Romans 3:21-30
Psalm 130:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6AB
Luke 11:47-54
Summary
The Reading tells us that both Jew and pagan are redeemed in Christ
Jesus, who was appointed to sacrifice his life so as to win reconciliation
by faith. Reconciliation comes through faith to everyone, Jew and
Gentile alike, who believes in Jesus Christ. The Gospel relates that Je-
sus chastised the religious leaders of the day for taking away the key of
knowledge. They did this by shutting themselves to heaven, and also
by hindering others from understanding God’s word. Further, the reli-
gious leaders rejected the prophets of old and now they rejected God’s
final prophet, Jesus.
Reflection
The readings for this day invite us to think about faith and about becoming Christ
-like. How can we evolve? We need to know that through faith we will be led
into an ever-deepening relationship with Christ and also that through faith we will
evolve to become more Christ-like.
Two avenues to building this relationship come to mind for me: the Eucharist and
good works. In April of this year, as part of glorious Easter Vigil, I was baptized
and partook of my first Eucharist. Both were powerful and enlivening experi-
ences. Now, I seek to continue to have my heart and mind changed by the en-
counter with the Eucharist. There is a time for reflection during the preparation
of the table. I am now using this time to silence my mind and open my heart and
senses for the Holy Communion.
Another avenue to deepening the relationship with Christ is faith. Like the Phari-
sees and scribes in today’s readings, we can build memorials to the saints.
However, more importantly, we must also learn from the saints by following their
examples of holiness. Faith motivates us to do good works because we appre-
ciate what Christ did for us and because we want to be like Jesus.