Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Corinthians 4:6b-15; Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21; Luke 6:1-5
Summary
We have been reading from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians since last Wednesday, slowly working our way through his observations and instructions as men and women who had accepted the good news of Christ and were now trying to realize in their lives the implications of their baptism (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/0). This continuous reading will conclude middle of next week.
There has been the consistent theme of revealing how some have become inflated with pride (1 Cor 4:18):
- What we think of ourselves and how we act regarding our own interests.
- What we think of others and how we act regarding their interests (or well-being).
The gospel portions that are paired with the letter of Paul (properly said, the Gospel portions can be read alongside Paul’s continuing instruction):
- Stay awake! (using real life) example of obedience in work.
- Stay awake! (using a parable) example of obedience in faith.
- Humility and sacrifice of John the Baptist.
- Fulfillment rejected by superiority complex.
- Keep quiet (to demons) as example of believing in the words of Jesus.
- Keep quiet (to demons) as example of sticking with acting rightly not empty proclamations.
- Start fishing for men (as your focus).
- Fasting and Rejoicing (knowing when to do either).
- Sabbath rest and sustenance(Today).
Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those [who were] with him were hungry? [How] he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.” (Lk 6:3-5).
[Do] not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another. I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children (1 Cor 4:6b, 14).
Reflection
Those challenging Jesus that day thought with pride.
David, in his day, thought with the needs of those with him.
And in the thread of Paul’s letter we see the difference between being inflated with pride and living as receptive, beloved children.
Personal Reflection
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
(Ps 145:17-18)
Call upon him in truth, my beloved children.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090526.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry