In highlighting God’s saving power, the psalmist this Sunday points out how sailors’ “hearts melted away at their plight” until God calmed the waters. Hearts have been damaged for years by partially hydrogenated oils, the key source of trans fat. The FDA Tuesday ruled that they must be removed from food within three years. Dr. Steven Stack, president of the American Medical Association (AMA), commended the FDA for its decision. “With ample scientific research linking the consumption of trans fat to dangerous health effects, including heart attack and stroke, the AMA believes that removing trans fat from our nation’s food supply will help reduce the risk of preventable diseases and ultimately save lives,” he said.

Homily hint: Any steps we can take that prolong life and health also allow people more time to grow closer to God and serve the world. Good health is not a guarantee of healthy spirituality, but it certainly can facilitate it. And alleviating suffering wherever we can is certainly core to the Christian vision. Encourage healthy eating habits!

For more on new food guidelines, see: FDA Bans Key Source of Trans Fats in U.S. Diets

“Whoever is in Christ is a new creation,” this Sunday’s second reading attests. It’s time for us humans to make some changes and take better care of creation, Pope Francis argues in his encyclical on climate change, an unauthorized copy of which was released early this week. Francis calls for changes in lifestyles and energy consumption to avert the "unprecedented destruction of the ecosystem" before the end of this century and for a new global political authority tasked with "tackling … the reduction of pollution and the development of poor countries and regions."

Homily hint: It is encouraging to see church leaders treating climate change as a religious and moral issue, which it surely is. For centuries industry has consumed the resources of the world with little understanding of the consequences. Now that science has demonstrated the incredible interdependency and sensitivity of our ecosystem, we have a moral obligation to act. Read up on the message of this important papal statement on global responsibility.

For more on Pope Francis’ climate change encyclical, see: Pope Francis' Climate Change Encyclical Just Leaked. Here's What It Says; Pope’s Views on Climate Change Add Pressure to Catholic Candidates

It is made clear to Job in this Sunday’s first reading that God will be the one to set limits and determine outcomes. After decades of post Cold War progress toward nuclear limitations, Russia announced Tuesday that it will expand its nuclear arsenal, sparking concerns about a renewed arms race as old Cold War rivals Moscow and Washington plan to increase their military capacity amid rising tensions over Ukraine. Secretary of State John F. Kerry called the announcement concerning, even if Russian President Vladimir Putin “could well be posturing.”

Homily hint: One of the painful lessons of major wars is that of opportunities lost to make the peace before it was too late. As tensions continue to rise with Russia, can we in the West honestly say we are doing everything we can to lower the temperature and build peace? Compromise is the path. Believe in the possibilities of peace.

For more on Russian nuclear plans, see: Russia to increase nuclear arsenal as U.S. plans more firepower in Europe

Saint Paul speaks this Sunday of “old things” that have passed away. There was a time when Mohammed Morsi was the democratically elected president of Egypt. He was deposed by a military coup that has now confirmed its death sentence on Morsi, which the Obama administration said is “deeply troubling,” contending that it was politically motivated. Specifically, the White House condemned the mass trials against opposition figures or critics of the regime and said it had conveyed those concerns to the government of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Homily hint: Justice is a core gospel value, even—perhaps especially—when it comes to those who may hold differing political views. Uphold justice in all your dealings great and small. God calls us to it.

For more on the Egyptian death sentence, see: US 'deeply troubled' over death sentence to Mohammed Morsi

John was a good man and had urged [others] to exert themselves to virtue, both as to justice toward one another and reverence toward God. 

Josephus, Antiquities (c. 94 A.D.)

Exploring the Word

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