Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, C
I Samuel 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
Ps. 103
I Corinthians 15: 45-49
Luke 6: 27-38
The readings come together today on the theme of “forgiveness of others.” In the First Reading from I Samuel, David is being hunted down by King Saul. At one point in the chase, the sleeping king is in David’s power, but David does not kill him. The Responsorial Psalm works off of this act of mercy, and sings “The Lord is kind and merciful,” reminding us that “Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness; not according to our sins does He deal with us.” The Gospel echoes this sentiment when Jesus says, “Be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate.” The teaching of Jesus on forgiveness is a two-way street. God’s forgiveness is a gift that we cannot earn; however, we can put ourselves outside of God’s forgiveness by not forgiving others.
The Second Reading continues our long-term examination of I Corinthians. Paul is dealing with some kind of philosophizing in the church of Corinth that would re-write the creation story. Creation puts the “earthly Adam” first, Paul says. The “spiritual Adam” is made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus. While our participation in the paschal mystery has begun our entrance into the kingdom, it is not completed yet!
This hymn is based on today’s Scriptures:
Battle raging fiercely ‘round him,
David once was given chance
Saul to slay, who sought his downfall;
But with just a passing glance
Made the fearful choice of mercy,
Leaving Saul within sleep's trance.
Jesus tells us, "In your living,
Render good to those who hate;
In your dealings, do to others
All the good that you await:
So in showing others mercy,
God will thus you compensate."
Grace is daily built on nature,
Spirit forming nature's clay.
Seeking to live out Love's calling,
We can grow from day to day,
Forming lives of joyful pardon,
Following the Christ, our Way.
87.87.87.
suggested tune: Regent Square