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“Communion of the
Apostles”
by Luca Signorelli,1512 |
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
Readings and Commentary: [3]
Reading 1: Wisdom 2:23–3:9
God formed man to be imperishable;
the image of his own nature he made them.
But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world,
and they who are in his possession experience it.
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them,
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
They shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect.
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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 the Book of Wisdom make reference to original sin: Adam and Eve were 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.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
The LORD has eyes for the just,
and ears for their cry.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
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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
Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
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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 could not claim his master’s gratitude simply because he had finished his other duties. 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 to serve the Lord. Perhaps the greatest analogy to this parable is the Blessed Virgin Mary’s opening statement in the Magnificat, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” (Luke 1:46)
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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 worthwhile? 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, 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 “Communion of the Apostles” by Luca Signorelli,1512.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
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