Romans 8:31B-39
Psalm 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31
Luke 13:31-35
Summary
“
In Romans, Paul asks: "If God is with us, who can be
against us?" The psalmist begs God "to deal kindly with me
and rescue me". In the Gospel, Jesus is urged to "depart",
turn back from his mission for his own safety.
Reflection
If it weren't for the love of Christ and the care of his disciples,
we would all be lost, disconnected from all that gives us life
and hope. Literally, we would be dismembered
and
torn away
from our Source, our communion with our brothers and sisters, torn
asunder within ourselves.
Jesus was advised to "depart" from his Father's will for his own "well-
being". Instead, Jesus claims his Father's love and purpose for his
life, stepping onwards to his destiny. So must we.
"Depart" can also suggest a more malicious command: get out of
here, get lost, you don't
belong. Have you ever ex-
perienced this expulsion,
this exclusion, this excom-
munication? Have you ever
had your identity,
which comes from belong-
ing, erased? Have you ever
become a non-person in