Saturday in the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time

“Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah who enter these gates to worship the Lord” (Jer. 7:2). Whenever we enter the House of the Lord, we should be open to hearing His voice. “Listen, my children, to your father’s instruction, pay attention and be willing to learn, so that you may gain insight” (Pro. 4:1). A line in Eucharistic Prayer III comes to mind: “Listen graciously to the prayers of this family, whom you have summoned before you.” We are gathered around this altar because God summoned us. “Come, eat of my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed” (Pro. 9:5). Responding to the summons, let us make the words of the young Samuel our own. “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10).

God is determined and will call again and again until we respond. “The word goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Is. 55:11). God’s word can change the human heart. It will not return to Him without producing its intended effects. The intended effect is: “that we let justice run down like a river and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Am. 5:24). God so loved the children of Adam and Eve that he sent his only Son into the world to save us. We show our love for the Son by showing dignity and respect for every human being. Genuine Christian living entails reforming our lives and reflecting in action what we profess with our lips. Those who pursue the paths of justice and righteousness will find a resting place close to the heart of the Father.