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| “Saint Leo the Great” by Francisco de Herrera the younger, c 1660 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Wisdom 2:23–3:9
Commentary on Wis 2:23–3:9
The passage begins with the author recalling that God created humankind to be immortal. The last verses of the second chapter of Wisdom make reference to original sin, Adam and Eve tricked into sin by Satan. It was through this act of disobedience that sin and death entered the world. The death referred to is spiritual death through sin.
In the third chapter we see the wonderful description of God’s intent for the “just” or those who have belief in God’s mercy. They enjoy the promise of the resurrection and the life of heaven as the author paints the picture of the souls of the just with God “…the Lord shall be their King forever.”
CCC: Wis 2:23-24 1008; Wis 2:24 391, 413, 2538
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
R. (2a) I will bless the Lord at all times.
Commentary on Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
In these strophes, Psalm 34 offers a lament. The psalmist recalls that the Lord gives hope to those who are poor and have no hope. The Lord hears their cry and brings them comfort and peace.
CCC: Ps 34:3 716
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Gospel: Luke 17:7-10
Commentary on Lk 17:7-10
Jesus continues to respond to the disciples request to have their faith increased. In this selection he uses the story of the servant who, just because he had finished his other duties, could not claim his master’s gratitude. He was only doing what he was called to do. In the same way the disciples could make no special claim on God because they did what they were obliged to do because of their call.
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Reflection:
We can call the Gospel today an attitude adjustment. If anyone thinks that, because they are really good at living their faith and doing God’s will, they have somehow earned God’s favor, they are sadly mistaken. Jesus makes it clear to his disciples, to whom this passage from St. Luke’s Gospel was addressed, that even if they should do all God asks of them, they have not “earned” a reward. They have only done what was expected.
Does this mean that all of our hard work, all our attention to what God calls us to be is not worth while? That is not what this parable was intended to say. God’s love for us is much more subtle and goes much deeper. If, for example, a person from their youngest memory, always listens to their parents' teachings and shows them the respect and the love they deserve, should that child be given a special reward? Is it not the child’s duty to follow the parents' instructions and express the love of a child to the parent who shelters them, feeds them, and nurtures them; keeping them from harm and teaching them to find their way in the world? Because the child was obedient have they somehow gone above and beyond expectations?
No, they have not (in this day and age, the example used might not seem to be quite as effective as in earlier years when children were expected to be obedient). The point is there, however, when we do what is expected, we should not expect special recognition or reward. We should offer that service willingly and joyfully as our gift to one who has given us, who have fallen so many times, the gift of eternal life and love from the one who created us.
Today we give thanks to a loving Father who created us, who gives us his love and mercy. We recognize that our love must be reflected in how we act toward others, who are our brothers and sisters, and rejoice in the knowledge that through his love alone we are brought under Christ’s headship, unified in him.
Pax
[1] The picture is “Saint Leo the Great” by Francisco de Herrera the younger, c 1660
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