Evidence-Based Theology

Greetings on this the Monday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: GAL 1:6-12; PS 111:1B-2, 7-8, 9 AND 10C; LK 10:25-37
Notes: We have many vectors for the parable of the Good Samaritan. As a matter of liturgy and theology, the focus is framed by the elements of time and supporting sacred Scriptture given:

1. Ordinary time or season of Lent.
2. Week day or Sunday (see link below for 15th Sunday ordinary three years ago).
3. Sacred Scripture first reading focus.
4. The current readings in close proximity to ‘today’.
5. The events in the world around us.
6. The homilest is a ‘different’ person than even one week ago because we change in time.
7. The reader is a ‘different’ person than even one week ago because we change in time.

You can see then preaching the Gospel has an ever changing focus and at the same time solid in the foundation and source of its purpose: the saving message of God.

• Today’s question speaks to the interconnectivity between action and salvation.
• Yesterday’s question spoke to the interconnectivity between action and faith.

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – Increase our faith?
Response: Do something.

Even if that something has a low probability of success, like being a mulberry tree cast into the ocean, the Lord will make it bear fruit and thrive even there.

Monday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time – Inherit eternal life?
Response: Do something.

Who was neighbor? But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him.

The added element today is the source and foundation of faith:
The revelation to Paul and the passing on of the Gospel message.

Related reflections
https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2019/07/13/nay-neighbor/
https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/10/28/american-zealots/

First reading
Brothers and sisters:
I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel (not that there is another). But there are some who are disturbing you and wish to pervert the Gospel of Christ.

It is exhausting to debate theology almost as much to debate politics!
There are so many divisions of theology (method of study and expression).

The scholor of the law wished to justify himself.

Today, Jesus uses Evidence-Based Theology.

Evidence Based Gospel (Arms and Legs of the Good News of Jesus Christ)

1. Person is moved to be their better self.
2. Person is moved to praise God.
3. Person is moved to come to the aid of any on their life’s path.
4. Person intuitively performs Corporal Acts of Mercy.
5. Person intuitively performs Spiritual Acts of Mercy.

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

Alleluia Verse
I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.

Gospel Portion
You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.

Do faith.
Do theology.
Do salvation.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry