Speak Lord: Poor One, Humble One.

The psalm at Mass tomorrow, the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, echoes the theme of the first reading, and prepares us for hearing the Gospel which extends the same theme. The theme? Care for the poor; solidarity within the human family; personal humility and attentiveness to the situation of others. As God is, so we are called to be…

In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor.

The just shall rejoice at the presence of God,
they shall exult and dance for joy.
O sing to the Lord, make music to his name;
rejoice in the Lord, exult at his presence.

In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor.

Father of the orphan, defender of the widow,
such is God in his holy place.
God gives the lonely a home to live in;
he leads the prisoners forth into freedom:

In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor.

You poured down, O God, a generous rain:
when your people were starved you gave them new life.
It was there that your people found a home,
prepared in your goodness, O God, for the poor.

In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor.

Psalm 67:4-7,10-11

• Who are the poor and the needy who you have already ‘registered’? How have you responded to their need?
• Who might be the poor and needy you have not noticed. Try looking for them as you go about your daily business today – in the shops, in the park, in your street, at church. How might you reach out to them?

Stained glass from Shrewbury Cathedral. (c) 2016, Allen Morris.