Making Christ Visible In Our Lives
Introduction
We hear today the core of St Paul’s first letter to Timothy. The Church is the community of the living God that makes Christ visible to the world. At a time when Christians had no temples or churches, he speaks of the living Church, the body of the faithful, which must bear witness to the truth. Then he quotes a hymn in honour of Christ, who is at the core of our faith, for the truth is Christ present in the community. Is Christ visible in the Church? Is he credible in us as a community?
Luke compares those who reject Christ and God’s prophets to spoiled children. Jews, and later the pagans for whom Luke writes, see John the Baptist and Jesus and the things they say and do, but they do not recognize these signs.
1 Reading: 1 Timothy 3:14-16
Beloved: I am writing you, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R. (2) How great are the works of the Lord!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights. R.
Majesty and glory are his work,
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD. R.
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations. R.
Alleluia: cf. John 6:63c, 68c
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life,
you have the words of everlasting life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 7:31-35
Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
Commentary
The children sitting in the marketplace find their playmates unresponsive to any suggestion. The crowds listening to Jesus are the same. They find reasons at every turn for remaining uncommitted. John the Baptist fasted from food and wine and was accused of being possessed by a demon. Jesus came eating and drinking and was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard. Where there is an unwillingness to act, any excuse will do.
There are moments in life when resolute action is called for, and we may offer very weak reasons for not acting. There are times when we know that our children are following a very dangerous path. But rather than suffer their rejection, we do nothing. We lose sight of the very serious pledge we have made before God to act in keeping with our responsibility.
Our commitment to Christ calls us to action, not passivity. The quotation from Timothy today (1 Tim 3:16) summarizes Jesus’ life and ministry, especially his glorification; in a very expressive way. He came among us in the flesh, a true human being. In his resurrection he is vindicated in his life and teaching. Now glorified, he is seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, and beloved in as the universal saviour. Christ was always the total “Yes” to God.
His decisiveness is what we are called to live.
Blessing
May we be the community of the living God that makes Christ visible to the world. How far are we still from that ideal? May God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!