Sunday, October 12, 2025 • 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.—Psalm 98: 2
The readings today deal with Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5:14-17) and Samaritan lepers (Luke 17:11-19)–outsiders that exemplify God looking to reclaim all creation in binding relationship. “Solidarity” may be a relatively new word for us (Pope John Paul II made it well-known in his campaign to empower Poland as it was coming out of communism). For a definition we can look to the pontifical document, On Social Concern (Sollicitudo rei Socialis. . .), which states, “[Solidarity] is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all” (38). This concept is not new to the Bible as we see in the following passages:
- Genesis 12:1-3 God blessed Israel so that all nations would be blessed through it.
- Psalms 72 Living in right relationship with others brings peace.
- Psalms 122 Peace be with you! For the sake of the Lord, I will seek your good.
- Zechariah 8:16 These are the things you should do: Speak truth, judge well, make peace.
- Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers; they will be called children of God.
- Matthew 5:21-24 Be reconciled to one another before coming to the altar.
- Romans 13:8-10 Living rightly means to love one another.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 If one member of Christ’s body suffers, all suffer. If one member is honored, all rejoice.
- Colossians 3:9-17 Above all, clothe yourself with love and let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts.
- 1 John 3:16-18 The love of God in us is witnessed to by our willingness to lay down our lives for others as Christ did for us.
Next weekend is World Mission Sunday. Our late Pope Francis chose the theme, “Missionaries of Hope Among All People.” He reminds us that hope is at the heart of the Christian mission, calling every baptized person to be “messengers and builders of hope” in a world that often finds itself overshadowed by uncertainty and despair. See what you can do to help build God’s dream of a world in binding relationship to each other and God. Be a messenger of hope.
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Raleigh, NC