"We Have A Responsibility For Each Other" ~ by Ronnie Archer

There are powerful words in today's readings. The words are not only calling us to reflect, but to be active in our compassion and concern for our neighbor.

In the Exodus reading, we are not only told about loving our neighbor as ourselves, but also what harm must NOT be done to alienate, offend or disrespect our neighbor.

The reading from Paul to the Thessalonians teaches us about being faithful in our love for God; and speaks of the importance of imitating Christ.

Matthew's gospel, chapter twenty-two, is very clear about the two greatest commandments, which are the foundation of all the others.

We humans tend to instinctively focus on, and look out for ourselves first, and others last. God desires us to be actively concerned for others.

We are each others' neighbors and we should be loving to all who are a part of our lives. Our first reading speaks of oppressing aliens and the poor in the land. We are called to be actively loving and accepting of all people.

God does not mean for us to just pray without action; we are called to put our prayer into action for our neighbor, for the love of God.

We need each other to get into heaven. Selfishness is a blind path to take; it will destroy not only us, but others as well.

Let's pray for the strength each day to be imitators of Christ; so to love others according to the way that God intended.


~ Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~