A Reflection on the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

From: Deacon John Kren

These last few weeks, the stories have been about the Pharisees and the Sadducees trying to maintain their power in society. This apparent newcomer, Jesus, has been looking at the law in new ways and their position as interpreters and enforcers has been questioned. They have been more present in the parables. Their traps are more numerous, more subtle and nuanced. Today they lay out the question which of God’s commandments are the greatest. A direct assault if answered, “Who made you God”. Jesus’ response is focused on the purpose of the whole law. A law that begins in Genesis at Creation – a law of love. In His response, is Jesus asking them how they were fulfilling the Law? Maybe even how are we fulfilling the Law. Do we examine our love relationship with God and with our neighbor?

St. Paul tells the Thessalonians and us what sort of people we should be, imitators of the Apostles. We should not only live the faith and turn to God to be examples of servants that reflect the joy of the Holy Spirit and openly declare the gifts, graces, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion that each of us receives and gives, especially in the bread and wine of this altar.