“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Saturday, 8th October 2016,
Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Gal 3: 22-29;
Ps 104: 2-7;
Lk 11: 27-28
CHANGE OF GARMENTS
The first reading reminds us, baptized Christians, that in baptism we are clothed in Christ. Faith in Jesus baptizes us ‘into Christ’. This baptism of the Spirit identifies the believer with Christ and makes him part of His body. Baptism by water is an outward picture of this inner work of the Holy Spirit. St Paul’s phrase ‘put on Christ’ refers to a change of garments. The believer has laid aside the dirty garments of sin and, by faith, received the robes of righteousness in Christ. The Gospel reading of today is a parallel to Lk 8: 19-21, where a reference to Jesus’ mother and brothers occasions a similar teaching that physical relationship is less important than hearing and obeying God’s word. For Luke Mary was blessed among women. Yet she was blessed not because she bore the Son of God but because she believed in God’s word. She was blessed just as all who hear and keep God’s word are blessed. She put on the garments of unshakable faith and total surrender.
Prayer: Lord, help us to put on garments of love, compassion, justice and equality. Amen.
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