We know Jesus was concerned about our souls being saved, about prayer and deeper intimacy with God, and about personal integrity. But his opening words are mostly about liberation, concern for the poor, and a more just society. If some of Jesus' first listeners wanted to throw him over the cliff when they heard his inaugural homily, then maybe we shouldn't be surprised when people say things like those written by a recent letter writer to the Dallas Morning News. Frankly such sentiments trouble me. Lamentably, our parishes have done less in these areas than we should be doing.
Most parishes are good about meeting peoples' spiritual, educational, and emotional needs.
We have been less active as forces for societal change and justice. Nothing that is genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts. For theirs is a community composed of people, of people who, united in Christ, and guided by the holy Spirit, press onwards towards the kingdom of the Father and are bearers of a message of salvation intended for all. I don't think so. Some have suggested that the Churches virtually replace organizations like the United Way or government sponsored programs.