Monday, October 26, 2028

 

Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ephesians 4:32-5:8; Luke 13:10-17)

To draw the attention of others some act obnoxiously and speak obscenities.  They bully the weak and provoke fights they know they can win.  This kind of behavior, of course, is contrary to what the author of the Letter to the Ephesians has in mind in today’s first reading.

Instead of being “Mr. Tough Guy” or “Ms. Tough Girl” the writer tells community members to be generous and caring.  Their speech should express gratitude -- a sign of dependence -- rather than aloofness from or dominance of others. 

Some may find it difficult to act with such humility.  For cultural or personal reasons, they may tell themselves never to be vulnerable to another’s criticism.  Such people call forth our patience and prayer.  It is not just a matter of tolerance or getting along, but of love.  We show ourselves to love like Christ when we bear with the difficult as well as when we celebrate with the good.  As he bore our sins, so must we cope with the shortcomings of one another.

 


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