13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, C
I Kgs 19: 16. 19-21
Ps. 16
Gal. 5: 1, 13-18
Lk 9: 51-62

The readings coincide on the concept of “call.” The First Reading gives us the story of Elijah calling Elisha to be his successor-prophet. When Elisha pleads responsibilities, Elijah gives him leave to perform them. Following on this theme of call, the Responsorial Psalm says, “You are my inheritance, O Lord,” and avers, “O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, You it is who hold fast my lot.” In the Gospel, Jesus’ call is very different from Elijah’s: all of the disciple’s previous responsibilities need to be abrogated in the light of this call. The Gospel also relates the encounter that Jesus and his disciples had in a Samaritan village, and Jesus’ subsequent rebuking of the disciples’ wrath. St. Ambrose says about this, “The Lord does everything in an admirable way…He acts in this way to teach us that perfect virtue retains no room for anger—in other words, that weakness should not be treated with harshness, but should be helped. Indignation should be very far from holy souls, and desire for vengeance very far from great souls.” Expositio Evangelii sec. Lucam, in loc.

In the Second Reading, we continue with the Epistle to the Galatians. Paul tells us that Christ freed us from the law so that we might be truly free. He then urges his readers to understand that freedom is not license to do as one pleases; rather, it is freedom to live in service to one’s fellows. He quotes the Old Testament and the Gospel and says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Understanding the way Paul uses the words flesh and Spirit is important. “Flesh” is not our bodies; it is our whole selves, as we were before our participation in the paschal mystery. “Spirit” is what we are called to be, and what is open to us through baptism.

This hymn is based on today’s Scriptures:
Elijah heard the awesome voice
Of God with this command:
Anoint Elisha, chosen one
As prophet in the land.
Elijah, faithful to God's Word,
Sought out the youth, as he had heard;
Elisha turned, left family,
At God's supreme command.

"Come after Me," the Master called
And said to those with plans,
"The work of God brooks no delay:
The plow is at your hands.
Let death their own dead now inter,
For those who tarry deeply err:
The reign of God has come to you,
And all your strength demands!"

For liberty, Christ set us free,
So be not re-enslaved!
This freedom serves our fellow's needs,
As Christ himself has saved.
In loving neighbor as our self
The Law's fulfillment is shown forth:
Yield not to cravings of the flesh
But by the Spirit, live!

86 86 88 86

Propers from the Roman Gradual

Introit: Omnes gentes, plaudite (Ps. 47:2,3)
All you nations, clap your hands together;
shout your praises to God with a voice of exultation.
For the Lord Most High is to be feared;
he is the great King over all the earth.

Offertory: Sicut in holcausto (Dan. 3:40)
As though it were with burnt-offerings of rams and of bullocks,
and though it were with ten thousands of fat lambs,
even so may our sacrifice be in your sight this day,
that it may please you,
for there shall be no shame for those who trust in you, O Lord.

Communion: Inclina aurem tuam (Ps. 31:2)
Incline your ear unto me, and make haste to deliver me.

alternate: At Jesus converses (Mk. 5:34) MYM#12
(matches the Gospel for Year B)
And Jesus, turning and seeing her, said:
“Be of good cheer; your faith has saved you.”

Propers from the Simple Gradual

The suite of antiphons and psalms from Ordinary Time III (BFW 239–247) —
petitioning God for assistance — is especially appropriate.

Entrance: BFW 171 (Cry out to God with a joyful voice . . .)
Response: Alleluia psalm BFW 243; gospel acclamation: BFW 242
Communion: BFW 69 (Lord, listen to my cry)