Friday of the Fourteenth week of Ordinary time, Yr 2. July 8, 2022
Hos 14:2-10; Ps 51: 3-4, 8-9. 12-13, 14 and 17; Mt 10:16-23
It seems lately, that wherever you turn, what is being said just does not make sense. It not only defies common sense, it defies God’s law, and natural law. Deep inside of us, we sense something is just not right and we need to do something about it. Yet, we invariably stay silent. After all, we do not want to “rock the boat,” as they say. Or, maybe, we lack the confidence of what to say out of fear we will say something stupid. And when we do, the person we are talking to rips into us about our intolerant or bigoted ways. Even though by their very words, they are the intolerant and bigoted one.
Well, have no fear, Jesus said this will happen. “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves.” Jesus warns us that no matter what we say or do, we will be vilified. We will be handed over to be scourged and put on trial. In light of the recent court ruling on Roe v. Wade, what Jesus warned about is happening. While we rejoice in the greatness of our Lord bringing an end to an unjust law, the wolves are coming out in force to devour us. Members of families are having very real tough discussions about this ruling and how it personally affects them. Moreover, many families are struggling on how to react to those family members that do not believe as we do, that life is sacred. It is literally tearing families apart.
“Do not worry about how you are to speak, or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit or your Father speaking through you,” Jesus tells us in the Gospel. It may be difficult, but we do need to speak up. We need to make sure the world knows that all life is precious, from conception to natural death. We, ourselves, will not be silent anymore. Yes, it may breed more arguments, and there will be those who will hate you for what you say, but the truth must be told. When that happens, know that God is with you, and he will protect you.
Today’s Psalm, (Psalm 51) also gives us much strength during these difficult times. Because it draws us back to God who will provide us with the strength needed to persevere. Begin each day with the simple phrase from verse 17, one that gives us so much strength to carry on and say the right things. “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.” So, no matter what you say, know that God is with you, and He will provide you with the right words. Just know that you speak the truth, and the truth is what truly matters.
Saint James Catholic Church 