Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
(I Corinthians 2:10b-16; Luke 4:31-37)
The Knights of Columbus fraternity has called American Catholic men together for well over a hundred years. Perhaps for that reason and the fact that its membership embraces all classes and kinds the organization is sometimes overlooked. Yet throughout the country and indeed the world, as a recent issue of its magazine demonstrates, Knights distinguish themselves by works of charity.
In the first reading today St. Paul tells the Corinthians that Christians are moved not by the spirit of the world but that of Christ. His spirit assures us that charity is not just an ephemeral human inclination but the mode of living as God’s family. We love one another and assist the needy, as the Knights of Columbus do systematically, because we have become daughters and sons of God in Christ.
Not altogether helpfully, a contemporary way of thinking democratizes God’s family. It is true that all humans are created by God and in God’s image making them in a sense His children, but real membership on God’s family consists of sharing in God’s holy Spirit of love. We see this Spirit in action when people are habitually disposed to the welfare of others and in crisis extend a hand of charity.
