It could not be any clearer. Read the Gospels. Read the prophets of the Old Testament. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow (Isaiah 1:17). In today’s Gospel from Matthew, once again, Jesus chides the scribes and Pharisees for being hypocrites. He urges the greatest (I take it to mean anyone in leadership or positions of power and influence.) among us to be about service and act with humility.
Some of the brightest and wealthiest among us have forgotten this message. Too many of our political leaders are not only ignoring this message, but they are implementing policies that make life worse for the poor and marginalized, not only in our country but around the world. And it appears even some religious leaders have abandoned this core teaching of Jesus: if you want to be great or exalted, be a servant, humble yourself.
In the verse before the Gospel today (Ezekiel 18:31), the LORD urges us to make for ourselves a new heart and a new spirit. This harkens back to the message of the prophet Joel this past Ash Wednesday. So how do we grow ever more deeply to have generous and compassionate hearts, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, rich in kindness?
A very simple – and challenging – answer to this question lies in the Eucharist. For there, as Saint Eymard taught, we experience the love of God and become what we eat, as Saint Augustine said. We deepen this love in our prayer and contemplation so that we go forth from each Mass in greater service in Christ’s name and live the kind of life envisioned in the prayer below.
As we pray and live the paschal mystery this Lent, let us pray for the courage, the heart, and the resolve to show the LORD’s face to all those suffering and vulnerable.
Let Us Pray:
Father and Creator, show us your face reflected in the faces of our sisters and brothers, especially the least, the most vulnerable, and those in need. In refugee families fleeing violence or war, show us your face. In those suffering from hunger, show us your face. In all faces, we know that your divine image is reflected. Help us to recognize always that image. Help us to work together to protect the dignity of all people – each one created in your image. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Catholic Relief Services Prayer)
