September 2022 – Preferential Option for the Poor
In a puzzling episode in Scripture, Christ Jesus arrives in his hometown to share fresh revelation of God’s love as he had done to great joy in other places. Here, however, Matthew tells us that the crowds were offended by the man they knew as the carpenter’s son. And he did not do many miracles there because of lack of faith. But why? Was God’s own Son limited in his power? Unexpectedly restrained in some way? Perhaps it’s a simple answer: Perhaps not expecting more than what they knew, they simply did not ask for the miracles and healings so many others had experienced. Just a little later, outside Jewish territory, Jesus’ power was on full display to those who knew nothing of God but knew all about their own brokenness.
As we consider what it is to exercise preference for the poor, let us do our best to create the conditions to answer the need of those bold enough to present the broken areas of their lives. And let us encourage all to be bold.
And Jesus went on from there and passed along the Sea of Galilee. And he went up into the hills, and sat down there. And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the throng wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.
Matthew 15:29-31
O tender Father,
So often, so often we think we understand our difficult circumstances: how we’ve ended up where we are and what it will take to move us forward. However, our own familiarity, pride and “knowledge” can keep us trapped right where we are – unprepared or unwilling simply to present our needs to You or to others. Help us remember that in Your fullness we will find all we need. As we do, show us how to magnify Your glory, pointing the way to You.
- Lead those in need to Catholic Charities for encouragement and help
- As numbers of those in need increase, equip the Catholic Charities team with the creativity and resources to respond well
- Remind each of us to look to You first and not as a last resort
- As we serve in our offices, communities and neighborhoods, please us with encouragement and joy in laboring with You
- In our day, let us see You in ”the maimed whole, the lame walking and the blind seeing”
Amen.