September 19, 2011
Monday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and Levites --
everyone, that is, whom God had inspired to do so -- prepared to go up to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. All their neighbors gave them help in every way,
with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, and with many precious gifts besides all their free-will offerings. Ezra 1:5-6
"No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light." Luke 8:16-17
Piety
No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. (John Donne, Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, Meditation XVII)
Study
Evangelization is not an option. Throughout the month, we have studied and contemplated readings that reiterate this message. Early this month, we heard from the prophet Ezekiel who reminded us that if we do not speak out when we see injustice, then we will be held accountable as much as those who actually commit the act.
The Word is our light. We have been given it. However, we have not been given it to keep in our own hearts, minds and souls. We have it in order to pass it on.
Just as the people in Jerusalem contributed to the actual building of the temple, we are asked to build the Kingdom here and now…now in some far off place and time to come. The time is now. The place is here.
Action
The poet John Donne wrote, "Every man's death diminishes me." The State of Georgia is set to execute Troy Davis on Wednesday, September 21. Troy was convicted on the basis of witness testimony – seven of the nine original witnesses have since recanted or changed their testimony. This is his fourth execution date in the 20 years since he has been on death row. We have to save Troy's life. To find out more about Troy's case go to: www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/cases/usa-troy-davis.
Georgia's District Attorney Larry Chisolm has the power to stop this injustice, but has so far failed to intervene. His inaction leaves Troy’s fate to be decided by the Georgia Board of Pardons & Paroles, who will hold a clemency hearing on Monday, September 19.
Please call the Georgia Board of Pardon and Parole TODAY at 404-656-5651 and tell them to vote for clemency for Troy. The Board will be hearing evidence and will make a decision about Troy's case. The Board office opens at 8:15 a.m. Please make this most important call. Troy's life depends on it!
