Leviticus 25: 1, 8-17; Psalm 67; Matthew 14: 1-12
A third time this week, what have the readings to do with the saint we celebrate? Alphonsus was noted as a confessor and moral theologian. His own integrity led him to resign the law after he lost a case because he missed a bit of evidence. Yet this master of law is noted for his kindness and mercy. So is the Law promulgated in the Leviticus reading today one of mercy. Israel kept slaves rather than prisoners. If someone should rob, for example, instead of going to prison, the offender and his whole family was enslaved to the victim for a time. Today the year of jubilee is proclaimed when all slaves are set free, all debts are cancelled, all land is returned to its original owner.
When have you celebrated jubilee in your life, when you forgave past hurts, let go of grudges, taken a long Sabbath time? What is your attitude to confession? To whom do you confess your sin? The early church did not have a sacrament of penance for about 200 years, and then only for murder, adultery (we hear of Herod’s today in the gospel) or apostasy. People confessed to the one whom they offended, not in slavish fear, but in trust of God’s mercy working through the one they hurt. It is helpful and humble to acknowledge our wrongdoing. What do you think? Discuss this with Jesus.
Thank you that some who administer law can admit their errors. Give the gift of integrity to all lawyers, judges, public officials, and to us that we may extend mercy, we who so often receive your mercy.