Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We crave division
Rich and poor, saint and sinner
They select us all.

Sir 35:12-14, 16-18 / 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18 / Lk 18:9-14

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"The Lord hears the cry of the poor." But do we? Do we truly listen to them, or are we too busy turning them into objects for the fulfillment of our own needs and desires? The poor are not here to provide us with wisdom or opportunities for self-improvement. Such endeavors might allow us to feel better about our privilege, but let us never confuse them with justice. Life is a cosmic lottery. Some of us win, and some of us lose. One way or another, our Parent will take care of the latter. The rest of us have some choices to make: Will we recognize our good fortune? Will we freely and generously share that bounty with our neighbors? Will we humble ourselves before our family, or must God do it for us?

Sirach 35:12-18; Psalms 34:2-23; 2 Timothy 4:6-18; Luke 18:9-14

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sirach 35:12-18; Psalms 34:2-23; 2 Timothy 4:6-18; Luke 18:9-14

What's not to like about today's readings. Good things are in store for the poor, the oppressed, and the faithful. Plus, a divine smackdown awaits the arrogant and greedy! But what makes us so certain that we are part of the former category, rather than the latter one? "The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites." Believe it or not, that includes you too.