32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Join us this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary or on Zoom. The passcode to enter is: liturgy. Please mute yourselves upon entering. The worship aid is here.
The readings for this week get mixed reviews from me. I think we misunderstand the reading from Matthew when we have already heard, in juxtaposition, the reading from Wisdom. I keep thinking about the words spoken by James Talarico on Tuesday that remind us what love is. Without love of all of our neighbors, and the willingness to pray for even those with whom we strongly disagree, we can have no love of God. Therefore, this reflection is a little less breaking apart the readings as it is a reminder to do just that. Don’t gloat; don’t rub your hands together envisioning retribution. In a democracy, in God’s kingdom, we get into the trenches and work to better the lives of the marginalized and the poor, just as Jesus has taught us. That has to be number one. Yes, under the civil rule of law, we acknowledge that those who egregiously flout the Constitution must be prepared to accept consequences. Just don’t forget that while we live in empire, we exist for God.
The Ecumenical Catholic Communion embraces a network of local churches and sacramental communities across North
America. As authentic Catholics we celebrate our continuity with the undivided Church of the first millennium and believe
that salvation is offered to all. Our unity is built on the teachings and example of Jesus Christ as we seek compassion, justice and peace in the world. We seek to live our faith through liturgy, prayer, community building and collaboration, study and service. Eucharist is a visible sign of that unity.
Ours is a synodal form of governance, with the diverse voices and charisms of laity, clergy and bishops. “The Ecumenical Catholic Communion is the most parish-oriented of any group within the independent Catholic movement in America.” Julie Byrne, Author of the Other Catholics, Columbia University Press, 2016.