It is 1st July 2020.
The readings are from Amos 5:14-15, 21-24; and the Gospel from Matthew 8:28-34.
In the first reading, the prophet Amos encourages us to be good with the fragrance of justice. God loves the aroma of justice offered with the ingredients of love, truth and faithfulness. What we witness around is a type of love without truth, peace without justice, beauty without purity, and celebrations without sensitivity. Those who are indifferent to human rights cannot uphold human dignity. Safeguarding human dignity is the matter of clear conscience.
In the absence of justice, our piety and liturgical practices become superficial and our worship amplifies the glory individuals not God. “If you would offer me burnt offerings, then let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream.” (Amos 5:24). God distances Himself from a human heart devoid of justice and care for the humanity. However we cannot justify ourselves by going another extreme of being absent to the Eucharistic celebrations just because we are involved in the work justice and love.
Integrity without justice does not please God or help the suffering humanity. Without being just, no one remains good.
Love is measured with the scale of justice. God does not show up the banquets thrown by the ones who hate justice.
In seeking and being good, one needs to prioritize justice. When we are led by the passion of justice, we beget the children of love and mercy.
God is keenly listening in the silence of justice and truth. We are born to do good. How come we end up doing evil and injustice to the ones we supposed to love?
The responsorial Psalm praises, “To the upright I will show the saving power of God.” (Ps.50:23).
Jesus shows His individual care for the one who lost dignity in the community. New life is a gift from the Lord when the humanity is not able to heal its wounds inflicted by the forces of evil. The episode on narrative of the exorcism brings out that Jesus would go any extent to make us free from all that has bound our freedom, dignity and love. The presence of Jesus silences the evil and brings the blessings of integral health, peace and harmony in the person and places. When we have done the right thing of upholding justice, freedom and liberation, we will not be liked by many. The world might value the loss of material things more than human life. “Dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.” (2 Thes. 3:13). May you have a good day God bless you.
