Greetings on this the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35; Rom 5:12-15; Mt 10:26-33
Notes: Our judgement can be and often is faulty. Sometimes it’s trivial. Sometimes it’s life threatening.
We have the self perception that we think clearly.
Even the TV commercials testify otherwise.
I’m Hangry – as in angry because I’m hungry. Subway Sandwiches.
or You’re not you when you are hungry. Snickers satisfies.
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXL8QPWLbBo
On a more serious note, it can be quite painful for all when we act out of our judgement based on fear and prejudice. A little self-reflection can go a long way to recognizing self-motivation and the origins of injustice within us.
To the victim: Fear no one! Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow (ISA 1:17b).
To the Judge: Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good (ISA 1:16-17b).
There is rumor of late that the a few Lantana Police officers are pulling over people at the PBC Lantana health clinic. They appear to be making racially-profiled stops. Sheriff Bradshaw doesn’t want deputies stopping people with this reason and purpose. There remain, however, Trumpist deputies who are disobeying his policies and making their own racially-profiled stops.
This is not without precedent.
Article: https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/crime/2012/01/10/ex-lantana-cop-sentenced-to/7423775007/
We can do better.
We must do better.
First Reading
Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!”
Responsorial
Lord, in your great love, answer me.
See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! For the LORD hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.
Second Reading
But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.
Gospel Acclamation
The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord; and you also will testify.
Gospel
Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry