Being a blessing to the world is built into the DNA of God’s people.
God told Abraham, “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). The mandate to be a blessing to the world is our mission.
As we pray today’s lectionary scriptures, let’s ask God to reveal our part in being a blessing to those around us.
Today’s full lectionary reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030825.cfm.
Reading 1 – Isaiah 58:9b-14
Ancient warfare depended on sturdy walls. A breach in a wall was a source of weakness that the enemy could exploit.
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to live in. (Isaiah 58:12)
When the walls of society have broken down, certain actions are required to repair them. God revealed through Isaiah some actions that needed to be immediately stopped (see Isaiah 58).
- We should cease serving self-centered interests (vs. 3).
- The oppression of workers should be eliminated (vs. 3).
- Contention and fighting should cease (vs. 4).
We must find a way to include these actions in following God’s mandate to bless those around us and to repair society’s broken places.
- Free people from systems of injustice and bondage (vs. 6).
- Work to free the enslaved, both literally and figuratively (vs. 6).
- Share our resources with those in need (vs. 7).
- Address the needs of the homeless (vs. 7).
- Don’t hide ourselves from those around us in need (vs. 7).
Each of us will have a different assignment from God to be a blessing to the world. What is important is not what we do, so much as our obedience to His direction.
Today, let’s listen for God’s guidance and follow it.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Dr. Paul Farmer, founder of Partners in Health, tells of seeing Haitian children so desperately hungry that they ate mud pies to stave off starvation.
The Bible emphasizes that God hears the cries of the world’s suffering. Just as Psalm 86 pleads for God to listen, the voices of the poor, the brokenhearted, the injured, and the abused reach Him.
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all day long. (Psalm 86:1-2)
The Bible repeatedly shows us the value of prayer, and Jesus’ prayer life should inspire us more than any.
Let’s take a moment today to consider the needs of our world and bring our prayers before God, especially for the poor, the needy, and those who are suffering.
May God answer the cries of their hearts.
Verse Before the Gospel – Ezekiel 33:11
Say to them: As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11).
Gospel – Luke 5:27-32
Jesus spent time with outcasts and sinners. The religious establishment thought it was improper, but He had an answer for their criticism.
Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32).
Jesus viewed his relationships with people through the lens of a healer, aiming to bring them inner wholeness and guide them on a journey with him.
When we act on the instructions of Isaiah 58 as our call to be healers who help people follow Jesus, we align ourselves with His mission.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed Abraham’s death and burial today.
Real Voices 