RB: Ch 37 Care for the Elderly and the Young
Mass: 2 Kgs 5:1-151ab; Resp Ps 42-43; Lk 4:24-30
ALTHOUGH HUMAN NATURE ITSELF IS INCLINED TO BE COMPASSIONATE TOWARD THE OLD AND THE YOUNG, THE AUTHORITY OF THE RULE SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE FOR THEM … THEY SHOULD BE TREATED WITH KINDLY CONSIDERATION.
(RB 37:1, 3)
It's the emotions and responses of Naaman and the people in the synagogue that continue to call me to reflect on how I respond to strong emotions that stir within me. If angry, may we not "turn about and leave" (2 Kgs 5:12) like Naaman, or if "filled with fury" (Lk 4:28) may we not "rise up, drive Jesus out of town, and lead Him to the brow of the hill to hurl him down"! (Lk 4:29). Surely there are more creative and better ways to resolve matters. Living and true God, "send forth your light and your fidelity; they shall lead me on And bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling-place (Ps 43:3). We go forth then, with compassion and kindness toward the old and not-so-old, and the young and not-so-young.
I am thinking of the families who are cooped up. May the Lord help them to discover new ways, new expressions of love, of living together in this new situation. It's a beautiful opportunity to creatively rediscover affection … Let's pray for families so that the relationships within the family at this moment might flourish always for the good.
(Pope Francis, homily, March 16, 2020)
© Gertrude Feick 2020
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