Reflection on the Gospel

09-05-2020Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

The Scripture Readings this weekend invite us to examine our prophetic roles as individuals and as a community; specifically, our responsibility in reconciliation and fraternal correction within our families and in the community. In the First and Second Readings, we are told the responsibility of correcting a member who strays away from the faith is not a choice, but an obligation placed on us by God. This is countercultural to our generation, o[ en characterized by the attitude of, “Who am I to judge?” The overall goal as explained in the Readings, is that we are not called to judge a member who strayed from God or condemn them, but rather help them heal and restore their relationship as a member of the Body of Christ.

We live at a time when many people are afraid to speak the truth or correct someone for doing something wrong. The most frequent prayer request from parents today is asking for prayers for their adult children to return to the Catholic faith. Yet, we see many parents are afraid to speak about their faith or discuss moral Christian behaviors with their children, teachers are afraid to correct students, coaches are afraid to discipline athletes, and ministers are afraid to preach about sin and injustice in society. All around us we see opportunities to speak up as Christians: people living in abusive situations, people living in fear and neglect, people being treated unjustly, innocent children being killed in the name of abortion. And what do we do? We often turn blind eyes and deaf ears to their cries.

We live in the “Land of the Free” where our freedom of speech is not only allowed, but encouraged. Yet, many people still live in fear of speaking out against wrong behaviors and evils around us. In the First Reading today, God warns us through the Prophet Ezekiel about the consequence of not speaking out against evil. Let us pray that we will hear God’s word and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to denounce evil, speak out in justice for the voiceless, and stand up for the defenseless and weak in our society.

Fr. James