Living in Response to Love

Living in communion

What actions done by a Christian would surprise you? The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary remind us that we try to make decisions which reflect our communion in the Body of Christ. Friar Jude Winkler note that Paul exhorts the Corinthians to avoid practices which would make our actions demonic. Amy Hoover revisits the Ignatian spiritual exercises to consider the great gifts we have as children of God. The decision we have to make is placed in Catholic tradition by Amy Welborn. In the fourth century, Saint John Chrysostom exercised his giftedness for preaching and theology in a Church full of conflict. The Gospel from Luke shows some examples of good fruit as the measure of our willingness to go beyond calling on the name of the Lord. What are the ways today to use our gifts for Jesus?

The links to the text and commentaries are here.

Disciples lose self

Disciples reviewed

The Text from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offers a reflection on the nature of discipleship. Fr Robert Barron asserts the world changing consequence of Paul’s decision to follow the Spirit to Europe. This short preview from the video series Catholicism captures the mission taught Paul by Jesus. Friar Jude Winkler comments on how Paul countered problematic Corinthians by serving all in whatever manner they needed. The letter to the Corinthians tells how he made himself a slave to all. The Gospel from Luke declares the relationship Jesus shows between teacher and disciple. Don Schwager understands that the healing necessary for the disciple to see the blank in his own eye comes from the Divine Physician. Maureen McCann Waldron quotes Pope Francis who challenges the disciples of Jesus to stop being gossips. A look within ourselves will reveal gifts from God which when brought to serve others will reduce our hypocrisy as we strive to walk in Jesus steps.

Challenged to deepen Love

Hear the challenge to love deeply

The mission of the Christian is associated with Love. The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary challenge the depth to which we practice love. Diane Jorgensen urges us to strip our love of sentimentality, obligation, reciprocity and doing the minimum. Our religiosity may confine our love to personal preferences, legalism or convenience. Friar Jude Winkler discusses the struggle which Paul had with the Gnostic heresy which emphasizes special personal knowledge over love. He cites Maximilian Kolbe as the author of the assertion that we need to love the Nazis as the only power to conquer their evil. How hard it is to hear the Christian message of love to conquer evil as we prepare to bring military might against evil forces, of our time, in Iraq and Syria. The psalmist reminds us that we need to seek the guidance of God through community effort. The Gospel from Luke is the core of Jesus teaching on loving our enemies. As we return to the problem in Corinth, the role of taking care of everyone in the community rather than focusing on ourselves and viewing our actions from our own sense of morality and in our arrogance with our special understanding.

Relationships and Blessings