Old Testament Sources for Social Justice Teaching

Sometimes, Catholics think that our social justice teaching began with Pope Leo XIII at the end of the nineteenth century. In fact, it can be traced back to the Old Testament prophets, as we hear in today's First Reading. Here it is again, in case you missed it:

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;
your vindication shall go before you,
     and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
     you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!

If you remove from your midst
    oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;
if you bestow your bread on the hungry
     and satisfy the afflicted;
then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
     and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

(Lectionary for Mass, no. 73A)

Copyright © 2011, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. 
 

New Year's Resolutions & Social Justice

At the start of the new year, the Church is in the middle of the season of Christmas and the secular world is in the middle of making resolutions. Why not combine the two? The message of Christmas is a message of light, peace, and justice (see the readings for Midnight Mass). This year, resolve to do something to bring more light (to those who dwell in a land of gloom), peace (to those who find themselves in turmoil), and justice (for those who are suffering) to the world. Every person can do something along these lines, and every person should try.

Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins.