Let my prayer come before you, Lord. — Psalm 88:3
Mass Readings: Job 3:1-3,11-17,20-23 / Luke 9:51-56
When I was growing up a minister from a Protestant church lived next door to us. On our other side was a family who didn’t attend a church. Across the street was a Chinese couple who were Taoist. My six siblings and I attended Catholic grade and high school, and both my parents faithfully went to Mass each Sunday. My folks never said a disparaging word about another religion and they mixed freely with all our neighbors. They showed a genuine tolerance and respect for all faith backgrounds. They were true to their faith without being threatened by different ideas about God.
In today’s Gospel Jesus rebukes the disciples for wishing to punish a Samaritan village for not welcoming Him. God asks us to love one another, not to judge people by some rigid checklist.
Prayer: Lord, let my faith in You lead me to charity and love for my neighbor.