Michel de Verteuil General Textual Comments
Verses 1 to 3 give us an overall picture of the kind of person Jesus was – and thus an image of God.
We follow that path in our meditation: we recognise and celebrate human beings who were images of Jesus for us, and allow them to reveal God to us.
Many years ago during a flight from South America to Mexico City, the stewardess prepared to serve lunch to about fifty passengers. When she handed the sack lunch to Mother Teresa, the little nun asked her, “How much did this lunch cost the airline today?”
Somewhat surprised, the stewardess thought for a moment, then replied, “About one dollar.”
Greeting
The Lord comes among us and calls us to follow him without conditions. May we listen to his call and may he always be with you. R/ And also with you.
Michel de Verteuil General Textual comments The passage is in three movements:
– verse 25: the framework of the passage;
– verses 26, 27 and 33: the challenge to radical discipleship; and
– verses 28 to 32: the practical approach to discipleship.
Discipleship of Jesus takes many forms and we interpret this passage in the light of the particular form of discipleship to which we have committed ourselves – marriage, parenting, friendship, career, religious life or priesthood. We think of other commitments we and others make: to social change for example – bringing about reconciliation between ethnic groups or religions, or reforming economic, educational or political systems, locally or internationally.
What do you have that you have not received? If everything you have was received as a gift, then why boast? If anyone must boast, let him boast of the Lord. May the Lord, the giver of life, be with you. R/ And also with you.
Introduction by the Celebrant
A. A Good Place For Everyone How do we regard other people and ourselves in relation to them? Do we look down on others, at least on some, and hold ourselves as more important, people to be noted and given honors? The message of today is: In the Kingdom there is a good place for everyone. If there is to be any preference, it is for the poor, the disabled, the humble, for they are given the first place by God, they are the favorites of Jesus. Jesus asks us here and now: What place do you take and what place do you give to others?