Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 11:22-12:2 | 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 | Luke 19:1 – 10
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are values popular today in businesses, educational institutions, governmental organizations, and the United Nations.
EDI are seen as pathways to build a stronger global community. Commitments are made, goals are set and practices are defined to achieve an environment of equality and justice for all, with zero tolerance for racism, bigotry, and hate of any kind. While these values are in the forefront today and are incorporated into revised mission statements, the values are found in our scriptures.
In the reading from Wisdom for this Sunday, we hear that God is merciful to all, that God loves everything-everyone- that exists.
In our reading from Thessalonians, we are encouraged to not be confused or alarmed by what we see going on around us in our world today. Choosing either/or instead of both/and. Choosing who we can keep out of our country rather than who and how we can welcome people in.
And as we pray Psalm 145, we embrace the words, “The Lord is good to all and compassionate.”
Luke reminds us in the gospel story of Zacchaeus, that no matter our current situation, transformation is possible if we seek Jesus.
Let us consider our personal and communal commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and pray that we can be good to all and compassionate to our sisters and brothers, especially migrants and refugees.
The sculpture, “Angels Unawares”, was commissioned by Pope Francis. It depicts migrants and refugees from all cultural and racial backgrounds and from all historic periods of time together-shoulder to shoulder on a boat. The artist, Timothy Schmaltz, wants contemporary viewers to be able to see themselves among the diverse group, and in seeing themselves recognize the role they can play in the artwork’s message, taken from Hebrews 13:2: “Be welcoming to strangers, many have entertained angels unawares.”
Sr. Ellenrita Purcaro, OP