Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Eph 4:1-6; PS 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; LK 12:54-59
Sidebar
A friend of mine told me that I write the best titles for reflections. Not the best reflections, but the best titles for reflections.
Summary
Saint Paul wishes us to be imprisoned like him in the ways of unity.
Imprisoned means:
A. to be confined within/into.
B. to be limited in behavior and liberties.
C. to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge [relation with] of God.
Why Prison?
Why did he speak thus? Because of suspicions about his character. It seems, nobody trusts someone who does not take a portion for themselves. Yet Paul sees things differently. Yet we have not used this right. On the contrary, we endure everything so as not to place an obstacle to the gospel of Christ (1 COR 9:12b).
Seven Unities
Saint Paul urges us to live in the ‘seven unities‘ which are (the basis of the Creeds to follow in time):
- Church
- Spirit
- Hope
- Lord
- Faith in Christ [Eph 1:13]
- Baptism
- One God
Reflection
Prison as Gift
Paul describes his way of life a form of imprisonment not as an imposition made but as a gift given by him for us. He limits his rights that there be no obstacle for salvation for others.
Prison as Consequence
Jesus speaks of another type of imprisonment. The imprisonment of hypocrisy and obstinate ignorance. Read these words again and consider: Who is the guilty party?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.
We are so ready to throw other people in jail for every offense (personal, social, political) but Jesus warns us quite clearly WE are the guilty ones. We do not live the life of unity but of division. Eek!
Personal Reflection
Which prison is better? The prison of faith, hope and love with the Pauline Self-denial of our own rights seems to be what way of life we should follow.
The prison of hate has a very long prison term: I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny. BTW, it is a sum unobtainable to me.
Pick One
It seems we need to pick one. Jesus gave the warning about the one and Paul the freedom of the prison of the other. Which do you pick?
Sacred Readings References
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102524.cfm
First Reading
[I] urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Responsorial (See Mt 11:25)
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
Gospel
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry