We live in a time where leaders and others act as if the word of God and the call of God don’t matter. The Scriptures remind us that God is always on the side of truth-tellers and on the side of those prophets who speak out for those in need, and who follow the path of justice.
Lamentations are prayers to God – petitions – pouring out suffering and asking God for mercy. They are full of faith that even though the people have not been faithful, God is faithful to them. And God will act to rescue them.
As we celebrate this memorial and remember the love of Mary, perhaps we can ponder in our own hearts how our love is tied to our concern and care for others. And let’s pray together that our hearts will always be open to such compassionate care for those in need.
The vow of baptism is one we should be reminded of frequently, a reminder of our blessed status as adopted children of God, as prophets of God’s promises in our own right, and as witnesses to the Reign of God who must seek the truth, and speak and live it anew each day.
Persistence in proclaiming the word – the core – the kerygma – of the Gospel message is a theme that is discussed and then demonstrated in today’s readings.
Persons, families and communities are being destroyed by our current prison system. In April 2018, 33 different national Catholic organizations met in Washington with bishops and staff from the USCCB, to look at how Catholics could respond to these needs. The Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC) was formed.
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