Memorial of Saint
Peter Claver, priest
(Colossians 1:24-2:3; Luke 6:6-11)
The scribes and the Pharisees watching Jesus in today’s
gospel have a counterpart in the contemporary Church. Many people waited to see what St. John Paul
II would do regarding the definition of Mary as “co-redemptrix of the world.” Knowing that he had a deep devotion to the
Blessed Mother some thought that John Paul would bestow on her the title. Others,
realizing the title would cause some to confuse her role with Jesus’, were wary
of it happening. In the end the pope
never made the declaration perhaps because he did not want to alienate Orthodox
and Protestant Christians who see some things differently than Catholics. However, today’s first reading gives some
biblical justification for bestowing the title.
Paul claims in the passage that his sufferings make up
for “what is lacking in” Christ’s. In
other words, he is working with Christ for the salvation of souls. Or, it might be said, that he is sharing in
the work of redemption. This makes him,
in a sense, a “co-redemptrix.” Indeed, it
may be said that everyone who prays for or make sacrifices on behalf of others
has that role. Of course, Mary may be
considered the principal co-redemptrix.
Her prayers like her being excel above others’.
We regularly pray for others and it is not passé to fast
or donate to charity on their behalf. Doing
so, we assist Christ in his redeeming work although his death and resurrection
are sufficient. It is like our fathers
bringing us to work when we were young.
They may have asked fold some papers for them and we thought of
ourselves as partners. Christ allows us
to have a role in the salvation of souls.
In doing so, we marvelously contribute to our own salvation.
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