Last week our readings spoke of a conversion of heart, learning that we not only must love one another but that we have a duty to each other – a duty that demands that we speak out when we see injustice, personally at first, and publicly as needed. But in order for love to survive, take root, and grow, we also need to learn to forgive. The Word for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time Sirach 27:30-28:7 Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 Romans 14:7-9 Mathew 18:21-35 We open with a reading from the book of Sirach, also referred to as the “Wisdom of Ben Sira” in honor of its author (Yeshua [Jesus or Joshua = chosen of God], son of Elezar, son of Sira). The prophet wrote during the post Exilic period, completing his work around 175 BCE, with his grandson preparing the Greek translation around 117 BCE. The book is also referred to as “Ecclesiasticus”, which translates to “Church Book” because it was commonly used in the preparation of catechumens, like an early catechism for post...
One of the most difficult tenants of our Christian faith is the Law that Jesus himself gave us – “to love one another.” But that love needs to extend beyond just helping others when they are in need, it means reaching out and taking action when we see things going wrong. Our readings this week teach that we’re not responsible just for the salvation of our own souls but for the salvation of everyone’s souls. The Word for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Ezekiel 33:7-9 Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Romans 13:8-10 Mathew 18:15-20 We open with a reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel, who tells us that we are not only responsible for our own actions but for the actions of others as well, and we are dutybound to speak out. Ezekiel is teaching us that the sins of others, if left unchecked, become our sins as well. This teaching is at the heart of issues that revolve around the idea of “social sin.” In other words, if we know what is right, we can’t just turn out b...