Compelled to heal

The confident assertion of the psalmist in the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today that "on God rests my deliverance...honor... refuge" is the truth that compels Paul to continue to struggle and suffer as he proclaims to the Colossians the commission he has to make the word of God fully known. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus decision to make the will of the Father fully known in the synagogue where the more politically correct choice may have been to avoid demonstration of the transcendent Presence which would contradict the authority of the Pharisees. The disciple who hears and incorporates the good news is compelled to proclaim through the actions of daily life the relationship with the Divine to which all are invited. The value of this relationship is greater than human concerns about "place" or power as Paul asserts he is bringing knowledge of God's mystery, Christ, in whom is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In the words of a popular hymn "How can I keep from singing?"