“In the beginning there was the Word…” These are the dramatic opening
lines from the Gospel according to John, and though we will not be
reading from John’s Gospel this Sunday, these words ring true for our
readings for this 3rd Sunday of Ordinary time. The people are in the
midst of something new, a new beginning that, as our readings will show,
begin with The Word…
The Word for the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
1 Corinthians 12:12-30 (or 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27)
Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Our
first reading is from the book of the Prophet Nehemiah. Nehemiah,
along with the priest/prophet Ezra, are the architects of the
Restoration of Israel. Their great Exile in Babylon is over and through
the grace of the Persian King Cyrus the Great, Israel is free to return
to their land, to rebuild the Temple and to rebuild their lives as the
people of God. In an effort to guild them in this new beginning,
Nehemiah and Ezra gather the people together and read to them the books
of the Law so they know what is expected. They’re all gathered at the
Water Gate because at that time the city of Jerusalem and the Temple
remain in ruins. As the Law is read, the people are weeping, but our
prophet and all the other priests state this isn’t a time for tears but
for celebration – to rejoice in the Lord. Why rejoice? Our Psalm tells
us, “Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.” We should not look on
scripture as a list of restrictions, but rather, a guide to loving God
and loving one another, and celebrating the joy that can bring.
Our
Gospel also uses Scripture to introduce a new beginning. And to
emphasize that new beginning our Gospel from Luke starts with the books
opening lines, where Luke explains how he has committed to investigate
“everything accurately anew.” From there our narrative jumps forward.
Jesus has been baptized by John, spent 40 days in the desert being
tempted by Satan, and before setting out to gather his Apostles, he has
returned to his hometown of Nazareth. As was his custom, he went to the
Synagogue on the Sabbath, and is given the scroll from the Prophet
Isaiah. After reading the passage, Jesus sits down (a little unusual
given that they expect him to expound on the reading), but when pressed
by those gathered, he tells them that this prophecy has been fulfilled
in their hearing. What was the people’s reaction? Tune in next week to
find out…
Our second reading continues our study of Paul’s first
letter to the Corinthians. Last week we heard Paul explain how
everyone receives different gifts, but that they all come from the same
Spirit. To further explain, Paul gives us his profound teaching on the
Body of Christ. Here Paul summarizes the need for community through our
diversity, that all parts, though different, are part of one, and feel
as one. It is this passage that cries out for unity among all people as
God intended.
Final Thoughts:
In today’s second
reading, we hear, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it.”
Looking at the troubles of our church, our country, and our world this
phrase tells us what we already know – that the pain and the shame that
was caused by a few have left an indelible mark on us all. But this
isn’t a time to turn away or ignore such problems. We must continue to
trust in God and make our voices heard, especially for those who have
been injured or cannot speak for themselves. The Body of Christ has
been wounded, but if the rest of the body can maintain its strength
through the injury, it can begin to heal, and more likely than not, come
out stronger for it. As Nehemiah teaches us, “Do not be saddened this
day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength.”
For anyone who is a parent, or anyone who’s had to mediate a dispute among children, you likely have confronted the phrase “But that’s not fair!” How many times in your life have you uttered that phrase? Even as adults we have a tendency to equate “justice” with “fairness.” But here’s the thing – what is “just” may not always be “fair,” and what is “fair” to one person may not always be “fair” to the other. Our readings this week deal with just that problem, the difference between what we think is fair and what God thinks is both fair and just. The Word for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a Matthew 20-1-16a We open with a reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah, in this case from the closing chapter of Deutero or “second” Isaiah. This comes from a point in Israelite history where the people have been released from their Exile in Babylon. The Lord has shown them great mercy and forgiveness by freeing them from th
Comments
Post a Comment