Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
What would it be like to receive a surprise letter from someone you’ve known through the years? Having shared both wonderful and difficult times, you know that this is more than a mere letter. It could be very personal and important thoughts from your friend, thoughts that have matured over time. You would open it with care.
Today’s liturgical readings seem to suggest a certain wisdom character. It’s like a weathered leather wisdom entrusted to us after having stood the test of time and experience. In fact, it is the second reading, the letter of St. Paul to Philemon, which sets the overall tone. St. Paul, the writer, calls himself an old man writing from prison and speaking from his heart to share his hard-won wisdom. In fact, he is writing with the assurance of knowing that his experiences provide a true connection like scars with anyone who has suffered much through a lifetime of dedication. Those scars sustain his credibility and give weight to whatever he has to say.
We also notice that Paul of Tarsus is leading off with deep gratitude and respect for those who helped shape his mature response of faith. His time in prison must have given him the luxury of time to put everything in perspective. The constant missionary effort fluctuating between the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” brought him to the eventual and total handover of accepting God’s will.
This can be our story as well. Jesus reminds his followers and us in the Gospel that suffering and failures, plus painful divisions are sure to come. The wise person must eventually discern whatever can and needs to change while trusting in the Holy Spirit. That means naming the challenges in the light of truth and in gift of faith. Naming them is the first step. It clarifies our relationships as well as our personal responsibilities. The second step is to turn every experience, both the good and the bad, over to the Lord. No matter what may have happened with us and to us, we can choose to lift up and celebrate the wonderful gifts that have enriched our life. And that, after all, is the wise thing to do.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections