Law and Ministry

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to ponder the relationship between Law and the Spirit in our spiritual journey.

Ministry and Word

In the reading from the Prophet Nehemiah, Ezra Reads the Law.

* [8:1–18] Chronologically this belongs after Ezr 8:36. The gloss mentioning Nehemiah in Neh 8:9 was inserted in this Ezra section after the dislocation of several parts of Ezra-Nehemiah had occurred. There is no clear evidence of a simultaneous presence of Nehemiah and Ezra in Jerusalem; Neh 12:26, 36 are also scribal glosses. (Nehemiah, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 19 praises God’s Glory in Creation and the Law.

* [Psalm 19] The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator (Ps 19:2–7). The creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law (Ps 19:8–11), toward which the psalmist prays to be open (Ps 19:12–14). The themes of light and speech unify the poem. (Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul proclaims One Body with Many Members.

* [12:12–26] The image of a body is introduced to explain Christ’s relationship with believers (1 Cor 12:12). 1 Cor 12:13 applies this model to the church: by baptism all, despite diversity of ethnic or social origins, are integrated into one organism. 1 Cor 12:14–26 then develop the need for diversity of function among the parts of a body without threat to its unity.

* [12:27–30] Paul now applies the image again to the church as a whole and its members (1 Cor 12:27). The lists in 1 Cor 12:28–30 spell out the parallelism by specifying the diversity of functions found in the church (cf. Rom 12:6–8; Eph 4:11).

* [12:28] First, apostles: apostleship was not mentioned in 1 Cor 12:8–10, nor is it at issue in these chapters, but Paul gives it pride of place in his listing. It is not just one gift among others but a prior and fuller gift that includes the others. They are all demonstrated in Paul’s apostolate, but he may have developed his theology of charisms by reflecting first of all on his own grace of apostleship (cf. 1 Cor 3:5–4:14; 9:1–27; 2 Cor 2:14–6:13; 10:1–13:30, esp. 1 Cor 11:23 and 12:12).

The Gospel of Luke describes the Beginning of the Galilean Ministry and the Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

* [4:16–30] Luke has transposed to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry an incident from his Marcan source, which situated it near the end of the Galilean ministry (Mk 6:1–6a). In doing so, Luke turns the initial admiration (Lk 4:22) and subsequent rejection of Jesus (Lk 4:28–29) into a foreshadowing of the whole future ministry of Jesus. Moreover, the rejection of Jesus in his own hometown hints at the greater rejection of him by Israel (Acts 13:46).

* [4:16] According to his custom: Jesus’ practice of regularly attending synagogue is carried on by the early Christians’ practice of meeting in the temple (Acts 2:46; 3:1; 5:12).

* [4:18] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me: see note on Lk 3:21–22. As this incident develops, Jesus is portrayed as a prophet whose ministry is compared to that of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Prophetic anointings are known in first-century Palestinian Judaism from the Qumran literature that speaks of prophets as God’s anointed ones. To bring glad tidings to the poor: more than any other gospel writer Luke is concerned with Jesus’ attitude toward the economically and socially poor (see Lk 6:20, 24; 12:16–21; 14:12–14; 16:19–26; 19:8). At times, the poor in Luke’s gospel are associated with the downtrodden, the oppressed and afflicted, the forgotten and the neglected (Lk 4:18; 6:20–22; 7:22; 14:12–14), and it is they who accept Jesus’ message of salvation.

