From Frenemies to Friends

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29; PS 94:12-13a, 14-15, 17-18; Lk 14:1, 7-11
Notes: Today in the Letter to the Romans, Paul handles the difficult question.

How to deal with friends and family and enemies regarding faith. In our current climate, add: how to handle public policy.

DECLARATION ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
DIGNITATIS HUMANAE
https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651207_dignitatis-humanae_en.html

Over and above all this, the council intends to develop the doctrine of recent popes on the inviolable rights of the human person and the constitutional order of society (DH, 1).

The social doctrine of the Church is an evolving reality changing with insight of the Holy Spirit, knowledge of sciences and the practical application of her pastoral care of the human family.

DECLARATION ON
THE RELATION OF THE CHURCH TO NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS
NOSTRA AETATE
https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html

5. We cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat in a brotherly way any man, created as he is in the image of God. Man’s relation to God the Father and his relation to men his brothers are so linked together that Scripture says: “He who does not love does not know God” (1 John 4:8).

No foundation therefore remains for any theory or practice that leads to discrimination between man and man or people and people, so far as their human dignity and the rights flowing from it are concerned.

First reading
The deliverer will come out of Zion,
he will turn away godlessness from Jacob;
and this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.

In respect to the Gospel, they are enemies on your account;
but in respect to election,
they are beloved because of the patriarch.
For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord will not abandon his people.

Alleluia Verse
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
For I am meek and humble of heart.

Gospel Portion
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

From Frenemies to Friends.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry