Oppress no one (Homily for Saturday of the 15th week in Ordinary time year II July 20 2024

Homily for Saturday of the 15th week in Ordinary time year II July 20 2024

Micah 2:1-5; Psalm 10; Mathew 12:14-21

Oppress no one

Today's readings offer both assurance and warning: the Lord stands with the poor and fights for their justice. To the poor, He promises justice even in the face of severe cruelty; to the rich, He warns against the illusion that their wealth places them above the law, allowing them to oppress the poor without consequence. This raises an important question: who are the rich and who are the poor? 

While financial status is a common measure, it is not the only one. A financially poor person can be rich in certain situations, and a wealthy person can be poor in others. Being rich means having opportunities in specific circumstances, while being poor means lacking those opportunities. 

Thus, anyone who uses their privileged position to exploit or make life difficult for another is guilty of oppression, regardless of their financial status. For example, a bricklayer might use his expertise to overcharge an unsuspecting client, or a company employee responsible for purchasing diesel might requisition more than needed to benefit personally. In these cases, both the bricklayer and the employee, despite their lower financial status, are the oppressors.

Prophet Micah condemns such acts of wickedness and evil, which involve cheating or taking advantage of others. God is never blind to acts of injustice. Even if the oppressed are unaware of their oppression or their oppressors, God, who sees all, disapproves of such actions. Our privileged positions should be used to bring joy to others, not to oppress them.

Oppression turns the world into a battleground, while justice fosters reconciliation and peace. In the gospel reading, Jesus learns that the Pharisees are plotting against Him. He makes adjustments but continues to do good. This teaches us that, regardless of how often we are oppressed, deceived, or taken for granted, we should take precautions but never stop doing good. If the oppressed cease to do good, they risk becoming oppressors themselves. Those whom God defends need not fight for themselves.

God bless you all