Greetings on this the Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Matthew 6:19-23
Disclaimer
For true tender souls, don’t read today. These difficult teachings are not intended to bruise the tender soul who have open hearts and minds aligned to the divine and find such instruction in a scrupulous way.
Instead for you today:
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be always in my mouth. My soul will glory in the LORD; let the poor hear and be glad. Look to him and be radiant, and your faces may not blush for shame. This poor one cried out and the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him (abbreviated PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7).
When Light is no light at all
Today’s reflection is about when light is no light at all.
Warning to the Rich
Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries.
Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten.
Your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire.
You have stored up treasure for the last days.
Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter.
You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.
THE LETTER OF JAMES 5:1-6
Reflection
- You know better.
- You were taught better.
- You will be held account for the better.
- Stop pretending you are not rich and entitled.
The LIGHT you use to justify your unjust ways is no light at all and quickly discounted by the rebuttal Saint Paul gives. This LIGHT you profess is a certain type of light which is an illumination of the darkness of the soul, then how very dark one’s soul state must be.
Paul’s modern List
- Immigration.
- Unjust taxation, proportionality missing.
- War, threat of war, lust for war.
- Self aggrandizement of the extreme.
- Abdicating legislative and judicial responsibilities.
- Hatred (in practice) of those different than you.
- Perversion of Christian values.
https://www.newsweek.com/pope-leos-first-us-bishop-against-trump-ice-migrant-crackdown-2084985
“On the morning of June 20th, which is International Refugee Day, a group of priests and faith leaders are planning to visit the federal court building to stand in solidarity with migrants who are making their court appearances,” they wrote.
Please note: Most federal courts are closed today since Thursday was a federal holiday they are providing four day weekends for the staff. Nice policy, no complaint. It should be then peaceful assembly without ICE interference since there are NO CASES heard today.
delaying Morning Workout today
See you in court. I’ll pray the rosary outside the federal courthouse in solidarity with the Bishops. BTW: Bishops, I love you. But you really need to pay attention to the details. Maybe ADD A DAY next MONDAY!
https://www.justice.gov/eoir/find-immigration-court-and-access-internet-based-hearings
Personal Reflection
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he outlines exactly how far he is/was willing to go to assert right relation that each of intended audience also received the instruction. Therefore, the basis of disregard of Paul is the basis of the judgment. Folly. True folly.
Sometimes when people explain their thinking they realize it is off. They are open to hearing the folly of their own thoughts. This is wisdom. Sometimes people explain their thoughts and the rest in their perturbance. This is the most desperate of situations. A light of no light.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be (MT 6:22-23).
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062025.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
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