Lectionary # 443 and 444. Two Scripture Reflections, Sept. 15, 16, 2008

Scripture: Monday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time, Sept. 15, 2008. I
Cor. 11:17-26,33. Psalm 28:2.7.8-9. Luke 7:1-10. Lectionary # 443:

Dialogue between Jews and Christians has been one of the greatest
results of Vatican II for us Catholics. This now is also resulting in a
trialogue in which Muslims, Christians, and Jews meet and discuss their
sacred texts, their issues, and their desire for cooperating with one
another to achieve an mutual understanding and respect for each person's
religious convictions and values. Today's passage from Luke could serve as
a text which shows such dialogue and cooperation that will result in a
miracle of God's compassion shown in Jesus' cure of the servant of a Roman
centurion.
This Roman of considerable rank was dear to the Jewish people who
lived in a town of Galilee. In fact, he so loved them that he had built
their synagogue-- a sacred place for prayer, worship, and education. Even
though his Roman nation often oppressed and occupied the land of the Jewish
people, he was one who reached beyond national boundaries and showed his
respect for them by building a house of prayer. He manifested compassion
and concern for his servant.
Elders, that is the respectable wisdom figures of the synagogue, knew
that Jesus was near and were convinced that he could do something for this
soldier. Jesus is a good listener and hears the request both through the
elders' intervention and through the soldier's own petition. The latter is
humble, reverent, and full of confidence and faith that Jesus could do
something. No need for Jesus even to come to his home to heal his servant.
The Lord Jesus is amazed at the faith of this Roman and says, "I tell you,
I have never found so much faith among the Israelites." The servant is
healed at that very hour.
Our Catholic Church is wise in choosing for our liturgical expression
of thanks for the gift of the Eucharist in using the very expression of the
centurion, "O Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come under my roof!
But say the word, and my soul shall be healed."
From this beautiful passage we can learn to show our love for others
who believe in God by our works, our greetings, and our entrance into
dialogue with them. Dialogue speaks volumes with one another in actions of
kindness, openness, and listening to the other's religious stories.
Today trialogues exist among Jews, Christians and Muslims. This
certainly is a way of bringing about peace and harmony on a local level
which often goes to a larger audience as well. Today's Scripture shows
that elders, a Roman centurion, and Jesus cooperated, listened to one
another, and ended in the desired cure of a servant. All three were
partners in bringing about the work of God. Amen.

September 16,2008:

Scripture: I Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31. psalm 100:1-2.3.4.5. Luke 7:11-17.
Lectionary # 444:

How does Paul move the Corinthians to be unified as a talented yet
very diverse group of Christians? He has already addressed their tendency
to form cliques of special interest where people think alike. Such
groupings are not good for adherence to the one person who can bring about
unity and cooperation with one another rather than separateness because of
pride, jealousy, or even whether one is rich or poor. Paul therefore
continues to center them on Christ--this is so strong in his letters and
epistles that it appears over one hundred and fifty times! "In Christ" is
one of the thematic expressions of Paul's Christology. In the present
passage we have the development of his thought on the mystical body of
Christ and the unity it needs to be healthy among them. The Body of Christ
is one though its members are many. The Eucharist is one though many
members partake of it. Paul is careful to show appreciation for all of the
different members who are represented by his telling them there are
aposltes, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, assistants,
administrators, and those who speak in tongues, and interpreters of
tongues! All are to be united through their belonging to the Body of
Christ. He will continue to show them how to do this in his portrait of
Christ in the hymn of love in I Corinthians 13:4-8.
Jesus, who unites all of these peoples, is today a healer. He shows
us the compassion of God as he restores to life the only son of a widow of
Naim. Seeing the mournful mother as the funeral procession moves along, he
has noticed that she was totally dependent on that son. His heart is moved
and in touching the young man restores him to life. Jesus is the divine
physician of body and soul. And throughout the Gospel of Luke we will see
his kindness in word and in miracles done for the benefit of those who
believe and who are in great need of a miracle. Jesus has already framed
his ministry for such miraculous deeds in what he calls us to be, " You are
to be compassionate even as your Heavenly Father is compassionate." The
Son of God, like his Father, is compassionate.
Dante, "The Poet" of the thirteenth century took such a liking to the
Gospel of Luke that his portrait of Jesus is taken from the well of colors
drwn from St. Luke. Then when Dante realizes that the mother of Jesus is
important to the Lord, he takes his portrait of her and gives us one of the
greatest poetic renditions of what is similar to the Salve Regina. Amen.