13 November 2019 - mercy for the lowly

St. Francis Xavier Cabrini

Today's Readings

(Audio)

For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy
but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test.

Those put in lofty positions will have to give an account. Those in authority will be probed and scrutinized. Good, we think, that doesn't include us. But wait, doesn't it? There is a sense and a degree to which will all have authority because we are filled with the Spirit and because we possess the word of God which is itself authoritative.

Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you (see Titus 2:15).

As with Paul, this authority is given to us so that we might build the kingdom, not so that we might tear anyone down.

For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you (see Second Corinthians 10:8).

There is, however, a difference between being lowly and so being pardoned out of mercy, and simply ignoring the riches with which we have been entrusted. As with the talents, simply burying this grace is not an excuse that will be accepted.

For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed shall be found holy,
and those learned in them will have ready a response.
Desire therefore my words;
long for them and you shall be instructed.

Given, then, that we do not put our gifts are graces to good use let us seek the one who can heal us. We have become broken and not able to function correctly within the unique roles given to us in the body of Christ. We ourselves, at times, act as leprosy on the body. We can't simply try to be mighty in the face of such obvious brokenness. If we do we will certainly fail that test. Instead, let us cry out:

Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!

This is the lowliness that finds mercy. It is not simply shirking the responsibilities the LORD has for us. It is lowliness that can find wholeness and strength in Jesus, because it is not too closed in on itself to receive healing.

And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.

The healing we receive is meant to start a constant exchange with Jesus wherein we bring him our needs, he fulfills them, and we respond with thanksgiving. This is the cadence that is meant to mark our days and our lives.

Defend the lowly and the fatherless;
render justice to the afflicted and the destitute.