The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today call us to thanksgiving for being heirs to the promise of Christ as we are reminded to remain faithful to living as His disciples.
Living and giving
The reading from the Letter to the Ephesians proclaims Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles.
* [3:1–13] Paul reflects on his mission to the Gentiles. He alludes to his call and appointment to the apostolic office (Eph 3:2–3) and how his insight through revelation, as well as that of the other apostles and charismatic prophets in the church (Eph 3:4–5), has deepened understanding of God’s plan of salvation in Christ. Paul is the special herald (Eph 3:7) of a new promise to the Gentiles (Eph 3:6): that the divine plan includes them in the spiritual benefits promised to Israel. Not only is this unique apostolic role his; Paul also has been given the task of explaining to all the divine plan of salvation (Eph 3:8–9), once hidden. Through the church, God’s plan to save through Christ is becoming manifest to angelic beings (Eph 3:10; cf. Eph 1:21), in accord with God’s purpose (Eph 3:11). The fulfillment of the plan in Christ gives the whole church more confidence through faith in God (Eph 3:12). The readers of this letter are also thereby encouraged to greater confidence despite Paul’s imprisonment (Eph 3:13).1
The psalm like passage from the Prophet Isaiah is one of thanksgiving and praise.
* [12:1–6] Israel’s thanksgiving to the Lord, expressed in language like that of the Psalms.2
The Gospel of Luke compares the faithful and the unfaithful slave.
* [12:35–48] This collection of sayings relates to Luke’s understanding of the end time and the return of Jesus. Luke emphasizes for his readers the importance of being faithful to the instructions of Jesus in the period before the parousia.3
Beth Samson was reminded that we are Christ’s body – and presence – in the world now. We are charged with continuing Christ’s work of building the Kingdom of God on earth.
Do I treat others with respect and generosity? Do I advocate for those who are oppressed? Do I ask someone how they are and take the extra time to really listen, rather than let the question be a passing formality? Do I witness injustice and respond with both prayer and action? Do I walk around offering gratitude for what I experience – the tree’s leaves changing from green to yellows, oranges, and reds; the sound of laughter as neighborhood children play outside on a sunny day; the patience my colleague offers me? Do I respond to the suffering others are experiencing with compassion and accompaniment? I am Christ’s body on earth. You are Christ’s body on earth. Each person is Christ’s body on earth. Are we treating each other as such?4
Don Schwager quotes “God's great promise for faithful and wise servants,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).
"'Blessed is the servant whom the Lord will find so doing when he comes. A great promise is extended to the Lord's faithful and wise stewards. It is like the promise he made to those to whom he said, 'Take authority over five cities' or 'take authority over ten cities' (Luke 19:17-19). For to be made the head 'over all his possessions' is nothing other than to be made an 'heir of God and coheir with Christ' (Romans 8:17) and to reign with Christ. The Father has given him everything he himself possesses, as Christ said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me' (Matthew 28:18). The Son of the good Father who is given authority over all his Father's possessions also shares this honor and glory with his faithful and wise stewards, so they also might be with Christ above every creature and authority. This is what he meant when he said, 'Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.'" (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 62)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:39-48 asks us to imagine that we are in on the surprise and know when Jesus is going to return. What would we do to get ready for him? What would we add—or subtract—from our life? We know the answers to these questions. Whatever we need to do, don’t put it off.
But don’t act out of fear. Act as if you were preparing for the most exciting day of your life—because you are! Just think of how pleased the Lord is with each step you take and each decision that you make for him. He has a glorious crown waiting for you when he comes (2 Timothy 4:8). So keep living for him, and get ready for that awesome day! “Lord, I long for your coming! Help me to be ready to meet you.”6
Friar Jude Winkler describes the boldness and confidence of Paul’s life in manifesting the mystery of Christ. Resurrection of the dead was thought to be a sign of the end of the world. Friar Jude reminds us that the time of accounting is not a time of terror.
Cynthia Bourgeault comments on one aspect of The Secret Embrace in particular. It is remarkable to trace how Thomas Keating’ understanding of God evolved over the last three decades of his life. In the 1980s, when his first books and videos were beginning to appear, God was still very much framed within the classic Western model with God as “he”—a father figure.
But by the end of his life, Thomas is in a very different place. God co-inheres and interpenetrates everything, the ocean-in-drop and drop-in-ocean, constantly exchanging in a dance of endless fecundity. God is not the “author” of creation, removed and overarching; the whole thing is God. There is not a single place in all creation where God is not, because God is creation itself, endlessly outpouring, endlessly receiving itself back. From top to bottom, we live and move and have our being in a participative reality, every fractal joined to every other fractal in a symphony of divine becoming pouring forth from that infinite wellspring.7
We strive to be open to further conversion as faithful servants of Christ as we become more aware of God it all of Creation.
References
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