The mouth of the just, murmurs wisdom.
The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
These two phrases are from the response psalms for both the readings of the day and the readings chosen for today’s memorial, that of Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church.
The Just. Who are the Just? After asking google, and checking other sources, biblical context, and with my own understanding, the Just are persons of deep integrity. Ones who choose right over what might be easy or selfish. Persons with discerning hearts. Individuals who treat all equally, and follows moral or legal rules without prejudice or favoritism. Persons of wisdom.
So, you might read the first reading of the day and find many good qualities that are characteristic of the Just, except when you come upon the word “control” in the context of husbands over their wives. This is coming out of Saint Paul’s patriarchal religious cultural context, whereas for today there is no room for control in this manner. In relationships there is equality, respect for one another and holding up each other’s dignity in a sacred manner.
Knowing that Online Ministries is an international platform, it is good to note here that November is the month that calls for the elimination of violence against women. The primary United Nations initiative addressing violence against women and girls in 2026 is the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which featured the first-ever annual high-level meeting dedicated to eliminating violence against women and accelerating justice systems. [1, 2] This is a JUST action. It is a Gospel and prophetic move as Jesus would do. We live a faith that does justice.
The Just murmurs wisdom and the Just find salvation from the Lord--from Jesus. Saint Peter in his wisdom knew who Jesus was and he was also recognized by Him. Jesus asked him for more. Jesus, is the son of the living God. Can you in your relationship with Jesus, say with conviction that He is God? The Just person holds this to be true and lives accordingly.
In the Gospel for today, Luke concludes with the quote, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” In defining the Just person, as stated above, it is one who chooses right over what might be easy or selfish. In Mathew’s Gospel of today, Jesus calls Peter, all the disciples, and us too, to go beyond what they have been doing, that being only what is expected. Here we can look to the Magis as St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches. The Just are to enter into the immensity of Christ, and the vastness of the Gospel mission. To have the bigness of heart that may involve risks, but always the reward in knowing Jesus more dearly with salvation from the Lord.
When Saint Francis of Assisi died 800 years ago, his last message to his brothers and sisters was, “I have done what was mine to do, may Christ teach you what is yours.”
Christ taught Saint Peter. He taught Saint Leo the Great and many others we hold with great esteem. He taught the Just, who worked for justice, and went beyond to what for some led them to the cross. Jesus teaches us.
Let us pray for the courage to live a just and faith-filled life. Let us pray that our hearts and ears may be open to hear what it is that Jesus asks us to do. Let us pray for the wisdom to respond knowingly and in a just manner. Not only with a murmur but to proclaim that Jesus is Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Candice Tucci, OSF
Born in Buffalo, NY, I grew up in a cultural and ethnic diverse environment. My life as a Franciscan Sister has been a profound spiritual journey. Like Francis of Assisi who called himself, “pilgrim and stranger,” this too is a metaphor for my own life.
A trained spiritual director, with a BFA, and MA degree in Religious Studies/Spirituality focusing on the integration of the arts, spirituality and social justice, prepared me to live this Gospel life of prayer and service. First on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and eventually in Tanzania, East Africa. My journey led me to ministry in higher education at various universities. February 2025, I retired from Creighton University after 10 years as Chaplain for the College of Nursing.
Prior to retirement, I was elected to serve on the General Council of my Congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. March, 2025, I moved to Rome, IT where I currently reside. Serving in this leadership role provides incredible opportunities to serve as a woman religious in the Catholic Church at this time in history. Settled in Rome, I am happy and ready to contribute again to Daily Reflections. May we hold each other reverently in this Sacred Space.
