October 22, 2021

St. John Paul II

Lk 12: 54-59 

He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 

Thus, when you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make an effort to settle the case, or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

How can we settle disputes?

When I worked in a high school one of the biggest sources of frustration were students arguing and running to the principal to settle their disagreement.  Each student hoping to be the victor dramatically argued their case that could have been resolved between classes or by the next morning.  After the principal got involved, both students would undoubtedly be upset because they both were now in trouble.

In today’s Gospel reading Jesus is inviting us to be prudent in our search for answers or to settle disagreements. How many disagreements could we have resolved if we zoomed out finding a simple solution or letting it go?  

—Lauren Morton is the cofounder and Executive Director of Bee at Peace, Inc and an associate at Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
who are called the Prince of Peace,
who are yourself our peace and reconciliation,
who so often said, "Peace to you,"
grant us peace. 

Make all men and women
witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love.
Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee
and defend the great gift of peace. 

May all peoples on the earth
become as brothers and sisters.
May longed for peace blossom forth
and reign always over us all.

—St. John Paul II

Please share the Good Word with your friends!