The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to join Christ in bringing love and compassion into situations we encounter on our journey.
In the reading from the Letter to the Colossians, Paul’s interest in the Colossians is to proclaim Christ in us.
* [1:24–2:3] As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul (see Introduction), he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the church (24). The preaching of God’s word (Col 1:25) carries out the divine plan (the mystery, Col 1:26) to make Christ known to the Gentiles (Col 1:27). It teaches the God-given wisdom about Christ (Col 1:28), whose power works mightily in the apostle (Col 1:29). Even in those communities that do not know him personally (Col 2:1), he can increase the perception of God in Christ, unite the faithful more firmly in love, and so bring encouragement to them (Col 2:2). He hopes that his apostolic authority will make the Colossians perceive more readily the defects in the teaching of others who have sought to delude them, the next concern in the letter.
* [1:24] What is lacking: although variously interpreted, this phrase does not imply that Christ’s atoning death on the cross was defective. It may refer to the apocalyptic concept of a quota of “messianic woes” to be endured before the end comes; cf. Mk 13:8, 19–20, 24 and the note on Mt 23:29–32. Others suggest that Paul’s mystical unity with Christ allowed him to call his own sufferings the afflictions of Christ. (Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 62 is a song of Trust in God Alone.
* [Psalm 62] A song of trust displaying serenity from experiencing God’s power (the refrains of Ps 62:2–3 and Ps 62:6–7) and anger toward unjust enemies (Ps 62:4–5). From the experience of being rescued, the psalmist can teach others to trust in God (Ps 62:9–12). (Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus cures the Man with a Withered Hand on 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. (Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)
Tamora Whitney considers “But is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than evil?” They are doing evil by accusing Jesus of working on the Sabbath, while he is doing good by helping someone who needs help. Jesus knows they are out to get him. He knows they will accuse him of breaking the Sabbath, but he still does the good thing, the right thing, even though he knows it will be considered wrong.
Being men and women for and with each other means helping each other when we have that opportunity, and not worrying about the day or the time. I would think that a good way to keep the Sabbath holy is to do good on the Sabbath, and on other days too. We can follow Jesus by doing good when we can, whenever we can. (Whitney, 2023)
Don Schwager quotes “Jesus heals to teach the Pharisees mercy,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"The miracle sometimes converts to faith those who had disbelieved the word, but the Pharisees watched him to see if he would heal on the sabbath. The nature of an envious person is such that he makes the praises of others food for his own disease and is wickedly maddened by their reputation. Once more he spoke to this; 'he reveals deep and mysterious things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him' (Daniel 2:22). And why did he do this? Perhaps it might be to move the cruel and unpitying Pharisee to compassion. The man's malady [his withered hand] perhaps might shame them and persuade them to dispel the flames of their envy.
"This question is most wise indeed and a most suitable statement to meet their folly. If it is lawful to do good on the sabbath and nothing prevents the sick being pitied by God, cease picking up opportunities for fault-finding against Christ and bringing down on your own head the sentence which the Father has decreed against those who dishonor the Son. You have heard the Father where he says of the Son by the voice of David, 'I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him' (Psalm 89:23). But if it is not lawful to do good on the sabbath and the law forbids the saving of life, you have made yourself an accuser of the law." (quote from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 23). (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 6:6-11 asks how can we make sure that our own irrational temptations don’t overpower us and make us act like these Pharisees?
Don’t let any particular temptation become too strong before you deal with it. If you see an issue becoming too dominant in your mind, try to resolve it—even if all you can do is bring it to prayer. As hard as it may be, try not to let old resentments and past hurts influence your thinking. If you see them rising up in a situation, be very careful not to say something you may regret later.
Finally, examine your conscience every night before bed, and repent of any lingering sins or negative thoughts. Keep your heart pliable and open to the Spirit, and you’ll find yourself far more forgiving and open toward everyone else.
“Holy Spirit, soften my heart. Teach me how to love, and help me to forgive. I want to walk in your freedom!” (Meditation on Luke 6:6-11, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler discusses Paul’s comment on what is lacking in the suffering of Christ. It is to make it present again in our flesh as we are ready to die to self to rise with Christ. Should Jesus have waited to heal the man with the withered hand to avoid conflict over keeping the Sabbath? Friar Jude reminds us of the encouragement of John Paul II to keep the Sabbath by extending our love in acts that help those that need it.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes prophets as “inside/outside” people, another way of saying they lived on the edge of the inside.
We can only criticize something if we walk the narrow line of being an inside/outside person that the prophets dared to walk. I find so few people can do that. I think only the Spirit can create it. There are a few prophets who can love their church, their country, or their company so much that they see it clearly and deeply and are free to criticize it. But there’s a difference when critique comes from anger and rebellion and spite, and when it comes from love. All of our actions and prophetic words must come out of an experience of gratitude for what is given. Only out of the joy and the fullness of what is given can we dare to speak against what is not given. Because if we speak against what is not given merely out of our own resentment and compulsion, we’ll destroy ourselves and probably others too. (Rohr, 2023)
We seek the wisdom of the Spirit to discern the quality of mature love that calls us to act based on the need of the other rather than adherence to custom or protocol.
References
Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/1?
Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6?
Meditation on Luke 6:6-11. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/09/11/780585/
Psalms, PSALM 62. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/62?6
Rohr, R. (2023, September 11). Inside/Outside People — Center for Action and Contemplation. Richard Rohr. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/inside-outside-people-2023-09-11/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=sep11
Whitney, T. (2023, September 11). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/091123.html
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