Ordinary 23, Monday

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Father Joe

Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

[437] Col 1:24–2:3 / PS 62:6-7, 9 / Lk 6:6-11

Paul speaks of “filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ,” an admission that is embarrassing to those denominations which contend that our Lord has done everything and that all which remains for us is to have faith in him. We have been redeemed, but salvation is not automatic. Our Lord tells us to take up our crosses and to follow him. What was missing from the passion and crucifixion? The answer is simple, our union and participation with him. He died for us but now he would have us die with him so that we might live with him, in this world and forever in the next. Paul pours himself out as a witness to the Lord and his Gospel. Salvation history does not end with Christ, even as it reaches the climax of God’s intervention; rather, it continues in the lives of believers in the Church. Like Paul, and for the sake of our brothers and sisters, we are commissioned to proclaim the Good News as a “completion” of “the word of God.” Our Bibles are translated and the books compiled. We are taught our faith. No one comes to the baptismal font alone. Our encounter with Christ is not just a mystical experience, but one that is mediated through the sacraments and human vessels.