These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Saint Irenaeus, bishop, martyr & doctor of the church—June 28

So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel! and since I will deal thus with you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel. (Am 3:1-8; 4:11-12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062822.cfm
“Prepare to meet your God.” Probably the most terrifying words in all the Scriptures. Not a threat about Judgment Day, rather the promise of God who comes to rescue the poor. When I was a kid growing up in the South, you could see cross-shaped signs along the highways with this message. Unfortunately, the South never took justice for the poor very seriously. Saint Irenaeus (130-202 A.D.) was declared a doctor of the church by Pope Francis in January 2022. It was Saint Irenaeus who stated in his famous book, Against Heresies, that the glory of God is a human being fully alive.