October 9, 2010
Saturday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
But scripture confined all things under the power of sin, that through faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian. Galatians 3:22-25
While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed." He replied, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it." Luke 11:27-28
Piety
The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience, which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all. Because of the holy service they have professed, or because of dread of hell and for the glory of everlasting life, they carry out the order of the prioress as promptly as if the command came directly from God. God says of people like this: "No sooner did they hear than they obeyed me (Ps. 18:45);" again, God tells teachers: "Whoever listens to you, listens to me (Lk. 10:16)." Such people as these immediately put aside their own concerns, abandon their own wills, and lay down whatever they have in hand, leaving it unfinished. With the ready step of obedience, they follow the voice of authority in their actions. Almost at the same moment, then, as the teacher gives the instruction the disciple quickly puts it into practice out of reverence for God; and both actions together are swiftly completed as one.
It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life; therefore, they are eager to take the narrow road of which God says: "Narrow is the road that leads to life (Mt. 7:14)." They no longer live by their own judgment, giving in to their whims and appetites; rather they walk according to another's decisions and directions, choosing to live in monasteries and to have a prioress over them. Members of this resolve unquestionably conform to the saying of Christ: "I have come not to do my own will, but the will of the One who sent me (Jn. 6:38)." Rule of St. Benedict: Chapter 5. Obedience
Study
As St. Paul teaches the Galatians, before faith, our behaviors were dictated by law. But the love of Christ has freed us from most laws – except for the law of love, the love of God and the love of our neighbor. The result of such faith is unity of all.
What does this mean in real terms for us? Faith and obedience to God’s Word is what makes us sisters and brothers of Christ. Neither blood, nor law nor genealogy dictate the family tree of the Lord. Faith is its seed. Faith is its root. Faith is its branches.
What does it matter? In a world filled with hatred and division, we are called to recognize our common humanity through humility and obedience to the word of the Lord. In St. Paul’s words, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendant, heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:27-29
Action
There is neither American nor European, Hispanic nor African-American, Asian-American or Native American. There is neither Christian nor Jew, Muslim nor Hindu, Buddhist nor Atheist. We are all one in Christ.
To make this a reality, we must put aside our own personal agenda and take up the agenda of the Lord. What can you set aside today in order to bring about unity? What can you do to focus on our unity, not our divisions?
