Church of the
Annunciation

THE SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

How many of us have heard of the phrase "Old Testament justice?" It is a phrase that focuses on our action of punishing those who have performed injustice, a phrase my father loves to use. In our first reading we find that David has an opportunity to kill Saul, who in tum was looking to kill him. We find that even though both parties wished to prevail, David recognizes God's justice before his own wants. Without discernment, our desires can be interpreted as God's if we focus on our own worldview first.

Connecting to our Gospel, Jesus teaches us about God's justice instead of our own. Instead of letting us stumble into our own failings, Jesus presents a different way to live. Our actions reflect our motives and beliefs. There has been much discourse in our own political climate as to how we live out our faith. Topics ranging from immigration, crime and how to address these issues continue to be hotly debated with everyone contributing their own perspective.

While I have my own beliefs, I find the actions God is calling us to do are to be carefully discerned and singular.  Discerned through prayer, and singular in assisting those in front of us. I hold this view in response to the various forces beyond my control as a priest and someone trying to follow God as best I can. While humbling, it affords the opportunity to focus on the individual in front of us. Only God knows all of our actions and this teaching reflects that. It shows that God calls us to live and grow in the present moment, mindful of our successes and failures in the past. May we trust in God's guidance before any view, for God is our ultimate authority.

~ In Christ, Fr. Aaron