The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today urge us to be united in the Spirit as we work to get our lives together mindful of our mortality.
Living together
The reading from the Letter to the Ephesians presents seven aspects of unity in the Body of Christ.
* [4:4–6] The “seven unities” (church, Spirit, hope; Lord, faith in Christ [Eph 1:13], baptism; one God) reflect the triune structure of later creeds in reverse.1
Psalm 24 is a prayer for entrance into the Temple.
* [Psalm 24] The Psalm apparently accompanied a ceremony of the entry of God (invisibly enthroned upon the ark), followed by the people, into the Temple. The Temple commemorated the creation of the world (Ps 24:1–2). The people had to affirm their fidelity before being admitted into the sanctuary (Ps 24:3–6; cf. Ps 15). A choir identifies the approaching God and invites the very Temple gates to bow down in obeisance (Ps 24:7–10).2
In the Gospel of Luke, we are credited with interpreting nature but missing the time for 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”).3
The blog post on “One Body One Spirit and dialogue in the present time” recalls work of Thomas Merton on unity.
Mike Smoolca, coordinator of the North-Central CT Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society, quotes from Thomas Merton “Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander”, about the monk’s Fourth and Walnut experience. (pg 153 – 154 (1958)).4
Nancy Shirley offers a reminder of how we can support each other on a regular basis.
Recognizing (and letting the other know that you recognize) not only their unique gifts but also how these gifts contribute to you and your well-being. As we show appreciation for each other’s gifts and “specialness,” I believe that we move to preserve the unity of the spirit. We can be bonded with a great sense of peace – that doesn’t mean that life is perfect or that we think the other is perfect. It means we are able to appreciate each of God’s masterpieces even with the flaws... Perhaps Danny Gokey’s song is the best summary: Love God, Love People 5
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)6
The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 24:1-6 shares that we want to see the Lord’s face so that we can gaze on goodness and holiness and reflect it to the people we encounter each day.
“Lord, we long to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). You preach peace to those who are far off and those who are near (2:17). Help us to preach it today too, first and foremost by the witness of the peace that fills our hearts and minds. Move us to seek your peace continually, to pursue it, and to follow after it where we sense it.7
Friar Jude Winkler discusses how the author of Ephesians connects to the humility, gentleness, and patience of Paul as he waited as a prisoner. One Body and one Spirit is witnessed in our authentic lives. Friar Jude reminds us that grey hair is a sign we can read to prepare for the end.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, offers a few words about the essential role of contemplation in the lives of honest spiritual seekers like Thomas Keating and Cynthia Bourgeault.
We yearn for “breach menders” who can “restore our ruined houses,” as Isaiah says (58:12). We long for great-souled people who can hold the chaos together within themselves—and give us the courage to do the same. I pray all of us know such people in our lives and that we be granted such people on the world stage. And I am confident such people have gone before and paved the way for us—the mystics and saints of all genders, cultures, and faith traditions, those both known and unknown.8
Our contemplation in times of chaos and change offers a connection to the One Body and Spirit that calls us to authentic display of the signs of unity.
References
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