Servant of the Word: Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

In other regions on this date the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is celebrated.

“Last Judgment” by Raphael Coxcie, ~1570

Readings for Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time[1]

Reading 1 2 Corinthians 3:15—4:1, 3-6

St. Paul continues his apologetic to the Christian converts in Corinth who were being attacked by the unconverted Jewish population who were still struggling with the Christian doctrine. Here he makes reference to the veil placed between the Torah and the people. The book is just words but the Holy Spirit of God transforms the words into actions which bring glory to God. Those who cannot understand or come to faith in the Gospel reject it because they have chosen to do so and that path leads to death (of the soul).

CCC: 2 Cor 3:14-16 1094; 2 Cor 3:17 693, 1741; 2 Cor 4:4 1701; 2 Cor 4:6 298, 2583

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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14

R. (see 10b) The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.

Commentary on Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14

Psalm 85 is a communal lament that focuses on the woes of the nation. These strophes reflect the joy of salvation at the restoration of the land following the destruction of the temple and the Diaspora. Those faithful to God see the reward: a land restored, justice returned, and the salvation of God. When used in the context of the Advent season, the theme of preparation for a time of peace is announced. It is a clear tie to the herald of the Messiah, echoing Isaiah’s oracle (Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11).

CCC: Ps 85:11 214; Ps 85:12 2795

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Gospel Matthew 5:20-26

Commentary on Mt 5:20-26

This passage is the first of six examples in St. Matthew’s Gospel of conduct demanded of the Christian disciple. The first three, including this one, take a commandment of Mosaic Law and deepen the meaning. Here the Lord takes the commandment: “You shall not kill” (quoted from Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17) to a new level. He traces the logic from thought, to vulgar or abusive words, to violent action. In this translation, the Greek word "Raqa" is used to indicate deep insult. Where the Jewish Law forbids the action, Christian law forbids the antecedents as well. The passage continues with the remedy for this action, and a foundation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He instructs us to be reconciled with a person with whom we have bad feelings, before coming to the altar. The consequences of failing to do so, he warns, are judgment and punishment.

CCC: Mt 5:20 2054; Mt 5:21-22 2054, 2257; Mt 5:21 2262, 2302; Mt 5:22-39 2262; Mt 5:22 678, 1034, 2302; Mt 5:23-24 2608, 2792, 2841, 2845; Mt 5:24 1424

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Reflection:

It has been a couple of months since the great celebration of Easter and therefore even longer since the intense introspection of the Lenten Season. Today we are reminded that it is not just our actions that identify us to others but our attitudes as well.

We suppose that, unless we were perfect as Christ is perfect, there will always be an upwelling of anger as the events of our lives unfold. Actually, when we become aware of how and how often these feelings are provoked, we come to appreciate how serene the Kingdom of Heaven must be. But what do we do about the here and now?

Even though we do our very best to remain outwardly calm in the face of provocative acts there will be times when our actions betray us; when we speak words in anger, directed at either another person or even a thing. At these times we must take ourselves firmly in hand and make sure we do not go any further. We must immediately run back to the Father for forgiveness. That does not mean we have to get to Confession that day. But it does mean that our prayer must include a request for forgiveness.

The real damage to us comes when we do not recognize that this attitude of anger is not going away. Anger of this sort, frequently a result of deep hurt caused by someone close to us, can fester like a cancer; it destroys the peace of Christ which should be something we bask in. It colors our actions and attitudes. It is this anger, especially, we need to reconcile and expose in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is also frequently something we might be embarrassed to bring forward. We must remember that our Lord sees our deepest secrets and hurts. We take it to the confessional so that we can be reassured of God’s love and feel the peace that comes from that healing sacrament.

Is it time for a deep dive into a perfect act of contrition? Let us make sure, today, that we do not foster the anger that keeps us from Christ but enter confidently into his loving embrace.

Pax

[1] The picture is “Last Judgment” by Raphael Coxcie, ~1570

[2] S.S. Commemoratio