God is a Just Judge!

Readings: 1^ra: Sir: 35:12-14.16-19; Sal: 32; 2^da: 2Tim 4: 6-8.16-19; Ev: Lc 18: 9-14

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp., DMin, a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is Director of Santuario del Espiritu Santo, Dorado, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments, contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

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On this thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Church reminds us that the Lord is a Just Judge who favors the humble and the just.

In the first reading, Sirac exalts us on the justice of God towards the poor, orphans, widows, and the weak of our society. This comes when just judgment is a thing of the past, and the highest bidder takes it all. In the “Heavenly Court,” God the Just Judge remains resolute to ensure justice.

Sirac calls us to be like God, the Just Judge who acquits the virtuous by delivering just judgment. Also, Sirac assures us that in as much as we are humble, prayerful, and persevere in doing good, God will surely be there to vindicate us as the psalmist says: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor” (Ps. 34:6).

In the second reading, Paul, having played his part perfectly well, now confidently awaits good judgment from the Just Judge. He boldly asserts himself: “I have fought the good fight to the end, I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me.”

There is only one thing that can give one such confidence. This is a life well-lived in humility and the fear of God. If we are already living a good and humble life, we must not stop. Instead, we must struggle to the end and the finish line. When Paul was yet to accomplish the race, he writes, “I do not claim that I have already arrived. I move on towards the goal to win the prize” (Phil 3:12-14).

In the gospel, Jesus reminds us that judgment belongs to “God who searches what searches the mind (Jer 17: 10).” He is the one who knows all our intentions and actions. So, it is not for us to judge others because human judgment can be biased at times. What transpired between the publican and the tax collector is typical of the scenario we see every day.

Self-righteous people often judge people wrongly because of their weakness of mind and ignorance of how God operates. Such people look at themselves as role models that others must imitate or as if they are the only holy ones. They always wear the “holier than thou attitude.” So, they are quick to condemn others. However, God judges differently.

Finally, we must not place ourselves where we do not belong and place others where we feel they should be. Instead, we must humbly acknowledge our nothingness, vulnerability, and weakness before God, the Just Judge. Christ, the Just Judge who acquitted the humble tax collector, says to us today: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!