Tradition Tension and Trial

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the core of our relationship with God and the tension that sometimes is connected to tradition.

In the reading from the Letter to the Galatians, Paul describes his relationship with the other Apostles and he rebukes Peter at Antioch.

* [2:1–10] Paul’s second journey to Jerusalem, according to Galatians, involved a private meeting with those of repute (Gal 2:2). At issue was a Gentile, Titus, and the question of circumcision, which false brothers (Gal 2:4) evidently demanded for him. Paul insists that the gospel he preaches (Gal 2:2; cf. Gal 1:9, 11) remained intact with no addition by those of repute (Gal 2:6); that Titus was not compelled to accept circumcision (Gal 2:3); and that he and the reputed pillars in Jerusalem agreed on how each would advance the missionary task (Gal 1:7–10). Usually, Gal 1:1–10 is equated with the “Council of Jerusalem,” as it is called, described in Acts 15. See notes on Acts 15:6–12, 13–35, the latter concerning the “decree” that Paul does not mention.

Psalm 117 is a universal Call to Worship.

* [Psalm 117] This shortest of hymns calls on the nations to acknowledge God’s supremacy. The supremacy of Israel’s God has been demonstrated to them by the people’s secure existence, which is owed entirely to God’s gracious fidelity.

The Gospel of Luke shares the Lord’s Prayer

* [11:1–4] The Matthean form of the “Our Father” occurs in the “Sermon on the Mount” (Mt 6:9–15); the shorter Lucan version is presented while Jesus is at prayer (see note on Lk 3:21) and his disciples ask him to teach them to pray just as John taught his disciples to pray. In answer to their question, Jesus presents them with an example of a Christian communal prayer that stresses the fatherhood of God and acknowledges him as the one to whom the Christian disciple owes daily sustenance (Lk 11:3), forgiveness (Lk 11:4), and deliverance from the final trial (Lk 11:4). See also notes on Mt 6:9–13.

Gladyce Janky asks about the next time we recite the Lord's Prayer and  what deeper meaning will we discover in and through the petitions.

Don Schwager quotes “The privilege and responsibility of calling God Father,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 11:1-4 comments that in the ancient world, very few rabbis would have dared to refer to God as Father. Yes, they acknowledged him as creator and father of all peoples. But calling God your own Father was quite bold. As Pope Francis explained, daring to speak to the all-holy God as children speak to a loving father is the “great revolution” introduced by Christianity (General Audience, June 7, 2017).

Friar Jude Winkler shares a commentary on the texts for today.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Franciscan philosopher-theologian John Duns Scotus (1266–1308) and teaches about loving things in and as themselves.

We seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to support our journey as children of God celebrated to our traditions.