We have endured enough suffering at the hands of the wicked. Our voices have been heard, and those who hypocritically claim to serve God while committing evil are well-known. It is our duty to uphold moral principles, regardless of personal beliefs. We have witnessed truth replaced by lies for far too long. They try to deflect blame, but their actions reveal their true allegiance. Our prayers will be answered if we respond to them as God commands: Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Gospel readings this Sunday present a stark challenge: how to navigate a world where some individuals tragically exploit the sacred for personal gain. They don the garb of religion, wielding scripture to control and advance their own nefarious agendas.

The Bible stands as a powerful instrument, a wellspring of God’s love and unwavering justice. Yet, in the hands of the unscrupulous, it can be twisted to serve a sinister purpose. The prophets, like Isaiah, fiercely condemned such misuse: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17).

The scriptures offer a clear message: God champions the oppressed, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. Proverbs 21:15 reminds us, “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Our faith compels us to take action, to embody God’s love in a world often marred by injustice.

But how do we distinguish the genuine message from those who exploit it? Here, we find guidance in both the teachings of Christ and the wisdom embedded within the Church’s traditions.

  • Focus on the Core Teachings of Christ: Love, compassion, justice, and mercy are the bedrock of our faith. Leaders who preach hate, division, or violence directly contradict these core values. Jesus himself condemned those who placed emphasis on outward rituals while neglecting the weightier matters of the law (Matthew 23:23).
  • Seek Truth in Action: The Bible emphasizes deeds, not just pronouncements (James 1:27). Do these leaders uplift the downtrodden? Do they advocate for the voiceless? Their actions will ultimately reveal their true intentions. Micah 6:8 beautifully summarizes this concept: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
  • Embrace Scriptural Literacy: The Bible is a gift freely available to all. Approach it critically, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit and the established teachings of the Church. A strong foundation in scripture allows us to identify inconsistencies and distortions.

Remember the words of Jesus: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Let us not be misled by wolves in sheep’s clothing. Let us stand firm in our faith, wielding its power to promote God’s love and combat all forms of oppression.

This week, let us commit to:

  • Deepening our Scriptural Knowledge: Regular Bible study, either individually or within faith communities, equips us to discern truth from manipulation.
  • Supporting Organizations that Champion Justice and Equality: There are countless organizations working tirelessly to uplift the marginalized and fight for a more just world. Offer your time, resources, or voice to these causes.
  • Speaking Out Against Injustice: Silence in the face of oppression is complicity. Use your voice to challenge those who misuse religion and advocate for the vulnerable. Remember the words of Proverbs 31:8-9: “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

May God guide us on this path, and may our faith serve as a beacon of hope in these challenging times. Through discernment, action, and a commitment to justice, we can ensure that the message of love and compassion remains at the forefront of our world.

In Christ,

Cliff Potts

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