The Eucharist calls us to conversion, to self-emptying, to selfless service of others. In imitating Jesus, we are called to be broken and poured out in loving service. Eucharist fundamentally is not “about us,” but those who are in the greatest need materially, spiritually, physically, and, in these days, legally.

In today’s reading, Timothy cautions the Christians of his day not to be focused on accumulating wealth. Instead, he encourages righteousness, faith, love, patience, and devotion. It is through such a life that we will be granted eternal life.

Our country has often been regaled as a Christian country with a “Manifest Destiny.” Such a proclamation asserts that God has greatly enriched this land with enormous natural resources fueled by a constant flood of immigrants who helped to realize this potential. The United States has become the home of so many from throughout the world seeking freedom, opportunity, and a life filled with promise.

Throughout its history, it has also been a generous responder to people worldwide who suffer from hunger and famine, destructive natural disasters, human suffering caused by war, and climate change, which has precipitated a historic global migration. Our Manifest Destiny has called us to share our abundance with those in great need.

Recently, a new motto, “America First,” has gained a certain ascendancy.

Our long-standing assistance to the poor of the world has been slashed. Domestically, many of our country’s poor and elderly have lost needed Medicaid assistance, and many poor families have lost SNAP benefits. As a Eucharistic people, we are compelled to stand against these policies. It is clear from the teachings of Jesus that the people closest to his heart are those most in need. The Eucharistic Lord calls us to follow his example in standing for those people here and abroad.

Let Us Pray:

Let us pray together, Mary’s Magnificat, and seek her help in this time of trial… My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior …Holy is his name and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him. He has shown the power of his arm. He has routed the proud of heart. He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent away empty. He has come to the help of Israel, his servant, mindful of his mercy, his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever.