Right or Not Right
Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,
"Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?" But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. (Luke 14:3-4)
In our day-to-day decision making, we sometimes get caught in the middle of what is right or not right thing to do? Jesus teaches us a lesson of how to deal with such dilemma. We need to ask “What is more important, helping and assisting someone in need or strictly adhering to the letter of the law in all situations?” Doing the right thing is always right, but it’s hard and might make people mad. So, what is “RIGHT”? St. Paul said “brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9) In the seventeenth century, Saint Martin de Porres, whom we celebrate today, faced that same dilemma. It is said that one day, when the friars where Saint Martin de Porres lived were kept separated due to illness, Saint Martin passed through locked doors to take care of them. He seemed to continue, in the seventeenth century, the model Jesus set forth in the first. Disciplined for disobeying the rules about separation from the sick, he responded by saying, “Forgive my error, and please instruct me, for I did not know that the precept of obedience took precedence over that of charity." He was given the freedom to move forward in mercy as his heart led him. Having love and mercy for others, and caring for them, is a profound witness to Christ. Of course, this does not eliminate the need to follow laws, such as the Ten Commandments and other commands given by Christ, as we must keep in mind that those are laid out for us to follow because they are good for us.
Let us pray today for the wisdom and fortitude to do whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious.
Hail Mary full of grace…
Prayer for the Dead
Receive in tranquility and peace, O Lord, the souls of your servants (names of your loved ones) …. who have departed this present life to come to you. Grant them rest and place them in the habitations of light, the abodes of blessed spirits. Give them the life that will not age, good things that will not pass away, delights that have no end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
F.Y.I.
You are invited to our Taize Prayer Service today (November 3) at 7:00 PM in the Church, an evening of song, prayer, adoration and silent meditation as we remember all those who have entered eternal life. Please bring one or more self-contained candles and write on the candle the name(s) of friends and loved ones who have died. I hope to see y’all tonight.
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent Vuong Nguyen