To watch Fr. Joe’s homily from the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: CLICK HERE!
One person in reflecting upon today’s Gospel about the judge has shared that, “often we can be the answer to the prayers of another if we stop, listen and realize we have the means to help and heal.”
Put another way, we have the power to serve others; to advocate for mercy, justice, fairness and all that is good and of God…
In our society today, there often seems to be a rush to judgement. For instance, our society says one is innocent, until proven guilty. Yet, sad to say, it seems the opposite thought prevails.
Or take the brouhaha of a few weeks ago when Ellen DeGeneres was criticized for having a “good time” with former President Bush while attending Packers vs. Cowboys football game in Texas.
Maybe it would be best to hear how Ellen responded about this: “When we were invited, I was aware I was going to be surrounded with people from very different views and beliefs — I’m not talking about politics. I was rooting for the Packers and get this — everybody in the Cowboys suite was rooting for the cowboys. I had to hide my cheese hat,” the comedian joked. “During the game, they showed a shot of George and me laughing together and, so, people were upset. They thought, ‘why is this Hollywood liberal sitting next to a conservative Republican president?’ Didn’t even notice I’m holding the brand new iPhone 11.”
“I’m friends with George Bush. In fact, I’m friends with a lot of people who don’t share the same beliefs that I have. We’re all different and I think that we’ve forgotten that that’s ok that we’re all different,” she told her audience. “I wish people wouldn’t wear fur. I don’t like it, but I’m friends with people who wear fur. Just because I don’t agree with someone on everything doesn’t mean that I’m not gonna be friends with them.”
The host continued, “when I say, ‘be kind to one another,’ I don’t mean only the people that think the same way that you do. I mean be kind to everyone, doesn’t matter.”
As she concluded her heartfelt message, DeGeneres thanked the former commander-in-chief. “Thanks President Bush and Laura for a Sunday afternoon that was so fun… by the way, you owe me $6 for the nachos.”
So Father Joe… what’s the point…
If we look to Jesus, we know that He too was criticized for being around people who were sinners, tax collectors, poor and sick.
But the bottom line was that even with their differences he respected people as sons and daughters of God. He loved them. He was kind to them.
So what is the message we are being asked to think about, to incorporate into our lives?
Might it be, being fair and just with all people… Being kind to everyone… Being quick to listen and realize we have the means to HELP and to HEAL.