The rules by which we live

23 ^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
There is a rule by which we live. It is not spoken in any great statute, but we all practice it. “Don’t get involved!” We witness an accident on the Highway. We keep driving because we don’t want to get involved. We witness an injustice, we listen to lies, we watch people making fools of themselves. We will not get involved. I get it. I don’t want anyone turning on me for caring. I don’t want conflict. I don’t want the police at my door. I don’t want to be sued. That is perfectly understandable. But then, how far will I go with that until it becomes clear that I am indifferent. Like, I don’t care about people. I don’t want to put wrong to right. I don’t want to give good advice. In my experience lots of people are grateful for the intervention because we point them to a safe place. Some will just bite my head off. That is the price you pay sometimes for caring. God tells Ezekiel in the first lesson to be a watchman for the House of Israel. If the wicked die from their guilt because you Ezekiel did not say anything, then I, God blame you. That is a big responsibility. Paul in his letter repeats the commandment of Jesus, “Love one another.” Paul tells us, “owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.” We are called to be concerned about other people in the community. Jesus carries on the theme in the Gospel. If your brother sins against you, be very concerned about that. Go out of your way. If you can’t do it alone invite your friends, invite your Church community to be concerned with you. It is imperative that we get involved. Better to say, it is imperative that we show concern for other people. I went to lunch recently to a very swanky place with a friend. This was a little treat. Lunch was terrible. The manager came and asked us if we enjoyed everything. I invited him to join us so that I, with my companion could give him a proper review of lunch. I was very kind and amiable, but I did tell him what the experience was like. For example, don’t put the main course on the table when I am still trying to finish the appetizer. The manager said how much he appreciated the feedback. He said that this is the only way that they can properly grow the business when someone points out their mistakes. We parted as friends. We shook on it. We even exchanged cards.  I get it. I don’t want someone to rage against me. However, not everyone is like that. At least let me be concerned, instead of being indifferent. Please let me not absolve myself from everything.
With love, Fr. Pat