(Optional Memorial for Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest) United States
Proper for the Memorial of St. Paul of the Cross
Proper for the Memorial of St. Paul of the Cross
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| “Youth between Virtue and Vice” by Paolo Veronese, 1580-82 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Ephesians 3:14-21
Commentary on Eph 3:14-21
St. Paul has informed the Ephesians of the difficulties (imprisonment) he is facing, but has asked them to stay focused on their own spiritual growth, rather than concern themselves over his “afflictions” (Ephesians 3:1). He offers them the “Apostle’s Prayer." “The apostle prays that those he is addressing may, like the rest of the church, deepen their understanding of God's plan of salvation in Christ. It is a plan that affects the whole universe (Ephesians 3:15) with the breadth and length and height and depth of God's love in Christ (Ephesians 3:18) or possibly the universe in all its dimensions. The apostle prays that they may perceive the redemptive love of Christ for them and be completely immersed in the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19)”[4]
CCC: Eph 3:14 239, 2214, 2367; Eph 3:16-17 1073, 2714; Eph 3:16 1995; Eph 3:18-21 2565; Eph 3:20-21 2641
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Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
R. (5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Commentary on Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Psalm 33 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. In this selection, the emphasis is on faithfulness to God, who has saving power combined with hope, a central component of faith in God. It concludes, almost in answer to St. Paul’s "Apostles Prayer," for strength in the face of persecution (Ephesians 3:14-21).
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Gospel: Luke 12:49-53
Commentary on Lk 12:49-53
This discourse from St. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the divisive nature of Christ’s message. He has already encountered resistance, and the author sees that his message of peace will have an even more profound influence on the world. It is clear that the Lord knows many will not be able to accept his words, and this will cause enmity among people, even within families.
In this passage, there is a glimpse of the passion (the baptism mentioned in v.50 shares the image presented in Psalm 124:4-5), and the anguish the Lord feels for the message he is bringing. He sees the flame of faith igniting the whole world. Jesus knows there will be those who accept the proclamation of the Kingdom of God, and those who will reject both it and him.
CCC: Lk 12:49 696; Lk 12:50 536, 607, 1225, 2804
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Homily:
I am reminded of a story recently told to me. It goes like this –
“A Holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said: 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.' The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table.
In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.
They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.
The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.
The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.’ They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.
The holy man said, 'I don't understand.’
'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. The greedy think only of themselves.'
Those who are most concerned about their own happiness and comfort look at the Christians who dare to live the faith in a public way as fools! They hear the message that is at the root of Christ’s teaching and reject it completely as being naiveté or as gullible. Ironically, the only reason they do not take more advantage of those of us who believe in Christ is there are those among us who are not sufficiently committed to “turning the other cheek.” As a consequence, the wolves must be cautious.
The message in the Gospel, and tangentially in the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, is that Christ’s Gospel will not create harmony in the world. It will not even create peace in families. The commandment to love one another is not a requirement that everyone can accept. It is too difficult for some to overcome their need for self-gratification, either physically or emotionally.
As a consequence, when we leave the comfort and support of the faith community, those with whom we share God’s love and grace, we enter mission territory. If we forgive a person in that often hostile environment, we must not expect understanding, and should not be surprised if our forgiveness is met with suspicion. When we offer compassion and understanding, as we are taught, we should not expect the same in return, and should not be surprised if our love is met with fear, and fear’s companion, hatred.
As in all relationships, trust must be earned, and we, the Christian Community, must continue to reach out to others. In spite of the fact that we know our out-stretched hand may be bitten, we are asked to evangelize the world. Jesus tells us that he did not come to magically bring peace to the world. He came on a mission and is now sending us to bring people back to him, one at a time.
Pax
[1] The picture used today is “Youth between Virtue and Vice” by Paolo Veronese, 1580-82
[4] See NAB footnote on Ephesians 3:14-21
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