23 Week, Ordinary Time, B Cycle, St. John Chrysostom, Sept. 13,2006

Scripture: I Corinthians 8:1-7.11-13. Psalm 139:1-3,13-14, 23-24. Luke 6:27-38

Paul is teaching the Corinthians and us that love is what upbuilds. He tells us to be careful not to scandalize those with weaker consciences even though we may feel free about certain behaviors and attitudes that someone else might not embrace because of their delicate consciences. It probably has to do with idol worship in the busy market city of Corinth; Christians may be above this but should not practice it and even be sensitive to other Christians who may not have the insight to see how worthless it is to sacrifice to human handicraft which others may think are "gods."

The Psalm for today is one of the most profound reflections in the Bible and helps us to appreciate who we are as beings made in the image and likeness of God who knows every detail of our body, soul, and heart. God has wonderfully made us from the very moment of conception to our birth and now to when we are able to reflect on this marvel that is ourself fashioned by God. This Psalm is very introspective and is always worthwhile to come back to when we are feeling a bit down or worthless. This will buoy us up if we take the time to pray it through.

A friend of mine, Eric, told me that whenever I read the word "Hesed" in Hebrew, I should translate it with a hyphenated pair of words, namely, "loving-kindness." As I read St. Luke this morning, I realized the Evangelist was showing us that Jesus was speaking about loving-kindness. The English translation reads, "Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate" or "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36). I read the entire passage in the light of this "loving-kindness" theme which is strong in Luke's Gospel;a Gospel of kindness and compassion. Maybe we can live out this theme today with everyone with whom we come into contact. It would help to make the world a little better! Amen.