* [4:21] Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing: this sermon inaugurates the time of fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Luke presents the ministry of Jesus as fulfilling Old Testament hopes and expectations (Lk 7:22); for Luke, even Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection are done in fulfillment of the scriptures (Lk 24:25–27, 44–46; Acts 3:18). (Luke, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Larry Hopp comments that in today’s Responsorial Psalm we are reminded again of the power of God’s Word as it “refreshes the soul”.  His Words bring “Spirit and Life.”  They provide “rejoicing to the heart,” “enlightenment”, a “fear of the Lord which is pure, enduring forever”.  All of these reminders point us to God’s Holy Word, which is the ultimate source of the overflowing JOY we need to not only rejoice, but to effectively point others to our Lord and Savior. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I so want every moment of my life to point to you.  Help me to never forget that overflowing JOY is one of the most effective ways of pointing those around me to You. Forgive me when I become distracted from this goal, when I forget the power of your JOY and all that it can accomplish.  Help me in my sanctification journey to spend more time in prayer and in your Word.   In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen (Hopp, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus fulfills the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 61,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"Now it was necessary that he should manifest himself to the Israelites and that the mystery of his incarnation should now shine forth to those who did not know him. Now that God the Father had anointed him to save the world, he very wisely orders this also [that his fame should now spread widely]. This favor he grants first to the people of Nazareth, because, humanly speaking, he had grown up among them. Having entered the synagogue, therefore, he takes the book to read. Having opened it, he selects a passage in the Prophets which declares the mystery concerning him. By these words he himself tells us very clearly by the voice of the prophet that he would both be made man and come to save the world. For we affirm that the Son was anointed in no other way than by having become like us according to the flesh and taking our nature. Being at once God and man, he both gives the Spirit to the creation in his divine nature and receives it from God the Father in his human nature. It is he who sanctifies the whole creation, both by shining forth from the Holy Father and by bestowing the Spirit. He himself pours forth his own Spirit on the powers above and on those who recognized his appearing." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 12) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 comments that the people listening to Jesus that day might have thought back to the time when their ancestors were released from Babylonian captivity, or perhaps they envisioned one day being freed from Roman oppression. But Jesus had something much greater in mind. He came to set us free from sin and death itself, and from everything that prevents us from living the abundant life he came to give us.

Today take some time to examine your heart. Is there anything holding you captive? If so, let it go by offering it up to the Lord. Then make an act of faith by telling Jesus that you believe his proclamation to the people of Nazareth. Through his death and resurrection, he really has let the oppressed go free—and that includes every one of us!

“Jesus, thank you for setting me free!” (Meditation on Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts for today.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, focuses on the Gospel of Mark to explore the significance of Jesus’ healing ministry. Jesus’ healing ministry reveals God’s solidarity with suffering.

We are all initially created in the image of God, and Jesus’ public ministry is always recreating and restoring that image. We could say that is all he is doing! Christians believe that we cannot know the mind of God until we see what God was doing in, through, and with Jesus. Transformed people, like Jesus, naturally transform others. In Jesus’ ministry of healing and exorcism, the transformations were immediately verifiable and visible. The real message here is not a medical cure or whether Jesus could do such a thing, but that (1) God cares about human pain, (2) God cares about it in this world now, (3) God’s action actually changes people, and (4) the people who have experienced God’s grace are equipped to pass on the real message. (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to nudge us to act on our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Hopp, L. (2025, January 26). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012625.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/4 

Meditation on Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://wau.org/ 

Nehemiah, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/nehemiah/8?2 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/12?12 

Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Returned in the Power of the Spirit. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jan26 

Invitation and Encounter

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to consider our response to the invitation of Christ to encounter Him in our service of His brothers and sisters who we meet daily.

Encounter in Service

In the reading from the Letter to the Ephesians, Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles is described.

* [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).

* [3:1] A prisoner of Christ: see Introduction. Paul abruptly departs from his train of thought at the end of Eph 3:1 leaving an incomplete sentence.

* [3:2] Stewardship: the Greek is the same term employed at Eph 1:10 for the plan that God administers (Col 1:25) and in which Paul plays a key role.

* [3:3–4] The mystery: God’s resolve to deliver Gentiles along with Israel through Christ; cf. notes on Eph 1:10; 3:9.

* [3:9] [For all]: while some think this phrase was added so as to yield the sense “to enlighten all about the plan…,” it is more likely that some manuscripts and Fathers omitted it accidentally or to avoid the idea that all conflicted with Paul’s assignment to preach to the Gentiles (Eph 3:8) specifically.

