OT 23 B – Show no partiality

September 5, 2021
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Today Catholic Christians celebrate the 23rdSunday in Ordinary Time.

On this day, we are reminded that as followers of Christ, we are to treat all people with dignity.  In the passage we have today from St. James, we read:

“My brothers, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.  For if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here, please,” while you say to the poor one, “Stand there,” or “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?  Listen, my beloved brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?” (James 2: 1-5).

Although St. James had in mind treating others with respect in church services, Catholic Christians believe that to follow Christ completely, we are called to treat all people with dignity and respect, for all are children of God.

The above photo shows some women of El Portillo, a community of Curarén.  I met them on one of my trips to that community before I came to live in Honduras.