“A PREACHING THAT DOES NOT POINT OUT SIN is not the preaching of the gospel. A preaching that makes sinners feel good, so that they are secured in their sinful state, betrays the gospel's call. A preaching that does not discomfit sinners but lulls them in their sin leaves Zebulun and Naphtali in the shadow of death”—(Jan. 22, 1978). Archbishop Oscar Romero.
As Christians we must never allow ourselves to become complacent, to accept the status quo. We must always be trying to learn more about how to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, how to be more loyal servants for God. Each day we should give thanks for all of our blessings. Each day we should pray for equality and social justice for everyone. As Christians we must be prepared to make sacrifices in the name of God, for the glory of God.
The Social Justice and Community Services Ministry at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle sponsored the Simple Lenten Meal. The Spanish Prayer Group prepared and served the meal. Parishioners spoke about an orphanage in Peru that needs to purchase a van to transport patients from the orphanage to the hospital. After that discussion there was a little discussion about Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador.
Each moment of our lives presents a chance for us to proclaim God’s works, to praise him, to offer him thanks. Each moment of our lives presents an opportunity for us to seek fairness for everyone, to seek social justice for everyone. As Christians it is not enough to have definitions for words; we must also have understanding. We hear so many words every day, with so many being lost, misunderstood.
How often do we hear freedom, liberty, dignity, peace, liberation? How often do we really truly understand the context. It is not enough to have dictionary definitions; these words must ignite something within our souls and hearts; these words must provoke some universal thoughts for all mankind; these words ask us to look beyond our neighborhood, beyond our town, beyond our state, beyond our country; all human beings deserve the same basic things, freedom, peace, liberty, dignity.
Each day of our lives we should strive to help our neighbors, strive to become closer to God, strive to increase the goodness, kindness, and holiness which emanates from within us.
Technology does not change man’s basic instincts; human beings have always been sinners controlled and influenced by all types of desires and impulses. Jealousy, greed, selfishness can lead individuals and entire nations in the wrong direction. Archbishop spoke out against the injustice and the abuse of the poor people in El Salvador. By doing so he became a role model for us, reminding us to have compassion and empathy for our neighbors, reminding us to seek the Truth, share the Truth.
Thirty-one years ago today, Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated while saying Mass.
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