Servant of the Word: Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time

“Solomon and the Queen of Sheba” by Pietro Dandini, 1700’s

Readings for Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time [1][2]

Commentary:

Commentary on Rom 1:1-7

St. Paul introduces himself to the Christian churches in Rome with this opening message from his letter. We note that the Apostle has seen clearly that all that was promised by the Law of Moses and the Hebrew Prophets was fulfilled in Christ, thus establishing continuity with the Jewish faith. In typical fashion, the introduction includes a statement of purpose (apostolate of the Gospel of Christ) and a profession of faith specifically he directs his remarks to the Gentiles also called to faith. It is implicit in this greeting that the profession of faith is shared by the church in Rome.

CCC: Rom 1:1 876; Rom 1:3-4 648; Rom 1:3 437, 496; Rom 1:4 445, 695; Rom 1:5 143, 494, 2087

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.

Commentary on Ps 98:1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people and they sing his praises in response. As the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.”

When we are still in the Christmas season and the New Song is still being sung in Psalm 98. This is a great example of how we, heirs to the Judeo-Christian truth can see clearly in these ancient texts the references to the Christ; “The Lord has made his salvation known”. It is this event about which we; “Sing joyfully to the Lord.”

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Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

Commentary on Lk 11:29-32

Jesus continues to be asked for a sign that would prove to his audience that he is what he claims to be. His response is vehement, the only sign that will be given to them will be the sign of Jonah, the message that they are under a condemnation from God unless they repent and return to God. This is followed by another reference to the Old Testament “the queen of the south” a reference to 1 Kings 10: 1ff, the Queen of Sheba who came seeking the wisdom of Solomon.

The final verse of this passage summarizes the message. Christ’s call to repentance carries more weight than Jonah’s call did for the Ninevites (Jonah 3:1-10) and his wisdom is greater than that of Solomon.

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Reflection:

We imagine ourselves within in a crowd listening to Jesus teach. We are aware that this holy man has made spectacular cures and many around us are there because of whispered rumors that he may be the messiah. Some of his followers are claiming so. He has sent his students out into the surrounding area and they had done amazing things. Perhaps, we think, today he will do something that will convince us that he is who he claims to be.

Instead of touching and curing someone chronically ill or casting out a fierce demonic presence he looks at us and tells us (as if he knew what we were thinking) that we came seeking signs and that if that was what we were looking for then we would not get that proof except, he says “the sign of Jonah.” Jonah preached repentance to the unbelievers at Nineveh because the Lord was going to destroy them if they did not repent. What has that to do with us? We believe in the One True God – Yahweh.

Then he tells us that, in the final judgment that is to come, the “queen of the south” will rise with condemnation against us! He’s talking about the Queen of Sheba who came to Solomon seeking the Wisdom of God. Why would this Jesus say that she would condemn us? We are here. We are seeking.

He tells us that what happened with the people of Nineveh, who underwent a great conversion, was inconsequential compared to what Jesus is teaching and that even the legendary Wisdom of Solomon is insignificant to what we are seeing. We get it! He is the one who is to come; promised by the Law and predicted by the prophets. That is the only possible meaning. He tells us that the only concrete proof we will receive will be at the very end of time when we stand before the judgment seat of the Most High and there, seated in judgment will be this same Jesus who speaks to us now.

How often do we challenge the Lord, asking for signs and wonders – proof that He is the Lord of Life? These challenging prayers come usually when things are going horribly wrong; when we have been either put in situations where the likely outcome is going to be bad or have made decisions that will lead to unintended consequences. In either case, in desperation we demand an outcome that defies probability (and in some cases defies physics).

Today scripture tells us that first, we must have faith in the Lord; faith that goes beyond the need for signs and wonders. We must never lose sight of the great gift we are given or the great sacrifice made on our behalf. Those who reject the Lord will need to face him at the end and then their mistake will be realized.

Pax

[1] S.S. Commemoratio

[2] The picture is “Solomon and the Queen of Sheba” by Pietro Dandini, 1700’s