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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – The Red Mass, observed on the first Sunday in October, prays over those who sit in judgement of others. It asks that the Holy Spirit guide judges, lawyers, and magistrates with wisdom in the decisions they will make. It is prayed that they might “deliver justice with mercy.”
The tradition of the Red Mass dates back to the middle ages, where being a judge opened one up to all kinds of corruptions and bribes. Cases were decided as much on social status, or which party was favored by the king, or simply who paid the most. The Red Mass reminds us that justice is doing what is right, not what is easy.
I’m not a judge, but I make many judgments. Here at the radio station I make decisions every day: What will I talk about? What will my position be on the issues of the day? Which programs will we carry? Which employees should I hire?
At my church, The Cross on Schofield Avenue, I will also make many decisions in the year ahead. How should our tithes and offerings be spent? Which ministries should we advance? How will we fulfil our mission of bringing more people to Christ?
On this eve of the Red Mass, I pray for discernment. I hope that my decisions will be pleasing to my Master. I remind myself that God loves justice.
Chris Conley
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