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| “The Son of the Widow of Nain” by Alexandre Bida, c. 1850. |
Commentary:
Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31a
Commentary on 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a
St. Paul continues to exhort the Corinthian Christians to unity using the analogy of the body which, while it has many parts, still has a unified purpose, each part cooperating to a common goal. The apostle emphasizes that diversity of function is necessary for the church, as well as the body: “Are all Apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?” His emphasis for the individual is to strive for spiritual gifts, a discernment of roles within the body of Christ which is the Church. (see also Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11).
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
R. (3) We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Commentary on Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
Psalm 100 is a communal song of thanksgiving in which the psalmist invites the people to come to God with praise and thanksgiving for the wondrous things he has done. In this selection the psalmist gives thanks for God’s favor and his unending support in all good things. It affirms God’s saving grace given to his sons and daughters through all generations. The song recalls God the creator whose love and fidelity knows no bounds.
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Gospel: Luke 7:11-17
Commentary on Lk 7:11-17
St. Luke’s Gospel continues the description of Jesus' ministry. Just prior to this event, Jesus healed the centurion’s servant. He now demonstrates his power over sin and death as he raises the widow’s son from the dead. “Jesus' power over death prepares for his reply to John's disciples in Luke 7:22: 'the dead are raised.' This resuscitation, in alluding to the Prophet Elijah's resurrection of the only son of a widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-24), leads to the reaction of the crowd: 'A great prophet has arisen in our midst'(Luke 7:16).” [4]
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Reflection:
What does God call us to do – to be in his service? He sent his Only Begotten Son to us to show us how to follow him, and as the great revelation of his love for us. He gave us prophets and scripture that chronicle his involvement in human history from the dawn of creation. His son, Jesus, selected and trained the apostles to carry on his message and teaching. But where do we fit into his great plan of salvation?
Anyone who takes their faith seriously has asked this question, probably countless times. Very few individuals hear a clear answer, and see the vision God has for their lives. Some of the saints seem to have had that gift (a “divine compulsion” as St. Paul says). But each time we ask the question, our logical minds may not hear a clear answer. Frequently, it is only looking at past events that we can see the direction in which God has pushed us. Often that direction is unexpected, and occasionally quite uncomfortable.
St. Paul, in his exhortation to the Corinthians, speaks of the need for different vocations within the community of faith. How thankful we are that his observation remains true to this day. The very idea that different individuals have been given different gifts, and called in different ways to God’s service, gives us comfort. How ineffective the Church would be if all its members did exactly the same kinds of things. It would be as if all the workers on an automotive assembly line only put seats in the car. Who would build the body? Who would put on the wheels, or put in the drive train? The car would never be built.
The comfort comes when, in our own discernment, we find we cannot do all that needs to be done. If it were entirely up to us as individuals, we would despair (perhaps as Christ did as he prayed in the garden); so much to do and our efforts seem so insignificant. It is at these times that we remember all those who ask as we do. What is it that God needs and wants? They will take up their share as well, and in God’s time and way, his mission will be accomplished.
There; the weight is lifted from our shoulders. We are not alone. All the angels and saints, as well as our brothers and sisters, take up their unique parts of the challenge and we move forward.
Pax
[1] The icons are of “The Son of the Widow of Nain” by Alexandre Bida, c. 1850.
[4] See NAB footnote on Luke 7:11ff.
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