Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 105
Sunday Says
Reading 1
Deuteronomy 30:10-14
This week’s first reading from the book of Deuteronomy is a quick recap of the heart of the law of Moses. Namely, God wants us to love Him without reserve. The Lord is often referred to as somehow being separate from us and in the sky, but Moses reminds us that the Lord is not unknown to us and that He is close to us always. He has given and written the law in hearts so that we may know it and know Him. In these dark times in the world, we can trust that no one is created to be bad and that we are all children of God. Let us pray for an increase of mercy.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37
- (cf. 33) Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.
Reading 2
Colossians 1:15-20
This week’s second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Colossians is full of several names that sound familiar but are not well-known with most Christians. He is listing the hierarchy of the choirs of angels that serves the Lord. St Paul explains that as powerful and wondrous as all of these hosts of heaven are, they are still subordinate to the Lord. Even when Jesus came a man, that is lower than Angels, He is still God and higher than all creation.
Alleluia CF. John 6:63C, 68C
- Alleluia, alleluia.
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.
Gospel
Luke 10:25-37
This week’s Gospel from St. Luke is a reminder that the law has not been abolished by Jesus, but rather fulfilled. Jesus teaches here that the law is still important that we need to remember that it is still written in our hearts to not be forgotten. Jesus then takes it even further with his example of the good Samaritan. Jesus doesn’t make it easier, in fact, you could say He challenges us even more.
Gospel meditation from Bishop Vásquez
Reflection question
Who is your neighbor? Israelites were to love other Israelites and resident aliens as they do themselves. The fact that a Samaritan is the one who attended to the injured man is astonishing in itself but that he went far beyond what was expected is amazing. A neighbor is not simply someone in need. How will we go beyond what is expected to care for and assist others? The law of God’s mercy is written in our hearts. How will we respond?
