A Life of Charity

Homily for Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

We all realize that the Scriptures were written at a different time in history and in a different cultural setting than where we are today.  Is it really possible to apply what we are told in the Scriptures to our situation today?  For instance, today St. Paul gives us three brief admonitions:

Live a tranquil life.
Mind your own affairs.
Work with your own hands.

I am sure that we would all relish a truly tranquil life no matter what our personal circumstances.  Yet we find ourselves beset by all sorts of situations which would seem to rob us of any hope of a tranquil existence.  These circumstances range from the natural disasters that are very present around the world to the constant gunfire that plagues some neighborhoods. When we are told to mind our own affairs, does this mean that we are to look the other way when we see some sort of need right in front of us? The last admonition to work with our hands seems simple enough.  However, what about those who are crippled with disease or are bedridden?

If we were to live as if the admonitions we hear today were perfect guidelines, I dare say that we would be far from true holiness.  These admonitions are only part of the total package.  As we interact with our personal, family, social and even church expectations, the Scriptures will shed light on those situations.  However, they will not give us the total answer. 

However, there is one admonition in today’s brief readings from the First Letter to the Thessalonians that must be regarded as a key ingredient in any life of holiness; namely, to progress even more in charity toward others.  With this guidepost or measuring stick, the others will fall into the correct perspective.