What a wonderful story we read today from the book of Judges. Is it not each of our own stories? Gideon is ”volun-told” by the Angel of the Lord to go “save Israel.” But Gideon protests that he is the most “insignificant” one in his, the “lowliest” family in Manasseh. In the end, Gideon realizes in his prayer that he has “seen the Angel of the Lord face to face.” And the Lord says, “Be calm, do not fear.”
Pope Leo XIV has placed Catholic social teaching as a critical focus of his papal priorities. In doing so, he unites himself with his predecessors: John Paul II, Benedict, and Francis. In their papal writings, they have lifted up care for the poor and the “lowliest” as being at the heart of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
In Mane Nobiscum Domine, Saint John Paul II wrote: “We cannot delude ourselves: by our mutual love and, in particular, by our concern for those in need, we will be recognized as true followers of Christ. This will be the criterion by which the authenticity of our Eucharistic celebrations is judged” (28).
Pope Benedict wrote in The Sacrament of Charity that at the end of each Mass, we are missioned “with the words, ite missa est.. These words help us grasp the relationship between the mass just celebrated and the mission of the Christian in the world” (51).
Today’s Gospel from Matthew concludes with this familiar mantra from Jesus: “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first” (19:30).
Let us go forth today from our prayer and/or Mass to serve the Lord keeping in mind that long held preferential option for the poor. The LORD adds, “Be calm, do not fear.”
Let Us Pray:
God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love, and beauty. Praise be to you. Amen. (Prayer of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’)
