What are you focused on?
Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Psalm 139:1-3, 4-6; Matthew 23:23-26
Summary
Listening to the political debates (charitably described thusly) there is a certain symmetry about them. The constant echo of ‘talking points’ is astounding. What are the weightier things?
- You are a threat to democracy.
- You are corrupt.
- You hate America.
- You hate the poor.
- You hate the middle class.
- The list goes on and on.
You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. [But] these you should have done, without neglecting the others. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. [adding] You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. (MT 23:23, 25, 27).
Echoing good talking points is a hollow action as much as Jesus decries the hypocrisy in the gospel readings of these days (last Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).
Jesus is careful to say ‘these things you should have done‘ meaning they aren’t wrong necessarily but they incorrectly occupy the primacy of your actions, thoughts and intentions. But there is only one standard of perspective that matter more.
The weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity (MT 23:23b).
- Judgment is the evaluation of thoughts, actions and intentions in relation to Others toward the Justice – or right relation – for others.
- Mercy is the alleviation of misery (forgiveness, healing, restoration) even if the Subject is harmful.
- Fidelity is to the person of God and his commandment of love that He prescribes as manifested in right Judgment and Mercy.
How, Lord?
Know the Other. It is impossible to know an immigrant and undocumented and come out with such harsh actions.
How do we escape the ‘Woes’ of Matthew?
- Know yourself.
- Know the right objective.
- Know the Lord who empowers right relation.
From the letter to the Thessalonians:
Are you gentle and affectionate? (Mercy)
Although we were able to impose our weight as apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us (1 Thess 2:7-8).
Are you seeking for yourself or for the Other? (Judgment)
Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives, nor did it work through deception. Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know, or with a pretext for greed. … nor did we seek praise from human beings, either from you or from others (1 Thess 2:3, 5-6).
Do we act as one open to God? (Fidelity)
O LORD, you have probed me and you know me; you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar (PS 139:1-3).
Do we sense God in the midst of our actions, thoughts and intentions? (Fidelity)
Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know the whole of it. Behind me and before, you hem me in and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; too lofty for me to attain (PS 139:4-6).
Personal Reflection
Lord, may I always focus on the weightier matters and as a consequence I know in the minor matters I will be just, too. Amen!
- Mercy.
- Judgment.
- Fidelity.
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082625.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry