Tuesday of the Second Week

Reflection

“Cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.” Isaiah’s words in today’s first reading are a call to action, a call to service, a call for justice for all. Jesus continues this theme, advising the crowd to observe what the Pharisees preach, but not to follow their example. With so many opposing views in today’s highly politicized climate, it might be difficult to discern what is right, but as Christians, we have Jesus’ teachings as our guide. His message of love and mercy can help us make real change. In the song, “Do Something,” Matthew West asks, “If not us, then who/If not me and you/Right now, it’s time for us to do something.” It’s often too easy to sit back and assume that someone else will do the work to fix a problem, and we make assurances to ourselves that we can’t really make a difference anyway. God put us on this earth to love and serve one another, and every person has the ability to create change, no matter how small. Mother Teresa once said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Those small acts of kindness can add up. Think about the wording of Isaiah’s command, “Learn to do good.” He uses “learn,” since doing good is a habit and way of living that needs to be practiced and grown. It can start small, but it should always be done with love.

Prayer

Lord, please bestow me with the strength, courage, and love to be Your willing servant.

Activity: Listen to and reflect on “Do Something” by Matthew West.

Rebecca Rouleau, ’18

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website