Weekly Readings Reflections: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time are:

In the movie The Butler, Ronald Reagan, in a rare moment of true heart to heart, asks one of the white house black butlers "am I on the right side of history with regards to apartheid?" I have no idea if that conversation ever occurred, but it speaks powerfully to me of the difference between a prophet and a politician. The prophet's concern is whether speaking out against an injustice agrees with God's timing. A politician asks whether the people are ready to be stirred into action over that same injustice. Subtle difference there.
How would you define oppression?
By that definition, who are the oppressed in our nation, your community, even your family?
As long as that injustice doesn't impact you directly, why do you worry?
Or do you?

Most of us are pragmatic. We don't brood over the bad things that happen in life because we want to be upbeat, positive, cheerful.
Do you think that there can ever be good to come of spending time in sorrow?
Have you ever been transformed by a sorrow in your life?
If you knew for a fact that God would be right there with you as you contemplated some sorrow in your life, and that He could renew you through that, would you?
What about your life brings sorrow to God?
Do you think He works hard at being upbeat?

A person with no regrets is either arrogant or has been loving enough and disciplined enough to lead a holy life.
We never really know all of the effects that our words and actions will have. Nor will we ever know what might have happened if we had made other choices. How do you typically make the big decisions?
Has any of those big decisions turned out badly for you?
What do you blame that one?
What would you do differently if you had the chance?

Do you feel that you need mercy from God?
Do you feel that you deserve such mercy?
Why or why not?
Do you feel that you're in a position to extend mercy, compassion, forgiveness to others?

Trapped

I recognized the filthy tax collector as I entered the Temple.

Thankfully, as an official, I have my own entrance far from him.

That must be a Pharisee up in front. He looks so at home here.

I will pour out my heart to God quietly so as not to disturb him.

The God of my fathers is a demanding God, looking to us

For obedience, and careful attention lest we melt into the Gentiles.

I took this tax collector job so many years ago, thinking it temporary.

But expenses mounted, I had nowhere else to go, my family needed the money.

I have been successful as a Jew. Much hard work, constant attention.

And now, look at me. A pillar of the community, truly God's favored.

My old friends despise me, and I cannot blame them.

Lepers are better off than I am. At least they had no choice in their disease.

My children tell me that times are changing, the ancient rites are dead.

I tell them without tradition, we are nothing. And yet, sometimes I wonder.

God, I see no way out. Forgive me all of those whom I have extorted.

Forgive me the fear that I have struck in the hearts of your holy people.

There is no way to survive as a people, a nation, a history without our past.

I must stand resolute against the evils around us, defend what Yahweh has bestowed.

Give me the courage to be honest in my work, help my family get by

On the paltry earnings that I will make as an honest tax collector.

God, I thank you that I am righteous in your sight, full of your grace.

Help me to defend you to those who would depart from your ways.

God I thank you for your mercy and compassion.

Give me strength to transform my life from within.

Shalom!

Weekly Readings Reflections