"Father to orphans, defender of widows . . ."

Wednesday, May 28

Scripture

In your holy habitation, O God, you are a father to orphans, defender of widows; you give the solitary a home and bring forth prisoners into freedom . . . (Psalm 68:5-6a)

Reflection

Last week in our Gospel reading we heard Jesus say to his anxious disciples before his crucifixion, “I will not leave you orphaned . . .” (John 14:18). God’s love and care for widows and orphans, the lonely and the prisoner, is a theme that runs throughout Scripture. It is a theme that runs through 2000 years of the history of the Church. Just as the Church is not the Church if it is not sent (see yesterday's reflection), so, too, the Church is not the Church if it does not love and care for widows and orphans, the lonely and the prisoner. It is a high calling. But it is one that is empowered by the same Spirit that sends us into the world with the Good News of Jesus.

Prayer

Gracious God, Give us the compassion and the will to love and care for widows and orphans, the lonely and the prisoner. In Jesus’ name. Amen.