October 29: Wednesday of Week 30 of Ordinary
Time, Year A-II:
Ephesians 6:1-9; Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 13-14;
Luke 13:22-30
What is Jesus saying to us as stewards of his
kingship?
(To support Reaching Jesus: 5 Steps to
a Fuller Life... Step Five).
Rights Follow Obligations
“Let all your works give you thanks, O
Lord” (Psalm 145:10).
Every right comes from an obligation. Parents’
right to command comes from their obligation to govern their children. Humans
have the right to life and freedom because they are obliged to live and act in
a way that lets them know, love and serve God. And all those who share in
Christ’s kingship by Baptism have the right to work for change in the Church
and world because all are responsible for establishing God’s reign. Some
particular relationships determine specific rights and duties.
A fundamental obligation, shared by all, is the
duty to give God thanks and praise. This gives us the right to worship anywhere
and in any way that does not make it harder for others to fulfill their
obligations. Distracting noise in public ignores the right—and
obligation—others have to choose what they focus on. Private devotions—like
saying grace in public—don’t, though “secularists” oppose them.
Non-religious, non-patriotic or anti-social
people have no obligation to silence well-wishers who in good faith say “Merry
Christmas,” “Happy Fourth of July,” or “Have a good day.” So they have no right
to ban such expressions indiscriminately. It is not against freedom of
conscience to allow others freedom of speech unless what they say causes
damage—as public profanity does.
Responsible stewards should think out rights
and obligations.
PRAY: “Lord, keep me faithful in
all my words.”
PRACTICE: Claim your rights;
respect those of others.
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