Pay The Last Penny

Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise, your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” (Luke 12:54-59)

We humans are supposed to use our common sense when troubles arise.  Therein lies a problem.  Jesus asks the crowd and us: “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?”  What is right [and just]?  Don’t we Catholics know by now after years of following Jesus, unless we have been pretending or sleepwalking through our lives?

Why do we tend to turn to violence and conflict when confronted with an opponent?  Why not see the value of compromise and respect for the other opinion?  Isn’t that the right way to follow Jesus?   We can tell when weather-related storms are coming.  Why cannot we do the same with relationships heading into stormy seas?

We need to reset our moral compasses; eat our humble pies; and pay our last penny meaning to satisfy God’s justice we must humble ourselves, apologize for our faults, and sincerely seek to make amends with those we have offended and hurt.  With that, every “penny” is paid. 

Deacon David Pierce