Monday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Brothers and Sisters, in this first reading, it feels like St. Paul is telling us to be aware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. In his own words, he is telling the Galatians to be on their guard, especially if someone makes the gospel about themselves. The gospel belongs to the Holy Trinity alone. For example, in the gospel reading today, we hear of great humility from a total stranger. The Scholar answered Jesus “The one who treated him [the man who fell victim to robbers] with mercy.’ Jesus said to the scholar, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

For me, loving my neighbor is easy, but in this gospel passage, there is a twist— “as yourself.” That’s the twist. Sometimes we can accidentally or purposely put ourselves on the road and be like the man who was beaten up and left half dead because of the robbers. We must humble ourselves and be reminded that we should treat ourselves like Christ. This does not contradict what I said earlier because of the love and humility we have for the Holy Trinity, and also because of the love and the humility that the Holy Trinity has for us.

Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB