Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary
2 Samuel 12: 7-10, 13 Psalm 32 1-2,5,7,11 Galatians 2:16, 19-21 Luke 7:36-8-3 When preaching, the goal is to present thoughts which can be stored for future use. The lingo today is: “the take away.” I took the following kernels of truth.
In the first reading Nathan’s question to David is asked also of me: “Why have you spurned the Lord, and done evil in his sight?” The victim of a spurn can experience pain as if a physical blow to the body. Imagine your worst sin done in the sight of a totally loving God. A spurn not only affects another, it also affronts the God of mercy.
To maintain a mindfulness of God’s mercy, the practice of examining our conscience is a chartered course to follow on our way to the fullness of God. The response to the first reading and our probing the conversations and actions of the day will move us to verbalize with voice, mind and heart: “Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.”
It is Paul, the converted Christian, setting a wonderful example for us so that we also may be changed…”yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” That awareness of the Christ within is a powerful reminder when opting to defend, or not defend, speak, or remain silent, confront, or agree, help, or let be; as in so many choices in daily moments, it isn’t all about me.
Some have the responsibility, but being the judge is a self-appointed position. Simon judges rightly in the case of the debtors owing money, but he was reprimanded for focusing on the flaws of the woman comforting Jesus. As children we were taught and hand down the teaching. Baylor Barbee said it best: ”What goes in your mouth should be good for you, what comes out should be good for others.”
Jesus let everyone in the door, and once there, all were treated with love and respect. The gathering song All Are Welcome should find us in a church full of a variety of personalities and cultures.
Take away: “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” Sister Dorothy Maxwell, OP