* [3:10] Principalities and authorities: see note on Eph 1:15–23 regarding Eph 3:21. (Ephesians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The response from the Prophet Isaiah proclaims that God is my salvation.

* [12:1–6] Israel’s thanksgiving to the Lord, expressed in language like that of the Psalms. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches the parable of the Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant.

* [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.

* [12:45] My master is delayed in coming: this statement indicates that early Christian expectations for the imminent return of Jesus had undergone some modification. Luke cautions his readers against counting on such a delay and acting irresponsibly. Cf. the similar warning in Mt 24:48. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. (2008) comments that in all of the defining moments of our lives, Jesus is there coming to meet us with the offer of grace, with the gift of freedom, with the loving encounter that calls us to be our most loving and self-sacrificing selves. He simply asks us to be ready to meet him at the time he comes to us today. 

Lord, open our hearts today and every day to receive your gifts of freedom and to encounter you in the many people you place in our lives, in the many choices which can bring us closer to you. Free us to love more freely to say "yes" more completely, to think of the needs of others first and to know what is the right choice. Liberate us from the seduction of power, the deadly grip of anger or judgment, and the debilitating trap of fear. Let us come to life each day as you prepare us for eternal life with you. And, on that day you come to bring us home, grant us the grace of loving family and friends to support us as we surrender to your love completely in our final Amen. (Alexander, n.d.)

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) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:39-48 comments that Jesus uses this parable to help his disciples understand how to prepare for his own return in glory. But notice that the master in the parable praises “the faithful and prudent steward” who is working “to distribute the food allowance” when the master returns (Luke 12:42). The master is pleased because the steward is distributing food to the other servants. He is pleased to find his servant taking care of people. That’s his job.

So what might this food allowance be? Think about the grace that God has given to you—the gifts, the insights, the talents, even your possessions. That’s what he’s asking you to share.

All around you there are hungry people. They may be hungry for physical food or hungry for love, yearning for God’s mercy or longing for his presence. God has placed them in your life so that you can “feed [his] sheep” (John 21:17). He wants you to care for them as the steward in the parable does. He asks you to give generously: of your time, your love, your faith, and—yes—your resources. As he told his disciples at another time, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give” (Matthew 10:8). 

Do you want to know how to be ready for Jesus’ return? It’s simple: live a life of generosity in his name. Let the needs of others soften your heart so that you can give to them just as freely as Jesus has given to you.

“Lord, show me how, when, and where to distribute the ‘food’ you have given me.” (Meditation on Luke 12:39-48, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes how the author of the passage from Ephesians celebrates the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles as co-heirs. This differs from the expression of Paul that difference with Gentiles is no longer important because we are “One Body in Christ”. Friar Jude reminds us that Luke understands that salvation is now when we encounter Christ and there will be an accounting of our response as shown in our actions.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that contemplation cultivates an ability to discern right action. Dutch priest and author Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) views discernment as a gift that comes from our intimacy with God. 

I can see no other way for discernment than a life in the Spirit, a life of unceasing prayer and contemplation, a life of deep communion with the Spirit of God. Such a life will slowly develop in us an inner sensitivity, enabling us to distinguish between the law of the flesh [ego] and the law of the Spirit [soul]. We certainly will make constant errors and seldom have the purity of heart required to make the right decisions all the time. But when we continually try to live in the Spirit, we at least will be willing to confess our weakness and limitations in all humility, trusting in the one who is greater than our hearts. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to guide us as we open the invitation of God to be one in the Body and prepare for encountering Christ in our action.

References

Alexander, A. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/102324.html 

Ephesians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/3?2 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/12?2 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12? 

Meditation on Luke 12:39-48. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/23/1111379/ 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Discerning God’s Will. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/discerning-gods-will/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Be Ready to Answer - the Lord Draws Near. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct23