The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to evaluate the tensions in our life that threaten to hide the love that is present to us as Christ acts through the people in our life.
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In the reading from the Letter to the Romans, Paul expounds on his struggle with sin and death.
* [7:13–25] Far from improving the sinner, law encourages sin to expose itself in transgressions or violations of specific commandments (see Rom 1:24; 5:20). Thus persons who do not experience the justifying grace of God, and Christians who revert to dependence on law as the criterion for their relationship with God, will recognize a rift between their reasoned desire for the goodness of the law and their actual performance that is contrary to the law. Unable to free themselves from the slavery of sin and the power of death, they can only be rescued from defeat in the conflict by the power of God’s grace working through Jesus Christ.
* [7:23] As in Rom 3:27 Paul plays on the term law, which in Greek can connote custom, system, or principle. (Romans, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 119 praises the Glories of God’s Law.
* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus alerts us to interpreting the time and settling with our opponents.
* [12:59] The last penny: Greek, lepton, a very small amount. Mt 5:26 has for “the last penny” the Greek word kodrantēs (Latin quadrans, “farthing”). (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)
Ann Mausbach comments that another interesting thing about today’s gospel is that we are reminded of Jesus’ struggle on earth. He sounds a little impatient. He reached out to the sick and disadvantaged because he wanted to demonstrate that salvation was available to everyone, a revolutionary concept in that time (and even today).
It’s no wonder he was frustrated as his good deeds were frequently meant with skepticism. This human aspect of Jesus' character serves as a reminder that it's okay to struggle, but we must keep engaging with God. This isn’t something we can put off, it must happen now, in our day-to-day life.
As we pray this week let’s remember to see the signs and more importantly understand and act on them. Let’s remember that the time is now to demonstrate our love for God and our fellow man. (Mausbach, 2023)
Don Schwager quotes “Signs from the Law point to the dawn of the Mystery of Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"People focus their attention on things of this kind. From long observation and practice they tell beforehand when rain will fall or violent winds will blow. One especially sees that sailors are very skillful in this matter. He says that it would be suitable for those who can calculate things of this sort and may foretell storms that are about to happen to focus the penetrating eyes of the mind also on important matters. What are these? The law showed beforehand the mystery of Christ, that he would shine out in the last ages of the world on the inhabitants of the earth and submit to be a sacrifice for the salvation of all. It even commanded a lamb to be sacrificed as a type of him who died towards evening and at lighting of lamps (Exodus 12:6).
"We might now understand that when, like the day, this world was declining to its close, the great, precious and truly saving passion would be fulfilled. The door of salvation would be thrown wide open to those who believe in him, and abundant happiness be their share. In the Song of Songs, we also find Christ calling to the bride described there. The bride personally represents the church, in these words, 'Arise, come, my neighbor, my beautiful dove. Look, the winter is past, and the rain is gone. It has passed away. The flowers appear on the ground. The time of the pruning has come' (Song 2:10-12). As I said, a certain springlike calm was about to arise for those who believe in him." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 95) (Schwager, 2019)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:54-59 comments that the Lord longs to pierce through our fog. For centuries, the saints have offered a simple tool to do just that: silence. Contemplative silence can help us cut through distractions so that we can see the Lord. While it may take time, persevering in silent contemplation gives the Lord the space to wipe our spiritual lenses clean. It softens our hearts and increases our ability to recognize Jesus everywhere we go.
Sometimes this path of silence can be difficult, but the name of Jesus is a powerful guide. As you quietly seek the Lord, utter his sacred name in your heart with each breath. With one breath after another, his name can lead you closer to him. As you release your burdens, you can move toward peace. The name of Jesus can help wipe away distractions and open your eyes to better see and follow the Lord. Then you will be able to “interpret the present time” and recognize what the Lord is doing—both in your heart and in the world around you.
“Lord Jesus, open my eyes.” (Meditation on Luke 12:54-59, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the battle of Paul expressed in Romans between his knowledge of good and his concupiscence in which he is tempted to do other things. Following Jesus does involve saying no to other choices. Friar Jude reminds us that living a life consistent with our calling is essential to starting to live in the Kingdom now.
James Finley notes that Mechthild of Magdeburg lived independently as a beguine until she could no longer care for herself. He highlights what we can learn from Mechthild as she approached her death by sharing her prayer expressing her gratitude to God for her powerlessness.
Thus speaks a beggar woman in her prayer to God:
Lord, I thank You that since in Your love You have taken from me all earthly riches, You now clothe and feed me through the goodness of others, so that I no longer know those things that might clothe my heart in pride of possession.
Lord, I thank You that since You have taken my sight from me, You serve me through the eyes of others.
Lord, I thank You that since You have taken from me the strength of my hands and the strength of my heart, You now serve me with the hands and hearts of others. [1] (Finley, 2023)
We are nudged by the Spirit to take time to contemplate the opportunities we encounter on our journey to know the Love of God in our relationships with people and Nature.
References
Finley, J. (2023, October 27). Unraveled by Love — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/unraveled-by-love/
Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?54
Mausbach, A. (2023, October 27). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/102723.html
Meditation on Luke 12:54-59. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/10/27/815177/
Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?
Romans, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/7?18
Schwager, D. (2019, March 9). Heed the Warning Signs before It Is Too Late. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=oct27
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