Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest
Readings: 1 COR 5:1-8; PS 5:5-6, 7, 12; Lk 6:6-11
Power of Love
Peter Claver’s predecessor, Jesuit Father Alfonso de Sandoval, had devoted himself to the service of the slaves for 40 years before Claver arrived to continue his work, declaring himself “the slave of the Negroes forever.”
Franciscan Media
Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-claver/
Summary
For our Paschal Lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast.
Our sacred readings we often encounter people who at a superficial level engage Jesus on the pretense of violation of law, specifically the Rest of the Sabbath. While their observations were teachable moments, they were not interested in being taught. Thus exposing their underlying concern. Power.
But what is power?
Autonomy, dignity, and freedom are the true measures of power. How we spend out time and what we do and the frame of reference for our beliefs and actions. These things are the measure of power. Jesuit Father Alfonso de Sandoval and Peter Claver chose well. They saw their autonomy to act (in disregard to the powerful), the dignity of acting (to support the dignity of those enslaved) and the true freedom to do good on the Sabbath and not evil.
Reflection
In our gospel portion today, I choose to see the good on the Sabbath, in the Sabbath, and the true rest of the Lord. Therefore, I celebrate Jesus.
Personal Reflection
May my heart and yours always be filled with gratitude and joyful celebration for the Lord has chosen the ultimate expression of divine autonomy, dignity and the freedom to choose the good. In the person of Jesus, In your person as well. Exercise your true freedom. Exercise your true Sabbath love.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090924.cfm
First Reading
For our Paschal Lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Responsorial
Lead me in your justice, Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel
Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry