Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest
Today’s readings bring to my mind the concept of one’s state in life. This notion centers on the condition of life in which a person finds herself at a particular period on life’s journey. I’ve experienced various states in life – student, single adult, married person, mother, employed, unemployed. Within each such category, we identify much more specific descriptors that paint a picture of one’s state; characteristics of one’s socio-emotional state, economic situation, intellectual development, physical or mental health, relationships, geography, culture. State in life is best described through a holistic lens, considering all aspects of our lives. As disciples of Jesus, I believe we define our lives based not on our state in life, but rather on our life in Christ. I invite us to reflect on today’s readings with that foundational statement in mind.
The first reading seems a little strange out of context. At the start of chapter 7, Paul writes, “Now concerning the matters about which you wrote . . .” He proceeds to address various states in life, apparently answering the specific questions and concerns that the Corinthian church raised. Paul offers advice, counsel, and directives for folks in several different states in life. Imbedded in his discourse, I find this helpful statement, “However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches” (verse 17). Each one of us experiences the Lord’s call; defining it is a matter of personal, prayerful discernment. Today is the Memorial of St Peter Claver. His state in life was Jesuit priest and missionary; his calling from God was to minister to enslaved Africans in the Americas. How do you understand God’s call for your life? Who are you called to be? What are you called to do?
Our Gospel is Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, part of his “sermon on the plain.” Compare/contrast it with Matthew’s version found in Matthew chapter 5. At first glance, Luke seems to have a more immediate perspective. He writes, blessed are you who are poor; blessed are you who are now hungry, blessed are you who are now weeping . . . woe to you who are rich; woe to you who are filled now; woe to you who laugh now . . . I sense an urgency in Luke’s message, a summons to pay attention and take stock of one’s life.
Aspects of one’s particular state in life may need to change, particularly if those aspects are sinful, harmful, or unjust. I don’t believe God calls us to accept a state in life that dehumanizes, demoralizes, victimizes, or deprives us of life. As I reflect today on state in life, I’m called back to the foundational basis of our identity: we each are a daughter or son of God, a coheir with Christ, a member of Christ’s Body, and disciple of Christ. Regardless of our state in life, we each share this common identity and with it comes a common calling. We are called to love God and love neighbor. Our focus this year at IC Parish is to be radical disciples of radical love. As you ponder your particular state in life, God’s unique call on your life, and the Gospel call to love, what changes might you feel led to consider or make today? What might God want to say to you about your identity, state, or calling? What steps toward greater health or growth might you make today? Come, Lord Jesus, speak to your people. Amen!
- Elizabeth Wourms