The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the deeper truth that we seek as we journey with Christ.
Deeper truth
The reading from the Letter to the Colossians urges the community to be securely established and steadfast in the faith.
* [1:21–23] Paul, in applying this hymn to the Colossians, reminds them that they have experienced the reconciling effect of Christ’s death. He sees the effects of the cross in the redemption of human beings, not of cosmic powers such as those referred to in Col 1:16, 20 (all things). Paul also urges adherence to Christ in faith and begins to point to his own role as minister (Col 1:23), sufferer (Col 1:24), and proclaimer (Col 1:27–28) of this gospel.1
Psalm 54 is a prayer for vindication.
* [Psalm 54] A lament in which the person under attack calls directly upon God for help (Ps 54:3–5). Refusing to despair, the psalmist hopes in God, who is active in history and just (Ps 54:6–7). The Psalm ends with a serene promise to return thanks (Ps 54:8–9).2
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus addresses the question about the Sabbath.
* [6:1–11] The two episodes recounted here deal with gathering grain and healing, both of which were forbidden on the sabbath. In his defense of his disciples’ conduct and his own charitable deed, Jesus argues that satisfying human needs such as hunger and performing works of mercy take precedence even over the sacred sabbath rest. See also notes on Mt 12:1–14 and Mk 2:25–26.3
Cindy Costanzo is reminded to be cognizant that the current traditions, rules, regulations, and policies were made during a particular time/century in which biases existed.
I am reminded to ask the following questions. How did they improve the human condition? How and when have I acted like the “Pharisees”? If I am grounded in my faith, am intentional in deepening my relationship with God, trust that God is connected to all that is good even in my experiences with suffering, then my relationship to traditions, rules, regulations, and policies can be contextual with a deeper understanding that they exist for this time and can change. I can bring my love for Jesus to the situation and ask the question: what would Jesus do? 4
The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 54:3-4, 6, 8 comments that God has already made it possible for us to be in his presence. This is his work, not ours.
When he looks at you, he sees your life in the light of his completed work of grace and mercy. And he can help you to see yourself that way too. Unlike the mechanic who works on your car’s engine, though, God allows you to work alongside him. So ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see as God does, through the lens of eternity. Ask him what you can do and what you should leave to God. And when a situation seems too difficult, invite him to do the heavy lifting for you. Some things might take a lifetime to work out, but always remember that you are defined not by your worst moments but by how God sees you—God, who is your helper. “Father, help me to look at my life through your eyes of love.”5
Friar Jude Winkler discusses the gnostic influences that are causing concerns in the letters to the Colossians and the Ephesians. Gnostic ideas held that the material world is evil and spiritual beings were superior. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus asserts the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.
Brian McLaren shares finding deeper truth through fishing.
The old Scottish novelist (and Canadian Governor General) John Buchan (1875—1940) famously said, “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” [1] For some people, God seems easily attainable, as familiar as a lucky coin in the pocket, as conjurable as steam from a teapot. But for many of us, God is more elusive, and at best, we hope God is there, here, in here, but we can claim no rational certainty. In this way, encountering God is a lot like encountering a cutthroat trout that you can’t see. You can place yourself in a suitable location, prepare yourself, reach out your line, and—wait. And hope. And wait. And hope some more. And wait some more. [2]6
Growing in our relationship with Christ presents a challenge to seek and live according to deep truths of love, mercy, and compassion.
References
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