15th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Monday 15th July 2024

The Lord spoke through Isaiah – smoke of burnt rams and fat of calves sicken Him. The right command for true sacrifice is to cease doing evil, learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, be just to the orphan and plead for the widow. It is easy to hide behind superfluous piety and ritual devotion while ignoring the needs of others. The true poor and needy do not ask for superfluity but their dues, their worth and that is enough.

Jesus is continuing the tenets of the Law and the Prophets, which cannot run afoul of caring for the vulnerable and tending to the infirm. Using the image of a sword, Jesus highlights to the Twelve their open, honest acceptance of who He is. Following His way of life and teaching will sieve the genuine from pretentious acceptance and respect within family, community and society. Jesus’ coming will cut through delicate relationships, thrusting open any hidden mistrust, covetousness and selfish agenda. And so, peace is not dictated by a narcissistic mindset. To the Lord, one’s true worth is thrust upon Him, then acceptance and peace of the Lord abide.

The consolation for the Twelve is that they will encounter people who welcome them, accept them and tend to their needs. Jesus assures them that providential  rewards be given to those who welcome them, likewise they too must be hospitable.

Lord, we desire our sacrifice be service oriented; console us when others confound our acts of hospitality.