"He Who Does Justice Will Live in the Presence of the Lord"

Sunday Mass Readings

God promise to Abraham was fulfilled because of his generosity toward the strangers. Even though God had made the promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, this promise remained unfulfilled for many years. In frustration, Abraham even had a son through his salve woman, Hagar. But now time has come for that promise to be fulfilled. And strangely enough, God came in the form of a stranger to announce the good news. This incident makes me ask a question. What would have happened if Abraham did not receive the strangers of was inhospitable toward them? I think he would have missed God’s blessing. Today immigration is a political issue. In fact, most often, it is possible to identify one’s political affiliation based on one’s opinion on immigration. However, the gospel reading offers a different perspective. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus praised Mary’s hospitality toward him because she, unlike Martha, did not merely do things for him but also made room for him in her life. She sat at his feet and spent time with him. In other words her attitude toward Jesus was a reflection of her faith and spirituality.

My dear friends, political stands are fine but it is not our political stand that will save us. What will save us is our faith. Our faith teaches us to be compassionate toward strangers and foreigners.

Today's Psalm response is prefect for those of us who want to live a just life. With the faith of Abraham and the faith of Mary and Martha Let us pray this Psalm:

He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
One who walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.

Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
by whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.

Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
One who does these things
shall never be disturbed.