“Two Masters” by Phil Russell
Piety
“The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget what
they have done.” Amos 8:7
“BELOVED: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers,
petitions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in
authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and
dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
[Jesus said to his disciples,] “No servant can serve two masters.” Luke 16:13A
Study
These are some hard sayings. So, where do they speak to me today? As a
Catholic Christian in 2019, we have seen the world change and the way “things”
operate.
“Cafeteria Christianity/Catholicism” is rampant. Discuss with just
about anyone you know, practicing or not practicing, and you will see how the
“seeds of change” have come to grow in the garden.
But then, maybe we aren’t so very different from the “religious”
observers of Amos days. “When will the festival (holy day) be over so we can
cheat, lie, deceive.
Biblical scholars often refer to Amos as the “Prophet of Justice.” Amos saw the harsh treatment of the poor of
the land bytes the wealthy - including by kings, priests, and religious. When
you read Amos, you can’t help but see a world, not unlike our days and times.
In the letter of Saint Paul to Timothy, he speaks of prayers to be made
for (Presidents, Congress, State, and Local officials) “so that it might go
well for you, in your life, times, living!”
My practice is a daily prayer for those mentioned above, even if I
didn’t or don’t agree with them, and even if I did not vote for them. It’s part
of the mandate of good Christian citizenship. I have voted for candidates of
both political parties. I am not a “party” member. I have spoken with both liberal
and conservative, left-wing and right-wing, (Jesus would have!). So many people
on either side of the sitting politician say; “Well, I’d never pray for them.”
Surprising and at the same time appalling behavior.
Does that adage “my way or the highway” apply here?
Action
Try it have a conversation with someone, but try to do it from the side
of Jesus.
See if you aren’t the one who might have to “love thy neighbor.”
The Republican, the Democrat, the Libertarian. The immigrant. The poor
or homeless.
Then do we even go near to “loving” the Muslim, the Protestant, the
person of another race, creed or color?
Cafeteria Christianity/Catholicism doesn’t line up with “discipleship”
followers of Jesus “in faith and truth.”
What say you? Are you caught up in the balance? How do the scales
weight for you?
Maybe our prayer “Lord Have Mercy; Christ Have Mercy” has never been so
needed as in this “Ordinary Time.”
Who is your Master?
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