Deut 30:10-14 Ps 68:14-37 Col 1:15-20 Lk 10:25-37
The book of Deuteronomy, the “second law”, evolved over many centuries. It restates the Jewish Law and the covenant God made with Abraham. Our reading starts with an imperative, but if we do obey God’s Law “the Lord will take delight in prospering” us. And this Law is easily accessible: it is written “in our hearts”. Put the covenant into practice, and so choose life, not death.
In this beautiful hymn from Colossians Paul spells out the awesome reality of Christ: “Christ Jesus is the image of the unseen God” who “existed before anything was created”. We know God through Jesus. Jesus is fully human in the way God intended all humanity to be. He shows us the way to God. But reconciliation comes with a proviso: “that you continue in the faith”.
Jesus has rejoiced and given thanks with the 70 disciples for their successful mission. He then responds to a sincere questioner by updating the Jewish Law to what was originally intended. The parable of the Good Samaritan insists that everyone is our neighbour. Details of the Law that evolve over time can come to be misleading. The priest and the Levite were more concerned with ritual purity than with love. Just as over emphasis on rigid moral rules and liturgical details can lead us astray from mercy.
Psalm Response: The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.
(Deut 30:10-14 Ps 68:14-37 Col 1:15-20 Lk 10:25-37)
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