Twenty-Fifth Monday in Ordinary Time

Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him. Say not to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give," when you can give at once. Plot no evil against your neighbor, against one who lives at peace with you. Quarrel not with a man without cause, with one who has done you no harm. Envy not the lawless man and choose none of his ways: To the LORD the perverse one is an abomination, but with the upright is his friendship.

We must be free with our time, talents, and treasures. Willing to give them to others at a moment’s notice and without hesitation. This isn’t always easy to do, especially if the one asking for help is a stranger, someone we dislike, or even an enemy. We also must be willing to be charitable and merciful when it’s not convenient for us. We must be willing to give our gifts to others no matter what else we’d rather be doing. At the same time, we should not plot evil against others or quarrel with them. No matter what wrongs we have suffered, we are never entitled to vengeance. God is the only Judge and it is for Him and only Him to punish wrongdoers. Last but not least, we are told to envy not the lawless man or his ways. There is a temptation to see the success and pleasures of evil people and wonder why we suffer while they enjoy themselves, but theirs is an empty victory. If we remain true, then we shall enjoy the afterlife and be God’s friends forever and ever.

Are we willing to give to others without counting the cost? Are we willing to be at peace with those whom have harmed us? Are we willing to deny ourselves the ways of the lawless man?

O Lord, we shall stand with you in uprightness.

Amen.