Tuesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

August 30, 2016

The first passage from Paul’s letter required that I read it several times before the message started to sink in. What I take away is that wisdom of something or someone blossoms when we have a love of that entity. In Paul’s time (as in other times in history) there were elements of the church with more interest in the worldly power of the organization. I think this may be what Paul is confronting in this reading. I feel that he was trying to insure the spiritual focus of the church.

I can relate to a number of the aspects of today’s Gospel. I feel in many ways that Capernaum was a new beginning for Jesus. He has left his hometown. The people of Capernaum are not familiar with his background and his history. He is no longer constrained by the predispositions that people might have towards him. Jesus quickly establishes his authority both in the synagogue and in the community. Rather than relying on the existing analyses of the Scriptures, Jesus gives his new interpretation. Jesus goes on to show his ability to bring about an internal transformation by healing the demonized man. Jesus is establishing himself as a charismatic leader.

As we begin a new year (so to speak) I pray for guidance as to what God is calling me to do this year and for the grace to say “yes.”