Recoil on unrepentant heads

Greetings on this the Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Readings: Is 58:9b-14; PS 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Lk 5:27-32
Notes: Lately I have not lived up to my calling very well.

Usually I am whole heartedly a person committed to being “Repairer of the breach” by keeping faith, hope and love my principles of motivation while acting with compassion and aiding those in need.

I have several examples of my failings but the Ukraine invasion by Russia has shown me the disregard so many have for human autonomy, human dignity, and personal liberty while at the same time they are screaming the ten commandments at every woman who is in crisis.

How many say “It’s in the bible!”
But they don’t live the gospel values themselves.

Forgive me Lord.
Forgive me.

That is why the first reading today is a good gut check for me (and you?).
Really entering the question of my maintaining an Evil or Holy inventory.

And the verse before the Gospel being the best of all outcomes to hope for:

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion, that he may live.

In the end my challenge is:

If I don’t work for peace then I am working for war.

First reading
Evil Inventory: (even when ‘thinking’ I am acting holy… yet I can see echoes)

1. Oppression.
2. False Accusation.
3. Malicious Speech.
4. Dishonor the Sabbath.
5. Seek own interests.

Holy Inventory:

1. Bread for the hungry (compassion).
2. Satisfy the afflicted (justice).
3. Honor Sabbath (mercy).

The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake, and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up; “Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you, “Restorer of ruined homesteads.”

Responsorial Psalm
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.

Verse Before Gospel
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion, that he may live.

Gospel Portion
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

Levi, the tax collector, realized his error, repented and followed the Lord.

Donald Hughes wrote the lyrics for Creator of the Earth and Skies.
Two stanzas noting the effects of unreflective hearts:

We have not known you: to the skies
Our monuments of folly soar,
And all our self-wrought miseries
Have made us trust ourselves the more.

We have not loved you: far and wide
The wreckage of our hatred spreads,
And evils wrought by human pride
Recoil on unrepentant heads.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry