressed or the one who serves God willingly. I too can identify as one of them. 

 

If God hears the cry of the poor, can I as a willing servant hear and listen to their voice? People throughout the world are suffering great hardships. Do I respond to their need? I may not know them, their language, or culture, but they are victims of oppression and neglect. From earliest times the bible responds to the widows and orphans.

 

Those detained at our border are sufferers and seekers of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Can I see them as us? Pope Francis stated that God’s last name is ‘Mercy’. Does the word of God today call me to compassion and action?