The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to humbly reflect on our personal and corporate salvation history to contemplate the role for good in which God has placed us.
Our history with God
The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans declares that Israel’s rejection is not final and along with the salvation of the Gentiles, all Israel will be saved.
* [11:25–29] In God’s design, Israel’s unbelief is being used to grant the light of faith to the Gentiles. Meanwhile, Israel remains dear to God (cf. Rom 9:13), still the object of special providence, the mystery of which will one day be revealed.1
Psalm 94 praises God as the avenger of the righteous.
* [Psalm 94] A lament of an individual who is threatened by wicked people. The danger affects the whole community. Calling upon God as judge (Ps 94:1–2), the Psalm complains about oppression of the holy community by people within (Ps 94:3–7). Bold declarations of faith follow: denunciation of evildoers (Ps 94:8–11) and assurance to the just (Ps 94:12–15). The Psalm continues with further lament (Ps 94:16–19) and ends with strong confidence in God’s response (Ps 94:20–23).2
After Jesus heals the man with dropsy in the Gospel of Luke, He teaches humility while enjoying the hospitality of others.
* [14:7–14] The banquet scene found only in Luke provides the opportunity for these teachings of Jesus on humility and presents a setting to display Luke’s interest in Jesus’ attitude toward the rich and the poor (see notes on Lk 4:18; 6:20–26; 12:13–34).3
Andy Alexander, S.J. comments that the Gospel today is quite counter cultural and quite against the stream of self-promotion that can dominate the movements around us. Who in this world - beside Jesus - is saying "take the lowest place"? And, why would Jesus say that?
Paul in his letter to the Philippians [Phillipians 2:1-11] spells it out for us, when he urges them to imitate Jesus… The way of life that becomes part of living like Jesus will have many forms among us. It will always be humble and have a measure of thinking of others' needs first - taking the lowest place. It will always be about choices that move in the direction of healing and reconciliation, compassion and togetherness, empathy and service.4
Don Schwager quotes “Jesus calls us to be humble, modest, and praiseworthy,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"'When,' he says, 'a man more honorable than you comes, he that invited you and him will say, 'Give this man place.' Oh, what great shame is there in having to do this! It is like a theft, so to speak, and the restitution of the stolen goods. He must restore what he has seized because he had no right to take it. The modest and praiseworthy person, who without fear of blame might have claimed the dignity of sitting among the foremost, does not seek it. He yields to others what might be called his own, that he may not even seem to be overcome by empty pride. Such a one shall receive honor as his due. He says, 'He shall hear him who invited him say, "Come up here."... If any one among you wants to be set above others, let him win it by the decree of heaven and be crowned by those honors that God bestows. Let him surpass the many by having the testimony of glorious virtues. The rule of virtue is a lowly mind that does not love boasting. It is humility. The blessed Paul also counted this worthy of all esteem. He writes to those who eagerly desire saintly pursuits, 'Love humility.'" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 101.5)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 14:1, 7-11 comments that Jesus didn’t seek out prestigious invitations. Yes, he ate with religious leaders, as he did in today’s reading. But he also happily dined with the outcasts of his day: tax collectors and “sinners.” He ate with Zacchaeus, a notorious tax collector, even when the crowd protested (Luke 19:5-7). He accepted anyone who came to him. In the house of Simon the Pharisee, he welcomed a sinful woman whose tears fell on his feet. Not only did he forgive her, but he also praised her faith and used her example to teach his wealthy host (7:36-50).
We too can be secure in our position as beloved children of God. That confidence can enable us to seek out the lowest place instead of grasping for recognition and honor. It might mean entering a room full of people ready to connect with the one who seems most alone or most out of place. Or it might mean letting someone else have the spotlight for a job well done instead of seeking the credit ourselves. It could mean having the humility to listen attentively to someone, knowing that we can learn from each one of God’s children. “Jesus, thank you for showing me how to take the lowest place.”6
Friar Jude Winkler notes the qualities of God that even though Jesus was rejected as Messiah, Yahweh in the qualities of "chesed and emet", is faithful to His promises to Israel. We are not the be all and end all so humility is suited to our place. Friar Jude reminds us that our talents are given for the service of others.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that because of the way most Christians have understood the doctrine of original sin, the physical body has borne the brunt of our guilt and shame. Its needs, desires, and frailties were often labeled “sinful,” and therefore were repressed instead of affirmed and channeled in healthy and life-giving ways. In honor of the Original Goodness of our bodies, he invites us to spend time with this blessing by Jan Richardson, a writer, poet, artist, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church.
BLESSING THE BODY
This blessing takes
one look at you
and all it can say is
holy.
Holy hands.
Holy face.
Holy feet.
Holy everything
in between.
Holy even in pain.
Holy even when weary.
In brokenness, holy.
In shame, holy still.
Holy in delight.
Holy in distress.
Holy when being born.
Holy when we lay it down
at the hour of our death.
So, friend,
open your eyes
(holy eyes).
For one moment
see what this blessing sees,
this blessing that knows
how you have been formed
and knit together
in wonder and
in love.
Welcome this blessing
that folds its hands
in prayer
when it meets you;
receive this blessing
that wants to kneel
in reverence
before you—
you who are
temple,
sanctuary,
home for God
in this world.7
We seek the humility of service and we experience the graciousness of God who calls us to our place.
References
No comments:
Post a Comment