By Beth DeCristofaro
Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you
hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and
dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without
neglecting the others. (Matthew 23:23)
Piety
(O God we pray
that) all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and
social life, and all men and women of goodwill: let us be 'protectors' of
creation, protectors of God's plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one
another and of the environment. . . . Let us never forget that authentic power
is service." (Lord remind us that) "Only those who serve with love
are able to protect!"
Study
Reading the
headlines and reviewing history one is apt to forget that authority of
governments are intended to forge bonds of order and work for the common
good. Hearing Jesus accuse the leaders
of temple reminds us that even today leaders can lose track of their spiritual
calling in the quest for power or even political gains. In every message of Jesus, however, I should
also be asking how am I a leader and am I “neglecting the weightier things” by
being complicit or even overtly acting for the detriment of others.
How powerful are
the stories of those who do not neglect the weightier things. Missionaries in Africa who choose to work
amid the sickest of the sick even at the risk of their own health. Pastors who stay and protect their flock amid
persecution in Cairo and Homs. Religious
who have been martyred in Brazil, Jamaica and other countries solely because
they served the poor. A layman whose
dedication to bringing the truth to the light was exploited and murdered. Catholic Workers who welcome the unwanted,
the “other,” into their homes.
Action
What do my actions
say as a leader in my Fourth Day? Do I
protect? Am I of goodwill and recognize,
encourage goodwill in others? Do I serve
with love?
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