Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“…your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Today’s readings are filled with convicting exhortations towards becoming men and women of justice. Justice, one of the cardinal virtues (in addition to prudence, temperance and courage), is defined like this in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

“the moral virtue that consist sin the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor.“

to give to both God and our neighbor “their due.” As a religious person, that justice should manifest in active works of love and service towards God and our neighbor. Would you be described by your family and friends as a man or woman of justice? What concrete steps can you begin to take to make that shift?

Becoming more Christlike…

St. Paul shows us where our motivation for growth in virtue should come. Not from some “self-improvement” strategy, but in imitation and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and “him crucified.” Jesus is the new standard of justice in the world. Becoming more Christlike is the fruit of grace that we should be cooperating with on a daily basis through prayer, reading the Bible, and serving the poor.

We will soon begin a new round of Alpha, this time hosted at St. John’s. Alpha is perfect for anyone in your life who does not yet have a relationship with Jesus, anyone who is searching for meaning and direction in their lives. If you know someone like that, why don’t you invite and accompany them to Alpha? May God bless us this week as we strive to follow Christ as men and women of Justice.

Thus says the LORD: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed.