Wednesday, September 4, 2013

WwtW: Christ makes us children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ forever, relationships that trump even death

Ordinary Time, Year C, Week 22.

Gospel:           Luke 14:25-33
Context.           We continue Jesus’ long journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:48; Wks 13-31), and the section of it which is an extended response to the question “who will be saved?”  (13:10-17:10; Wks 21-27).  He is concerned to form community and set boundaries, but in a completely topsy-turvy way that will confound any sense of privilege (think of Mary’s Song: the mighty will topple from their thrones).  Throughout, the door of discipleship remains open, even to the Pharisees.  We haven’t skipped much since our reading last week: one parable about inviting all to the feast.


Interpretation. Note how many people are following Jesus: they’re attracted by the idea of a feast open to all.  Jesus now clarifies what exactly is involved in following him.  The parallel in Matthew says “love me more” rather than “hate.”  “Love / hate” talk about action rather than emotion; we’re asked to act for God and kingdom, not giving preference to kin.  Following Jesus requires giving one’s whole life, not just walking with him for a brief while.  The call of God relativizes everything else that might make a claim on us: possessions and even familial ties can keep us from the feast.

2nd Reading:  Phlm 9-10, 12-17
[As Phlm is a one chapter book, I combine context and interpretation]
 Philemon was a Christian that Paul had converted who sponsored a house church (ie. Christians in his town met in his house for worship).  So, he was rich and serious about his faith.  This letter is sent not just to Philemon, but to his whole house church.  One of his slaves, Onesimus, had ran away and had someone come to where Paul was imprisoned where Paul converted him (“became his father”).  Paul wanted to keep him for himself, for the work of evangelization, but recognized Philemon’s right and sent him back.  However, Philemon should receive him as more than a slave.  Scholars disagree about whether Paul is calling for Philemon to emancipate him.  Philemon will have him forever as a brother in the Lord, for this relationship (unlike slave-master) survive death thanks to Christ.  This is the more powerful relationship.  It is for Philemon to choose his identity: Master or Child of God?

Questions
1.      What identities do we possess other than Child of God?  How do these help us live the Christian life?  How might they form a distraction or obstacle?
2.      What can you do to reinforce your identity as a Child of God?  To help you see others as Brothers and Sisters in Christ?
3.      How might the world be different if Christians looked at each other in this way?  How else do we often look at each other?

4.      Applying all this: imagine you were in Philemon’s church.  How would you encourage him to respond?  What reaction might you get?
4.     Onesimus' name means "useful."  Who do we regard positively, but as merely useful, and not fully as a brother or sister in Christ?
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