Lawful Lawless

Greetings on this the Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Rom 9:1-5; PS 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Lk 14:1-6
Notes: A reading of the notes accompanying the chapter 9 of Romans would be very profitable.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/9?1

The letter to the Romans chapter 9 is a richly personal and theological piece at the same time.

The crisis of faith is a real one.

1. In the first instance, the love of his brothers and sisters.
2. In the second, an attempt to reconstruct the will and actions of the Lord.

Paul’s reasoning and emotional imperfection brings insight into the perfection of the Divine Will.

It is always important to dig deeper and with charity in order to find the right path forward.
Lest we become lawless by being lawful.

First reading
Paul recounts his distress and his willingness to do anything to save his people.

His fellow religious refuse to accept the Lord of Covenant as they live out the Old Covenant.

Responsorial Psalm
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Alleluia Verse
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.

Gospel Portion
“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”
But they kept silent.
He took the man and,
after he had healed him, dismissed him.

Listening to the religious leaders of today, and I can see echoes of this imperfection.
But charity reveals a good intention.

Most of all, divine response is mercy over law.
BEFORE – for avoidance, DURING – for mitigation and AFTER – for reconciliation.

Lest we become lawless by being lawful.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry