Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
We are told that the origins of familiar tune “Twinkle, twinkle, little star” are lost to history, but we do know that in the 1780’s Mozart wrote 12 piano variations on the tune as practice pieces for his students. Is this an example of something simple, embedded in our consciousness, and yet hidden in plain sight?
Our liturgical readings for this 16th Sunday of the year carry the theme of treasures hidden in plain sight. Moses kicks off our treasure hunt by calling his people to listen for the comforting voice of the Lord. He tells them that they don’t have to search far and wide as if the Lord were playing hide and seek with them. Rather they need to look deeply at their own inner thoughts and their own hungry heart for the saving message of the Law.
But the search goes on. In the second reading St. Paul tells the Colossians where to look. Look deeply into the mind and heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. There you will find the wonderful discovery that Jesus is the full manifestation and revelation of God. This is a mind-blowing fact which stretches our imagination through the gift of faith. St. Paul is sharing his inspired and yet personal treasure that Jesus, the Son of God, the King of Kings, the Co-creator with the Father, the divine/human redeemer touches our lives with his merciful love.
But there’s more. The treasure hunt is transforming in itself. Always the teacher, Jesus takes full advantage and welcomes the young man’s question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” In a sense Jesus answers the question by implying another question: “Can you handle the truth?”
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a story of many layers. It challenges our foundations and all the personal choices we make on a daily basis. We are confronted with powerful issues of racial and ethnic prejudice, class distinction, clerical isolation, human greed and brutality, human sensitivity, generosity, courage, humility, dignity, and common sense.
The core theme emerges not just as a tiny twinkling star, but as the power of the Son of God touching each of us, transforming us and enabling us to extend unconditional love to our known and unknown neighbor. The reality is that we aren’t there yet. We need to keep re-tuning our ear and correcting our vision with the lens of charity, humility, and truth.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections