Servant of the Word: Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

“Alms to the Poor” by Martin Drolling, c. 1815

Readings for Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time [1]

Commentary:

Commentary on Phil 2:1-4

St. Paul continues his affectionate teaching of the Philippians enjoining them to be in harmony with each other if they wish to make him, their brother and exemplar, happy with them (“complete my joy by being of the same mind”). He tells them to place the good of their brothers and sisters before their own interests, in this way adopting an attitude also of humility which will be exalted in the Kenotic Hymn in the next verses.

CCC: Phil 2:1 2842; Phil 2:4 2635

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 131:1bcde, 2, 3

R. In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

Commentary on Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3

Psalm 131 is an individual lament praying for harmony and humility among the members of the community. The singer proclaims trust in the Lord and peace, like children's contented peace, secure in the knowledge of the love and protection of their parents.

CCC: Ps 131:2 239; Ps 131:2-3 370

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Gospel: Luke 14:12-14

Commentary on Lk 14:12-14

("On a sabbath he went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees.” 14:1) Following on the teaching about humility (those seeking places of honor at the banquet), Jesus now goes on to speak of service to the poor and to those who could not be expected to pay (or repay) for kindness or service. The purpose of this discourse reflects Jesus’ concern that his disciples should minister to the poor, not just to those who could repay them for their efforts.

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Reflection:

There is a very subtle difference between pride and expected courtesy on occasions where guests are invited into one’s home. On the one hand, we feel obligated to serve our guests the foods they will enjoy, in a home as clean and comfortable as we can make it. On the other hand, there is “one-upmanship”: The thought that we went to dinner at so-and-so’s house last month and they set an opulent table, so in our turn we must try to outdo them. Our menu must be more exotic, our home more inviting and bedecked with more signs of secular success. This attitude is the one Jesus addresses to his disciples in St. Luke’s Gospel.

When we think about whom we minister to, do we gravitate toward those who have much to give in return, or do we seek those who have nothing, in order to give them something? Do we serve others who in turn can serve us (and better), or do we offer our service, knowing as Christ encouraged, that we will not be repaid?

St. Paul, addressing the Philippians, clearly has an idealistic view of how the Christian community should operate. He wishes his disciples to be in complete harmony and unity with one another, sharing the wealth of the community equally, a very communal view of church. That would mean then that when a new member was brought into such a community, the expectation would be for that person to share what they had, great or small, and to receive an equal share (which might be larger or smaller than what they brought to the community).

There was good reason for the Pauline communities to establish a three year introduction to the communal life (their form of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults [RCIA]). They needed to make sure the shared faith and attitudes were there.

Back to the main message: “We are fools on Christ’s account,” as St. Paul has said elsewhere (1 Corinthians 4:10). As such, we give without expectation of repayment. We offer help without expectation of reciprocity. Our example is Jesus who never turned his back on those in need, and offered the most unworthy people a place at the wedding banquet. If we are worried that a person might take advantage of us, we have probably not made a deep enough commitment to help that person.

Perhaps an explanation is needed for that statement. If we are asked, say by a person begging on the street, for money so they can buy food, why not, instead of money, take that person to a place where they can be fed? (This does not mean to throw out common sense! We must have a prudent and realistic view of potentially dangerous situations. Act in concert with people you trust, not alone.) If a person asks for work, offer work if you can and reward that person generously. Many who, out of pity, give money to such people are contributing to degrading their dignity.

The key point Jesus is making in the Gospel is the need for those with more to look after those with less. It is a consistent message of love, love of those with more for those with less, love of those in power for those who are powerless, love by those who are loved for the unloved. And this will be our prayer for today; that we may use the examples of the saints to love the poor and build up the Body of Christ that is the Church by extending the loving hand of Christ to those we meet.

Pax

[1] The picture used today is “Alms to the Poor” by Martin Drolling, c. 1815.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio