Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Rights Follow Obligations

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
Click here for the complete text of today’s readings.  


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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