The headline on the front page of a major Nebraska newspaper read, "For" this candidate, "it's about earning what you get.*" I spent my meditation time before Mass today asking myself, "what about the least of these?" (See Mt 25:45) What about people who are honestly unable to earn what they need?
The starkness of this headline haunts me even now. I'm fighting with the computer as I try to explain my reflection on this headline. I struggle to admit honestly how the Gospel critiques my life. Like the cartoon the two voices sit on my shoulders pulling me one-way then the other. "You've earned it" the one voice says. The other voice on my shoulder demands, "But what about justice for the least of these?"
In our pastor's homily he linked Jesus' cleansing of the temple with the unjust practice of the vendors and money changers to gouge the poor. (See John 2:13-25). The corporal works of mercy make my responsibility clear: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked; house the homeless; visit the sick; ransom the captive; and bury the dead. The corporal works of mercy don't say "only if they earn it."
During Lent my practice of almsgiving, prayer and fasting help me see I have been given the opportunity to work, eat three meals a day, and enjoy leisure time. In light of these opportunities the Gospel also makes clear my responsibility to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty . . .
I'm grateful I'm not expected to earn God's grace.
"Lord, you have the words of everlasting life." (John 6:68c)
*I'm not using the candidates name because I know someone at the paper is responsible for the headlines and not the reporter or person being interviewed. The candidate was not quoted in the article having made this comment.