Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Or Optional Memorial of Saint John Paul II, Pope
Luke 12:35-38
Be ready!

In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul discusses the conflicts between Jewish and Gentile Christians in the early Church, which persisted as Gentiles gained more prominence. Certain Christians, both Jewish and Gentile, regarded those from the opposing group with suspicion. Paul stresses in this letter the importance of Christians being mindful not to hold contempt for fellow Christians from different backgrounds.

Paul’s teachings also emphasise the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, symbolised by the breaking down of the barrier of hostility that divided the Jews and Gentiles. In the Jerusalem Temple, a wall separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner areas. Inscriptions on this wall warned Gentiles of death if they entered the restricted parts of the temple. Today, People construct walls in their minds and hearts. We all tend to think in terms of “them” versus “us.” We are drawn to those who are like us and repelled by those who are not.

With Jesus becoming the new temple, there was no longer a need for a wall to separate his people. Christ calls us to love our neighbour, even if our neighbour happens to be a Samaritan—a person from a different place and following a different religion. God wants to bring down the walls that divide us.

James Matthew Barrie, a Scottish writer from the early 20th century, is best known for his play Peter Pan. He once stated, “The most perilous day in a man’s life is when he discovers the word tomorrow because on that day, he learns procrastination! Today’s Gospel discusses the importance of readiness to welcome Jesus and pertains to the uncertainty of the moment when we will face death. How prepared are we for that moment? When death arrives, will we be able to echo Jesus’ words: “Father! Into your hands, I commend my spirit.”

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024