22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 1, 2019)

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

St. Francis of Assisi famously called the poor the Church’s real treasures, and today’s Psalm reminds us of this, as God, in his goodness, has “made a home for the poor.”
While it is indeed true that there are a hierarchy of truths, and that being pro-life ranks near the top, Catholics must not neglect working for peace and justice in other areas as well.
And in this psalm, we’re given a good template, modeled on God the Father, on how to do this: promote and consider the adoption of orphans; defend widows; shelter the homeless; visit and care for the imprisoned.
If we do this, with and in and through Christ, we are guaranteed to find favor with God, for Jesus assures us that we “will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

That elected officials may serve with the humility that recognizes that human rights come from God and not from governments, let us pray to the Lord…