Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
We continue to follow along in our first reading with Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. An understanding of the audience is crucial here. Paul begins his letter by seemingly praising the Corinthians, but it is not long until it is clear that his message is not simply that of a cheerleader. Rather, Paul is writing to critique some of their community practices that fall short of the Christian life. In today’s passage, Paul emphasizes that his message was not meant to display his own ability but rather to manifest the power of God. For the audience that he is addressing, this is a crucial point; the Corinthians are called also to know the crucified Christ and to live accordingly in a way that demonstrates God’s power rather than their own talents or status. So also for us. We are called to hear this message to the Corinthians and live a life focused on the crucified Christ.
Who is this Christ? With today’s gospel passage, we have switched over to the gospel of Luke. Today’s reading is a particularly profound one wherein we see Jesus announce who he is. The beautiful quotation from Isaiah emphasizes God’s concern for the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed. For those who were looking for a Messiah that would be a powerful military leader, it is obvious that this is not how Jesus understands his mission. And yet Luke describes the people as amazed at his words. At the same time, however, they look to Jesus’ humble family origins and question his authority, and, in fact, they question the very validity of his claim.
This one passage presents a striking contrast. On the one hand, the Scripture is fulfilled “in your hearing,” but on the other hand, Jesus insists that they will not accept him in his hometown. So while he privileges them with the message, he also doubts that they will honor it. Their amazement followed by the consideration of Jesus’ background indicate that Jesus was right on this point. In the drama that follows, they attempt to throw him off the hill, but somehow he eludes their grip.
By the end of the entire gospel of Luke, however, it is clear that Jesus does not finally elude the grip of his people. Rather, he is crucified at their hands. Now this story has passed on to us. We are the generation who now has Scripture fulfilled “in our hearing.” Our lives—both as individuals and as a Church—bear a continual back and forth displayed in today’s readings. On the one hand, we hear Paul preaching Christ crucified. Yet we also bicker among ourselves and regard ourselves as more important than others. On the one hand, we are amazed at Christ as the Messiah, the one who comes for the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed. On the other hand, we struggle to accept this message fully. We even sometimes share in Christ’s crucifixion by not standing with him and acting accordingly in regard to the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed.
We cannot, however, let Jesus elude us entirely. We must embrace Christ crucified and all that this message entails—even when it brings personal cost to ourselves in the sacrifice of our indulgences for the benefit of others. We must also acknowledge when we fail, that is, when we, like the Corinthians, do not see the power of God but turn instead to our own power. God’s forgiveness is always available, and it is crucial for trying to live the Christian life.
Today, let us pray that the gospel message be fulfilled in our hearing. May we internalize it and live it, as best we can, day by day.
- Maria Morrow