Gospel Reflection

10-24-2020Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

With less than two weeks to the General Election, the scripture readings this weekend are very timely. The readings capture the essence of Catholic Social Teaching: to respect human dignity, to care for the poor and vulnerable, and to maintain social justice for all. In the Gospel, Jesus talks about three levels of love we have for God and one another. In the first reading, God gives us a practical example of how we can demonstrate these levels of love for our neighbors by loving and showing compassion for the poor, the immigrant, and all vulnerable people in society. The reading identifies the most vulnerable people in the Old Testament as the immigrants, the poor and the widows. In our own time, the most vulnerables in our society are the infants in the womb, the elderly, the homeless, the poor and the immigrants.

Over the past several weeks, we have been hearing from different electoral candidates about their plans for the vulnerable people in our society. Each candidate has taken a clear stand, specifically on the issues of abortion and euthanasia: two deadly vices that target the beginning and end of human life. The Church maintains that all human life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death and so must be respected and protected, especially those who are helpless. However, the Church cannot force anyone to decide on how to vote or who to vote for.

Every Catholic is given a symbolic light during Baptism. This light was strengthened in us through our catechesis and Religious Education programs. Our faith is the light of God that guides us to discern between right and wrong through life. Jesus talks about this light in the Gospel of Matthew when he says: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mt 5:14- 16). As we go to vote, I pray we allow the light of God in our lives to guide us to make informed decisions with our vote, decisions that we will be proud to defend before the throne of God on the last day.

Thank you and remain blessed,

Fr. James

BACK TO LIST