Perhaps like me, you have increasingly frequent moments when you wish you could do something about all that's going on in our nation and in the world. Most of us don't have the power or authority to make sweeping changes but each of us has power and authority over the integrity of our own lives.
That's the thought that came to mind when I heard this scripture at mass this morning. It's the feast of Saint Charles Borromeo (of the wealthy and powerful Medici family) who gave up his status to live the gospel of Jesus. At the height of the bubonic plague in Milan, he was feeding as many as 70,000 people a day at a time when civil officials had fled the scene. He actively sought ways to make himself poor, to be a more faithful shepherd to the people he served.
These verses from today's reading from Romans 20 give us two dozen answers to the question, "What can I do?"
Let your love be sincere:
hate what is evil,
hold on to what is good...
hate what is evil,
hold on to what is good...
Love one another with mutual affection
and anticipate one another in showing honor...
Do not grow slack in zeal
but be fervent in spirit
and serve the Lord...
Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction,
and persevere in prayer...
Contribute to the needs of God's people,
offering hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you
- bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice
and weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another;
do not be haughty but associate with the lowly
and do not be wise in your own estimation.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.
If possible, insofar as it depends on you,
live at peace with all...
Do not be conquered by evil
but conquer evil with good...
Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly
by Pat Barrett
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It all comes down to this
What you require of me
Love my neighbor as myself
And You above all things
Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly
With You, God
In all things, in all ways, walk humbly
With You, God
It all comes down to this
To be Your hands and feet
Good news to all the world
The truth will set us free
Refrain
It’s beauty for ashes
It’s mourning to dancing
It’s closer and closer
The Kingdom of heaven (2X)
And years from now we’ll see
The fruit our hands have sown
Faith just like a seed
The only way it grows
Refrain
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