How many times have you heard the question that Cain asked so long ago, "Am I my brother's keeper?" The readings today remind us that we have responsibilities to one another and really that these responsibilities are not an option if you believe in what God is saying to us in sacred scripture. In our second reading from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans we read, "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." In the first reading from the prophet Ezekiel we read, "Thus says the Lord: You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me." This, I feel, is addressed to all of us.

     In reality, how much do we care about one another in our society? Greed, selfishness and self indulgence seem to dominate the scene and the result is that we add to the growing number of those who are marginalized and live in poverty. Overwhelmingly, judging from the news, the powerbrokers are concerned more about themselves than they are about change for the better in our society.

     I was reflecting on this reality in my prayers this morning and I realized how refreshing it is to focus on those who dedicate their lives to better the lives of others. I was thinking about the many teachers that I had in my 20 years of education. There were a few that were not the greatest, but the ones who cared left a deep impression in me and molded a lot of my thinking in a very positive way.

     Just this morning there was a very interesting story in the paper that caught my eye. It read, "Superintendent Reduces Salary." I would like to quote the opening paragraph in the article, "Some people give back to their communities, then there's Fresno County School Superintendent Larry Powell, who is really giving back. As in $800,000 -- what would have been his compensation for the next few years. Until his term expires in 2015, Powell will run 325 schools and 35 school districts with 190,000 students, all for less than a starting California teacher earns. 'How much do we need to keep accumulating?' asked Powell, 63. There's no reason for me to keep stockpiling money'...and the man who started his career as a high school civics teacher, who has made anti-bullying his mission, hopes his act of generosity will help restore faith in the government he once taught students to respect."

     To my way of thinking he made a strong point by his example. But what comes to my mind are the many teachers, unsung heroes who through the years have, out of their own pay, provided materials for their students. This generosity has always made me admire dedicated teachers, none of whom ever got rich on their salaries.

     Where and how do we learn to be concerned about one another? I believe the process starts at home with parents and family, continues with formal education with good teachers and a good environment; and then throughout life by the example of those who have learned the lesson well. In spite of all the bad news we read daily about corruption at so many levels of society, there are always the many who are truly concerned about others and show it by all that they do and say. However, unless we focus on such examples we may not be aware of all the good that is around us. Yesterday evening on the news they reported that there are many preparing to go to the east coast and help with the cleanup at their own expense. When we see that looking out for each other, it's a real human and spiritual value, then we may become a little more daring to take the first reading seriously. "When you hear me say anything you shall warn them for me. If I tell the wicked, 'O wicked one, you shall surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death." It is not that we judge ourselves better than anyone else, but if we believe in integrity and truth, we all have something to contribute to the betterment of our society.