Ordinary 23, Wednesday

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Father Joe

[439] 1 Col 3:1-11 / PS 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab / Lk 6:20-26

Those without faith claim that believers are just “pie in the sky” fools, accepting earthly hardship in the hope of heavenly reward. Everything hinges upon the truthfulness of the Christian kerygma: Jesus is in his heaven and he prepares a place for you and me. We do not live just for earthly bread but for that which is everlasting. Paul loves lists and the first reading today is no exception. We are challenged by the apostle to look beyond this world, avoiding “immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry, anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths.” There is objective right and wrong. We are called to live in conformity with the truth, not to distort it with deception. All are summoned to chaste lives and for those whom it is given, the gift of celibate discipleship. The reference to passion is in regard to “out of control” emotion or drives. Warning against anger, he then mentions several sins of the tongue. Words can tear down and harm others. The sins of commission start with the intentions of the heart. If we fail to think and love with Christ, then we are liable to stumble and offer a negative or counter witness to the Gospel. If we really believe, the fruits of our life should demonstrate this reality. Paul exhorts our unity in Christ and our liberation from the bondage of sin. By living a virtuous life we demonstrate that we belong to him.