Inspiration

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jon 3:1-10; PS 130:1b-2, 3-4ab, 7-8; Lk 10:38-42
Notes: Here today we might reengage the Vatican II sensus fidelium (sense of the faithful).

120. There is a genuine equality of dignity among all the faithful, because through their baptism they are all reborn in Christ. ‘Because of this equality they all contribute, each according to his or her own condition and office, to the building up of the Body of Christ.’ Therefore, all the faithful ‘have the right, indeed at times the duty, in keeping with their knowledge, competence and position, to manifest to the sacred Pastors their views on matters which concern the good of the Church’. ‘They have the right to make their views known to others of Christ’s faithful, but in doing so they must always respect the integrity of faith and morals, show due reference to the Pastors and take into account both the common good and the dignity of individuals.’Accordingly, the faithful, and specifically the lay people, should be treated by the Church’s pastors with respect and consideration, and consulted in an appropriate way for the good of the Church.

https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_cti_20140610_sensus-fidei_en.html

Perhaps we can slice the readings today with the vector of inspiration.

Book of Jonah

It is the people of Nineveh first who realize the moral danger they are in and repent.
Jonah spoke truth (begrudgedly):

1. The people responded,
2. then the King repents,
3. then the nobles repent,
4. then the recalcitrant prophet Jonah actually faces his cold heartedness.

It is so: truth can be spoken without conviction but truth convicts one to act and speak.

Conclusion: Listen to the people. Watch what they do in faith. Lead by following at times.
Weird, huh?

Gospel of Luke
Martha and Mary.

• Martha preparing for the people to celebrate the return of Jesus, in the formal sense.
• Mary sitting at his feet, in the intimate sense as disciple, unique position for a woman at that time.

Mary has chosen the better and it will not be taken from her.
Conclusion: Relation over norms.
Weird, huh?

By the way, the introduction to the book of Jonah is so very compelling. Here is a link to read the eye popping introduction:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jonah/0

First reading
The people of Nineveh believed God;
they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small,
put on sackcloth.

Responsorial Psalm
If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

If you, O LORD, mark iniquities,
LORD, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness,
that you may be revered.

Alleluia Verse
Blessed are those who hear the word of God
and observe it.

Gospel Portion
There is need of only one thing.

Repent and believe the gospel which is Jesus.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry