Go further

Greetings on this the Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jgs 2:11-19; PS 106:34-35, 36-37, 39-40, 43ab and 44; Mt 19:16-22
Notes: Heavy hearted days.

In Les Cayes, Haiti an earthquake of 7.2 claimed 1,200 lives and counting. Cities I am familiar with and traveled to often now with major damage (Les Cayes, Jeremie, Rousseau, and others). Natural disaster, human consequences.

In Afghanistan, the disintegration of a functioning government and into a perhaps most difficult future. Human disaster, human consequences.

In the first case, aid. Good aid. Earthquake resistant building materials and techniques. Most of all, build a solid transportation network in-country. Commerce and goods are not easily moved from place to place. Newer and deeper ports around the Island. Reopen regional airports with international access. Reestablish the railroad system long gone. Economic liberation is based on ease of transportation.

In the second case, objective lesson learned is to avoid the temptation to build a theocratic government here in the USA. For the women of Afghanistan, attempt commerce with women owned businesses.

First reading
Commentary on the opening of the Book of Judges from the REVISED NEW AMERICAN BIBLE:
This long thematic passage establishes the cyclical pattern for the stories found in the rest of the book. When the Israelites are secure, they forsake the Lord and worship other gods. In punishment the Lord places them in the power of a foreign oppressor. But when they cry out in distress, the Lord takes pity on them and raises up a judge, who delivers them from the oppressor. The Israelites remain faithful to the Lord during the lifetime of the judge, but when the judge dies they again abandon the Lord, and the cycle begins anew.

A cyclical pattern of infidelity, oppression, “crying out,” and deliverance.

Responsorial Psalm
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Alleluia Verse
Blessed are the poor in spirit;
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Gospel Portion

Jesus encourages us to go all the way toward our perfection.
The commandments are a good start.
Go further.

The young man said to him,
“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go,
sell what you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad,
for he had many possessions.

We are all the young man with many possessions.
Go further.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry