(Optional Memorial of Saint John Capistrano, Priest)
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| “Christ in the Garden” by Caravaggio, 1603 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Ephesians 2:12-22
Commentary on Eph 2:12-22
St. Paul addresses the former division between Gentile and Jew (the uncircumcised and the circumcised). In the opening verses, he refers to the Gentiles as being cut off from God’s salvation (“alienated from the community of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise”).
This alienation was symbolized by the “dividing wall” in the temple beyond which Gentiles could not pass on pain of death. The apostle uses this symbol, saying that, through Christ’s sacrifice, he “broke down the dividing wall of enmity.” In essence, he unified the Jew and Gentile and brought peace to the community of faith. By removing the burden of the law (“abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims,” here referring to dietary and minor commandments), he brought them together in the Spirit.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (see 9) The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Commentary on Ps 85:9ab-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.
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Gospel: Luke 12:35-38
Commentary on Lk 12:35-38
This selection from St. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the need for fidelity and faithfulness to Christ’s teachings because the hour and the day of the Lord’s return are not known. The image used to describe this preparedness, “Gird your loins and light your lamps,” instructs the faithful to be prepared for a journey from darkness into light. Similar ideas are presented in Matthew 25 1-13, in the parable of the Ten Virgins (see commentary on Matthew 25:1ff). To gird one’s loins refers to the practice of tucking the long, oriental style robes into a belt in order to move more rapidly (see Exodus 12:11; 1 Peter 1:13). The evangelist makes it clear that the time of the Parousia is unknown and the need for continual preparedness is expressed in the statement, “And should he come in the second or third watch.” The Hebrews divided the evening hours into three watches (the Romans into four). The third watch would have lasted until the night ended.
CCC: Lk 12:35-40 2849
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Reflection:
There were once two sisters who became estranged at the death of their father (their mother had already died). The source of their intense animosity stemmed from the disposition of the estate and it should be noted that the estate was humble as estates go. Yet the two argued, accused, and at length, the older disowned the younger.
Sometime later, the younger sibling recognized how foolish the argument had been and reached out to her older sister, expressing a wish to put differences aside. The older sister embraced her anger and hatred and rejected any attempt to reconcile. This went on for years and the older sister became desperately ill. Still clinging to her perceived injury, she instructed her family to make sure her younger sister was informed she would not be welcome at the funeral; seeing this action as her final attempt to cause pain or injury to her sister.
There is no happy ending to this story. The older sister will endure what must be endured by those who foster hatred in this life. She will be required to atone for her conscious failure to love – seen by a loving Savior as sin. The irony of the story is that in her earlier life, the elder sister had been a stalwart of the church. She had been involved with and led numerous activities that fostered faith and community within her local parish.
We ask these questions – did her earlier works on the Lord’s behalf earn her a place in the Kingdom of God
Ultimately, we are reminded of St. Augustine’s famous quote: “Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies.”
The Gospel tells us we must remain vigilant, even to the second or third watch. The story of the two sisters points out what can happen when pride enters in, especially (and ironically) in families. St. Paul calls us to unity in Christ, and this union, like the love witnessed in a Sacramental Marriage is unbreakable. We pray today that we will be constantly vigilant and work always for the unity of all peoples in Christ Jesus, thereby coming at last to the great banquet.
Pax
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