We need to be willing to say, enough

November 23, Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29; Luke 19:41-44

Sometimes when I look at the state of the world I, like Jesus, want to weep. There is so much violence, injustice, and hatred. Children go hungry, are deprived of education, and die of curable diseases. Poor communities are devastated by natural disasters and people are forced to migrate to find safety or employment. At the same time, the wealthy look for ever more exaggerated ways to spend their money and wealthy countries exploit their poorer neighbors and the planet.

But while weeping is understandable, it is not enough. Like Mattathias, we need to be willing to say, “Enough. Even if everyone else goes along to get along, I will not. I will do something." I don't recommend Mattathias' recourse to violence, but no matter your state In life, there is always something you can do to make things better: give, pray, help, speak out. Let your tears wash away your indifference and put your faith in action.