Deut 30:10-14; Ps 68(69):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 this follows “if”: “you will prosper if” you choose to follow God’s law. And God’s Law is not difficult to find: it is written “in their hearts”. Put the covenant into practice, and so choose life, not death.
The psalm implores God to save him from unmerited suffering. The reference in an omitted verse to “vinegar to drink” and the expectation that “God will save Zion” led Christians to think of Messiah – Christ.
In this beautiful hymn from Colossians Paul spells out the awesome reality of Christ: “Christ Jesus is the image of the unseen God”. We know God through Jesus. Jesus is fully human in the way God intended all humanity to be, and so 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. Everyone is our neighbour. The priest and the Levite were more concerned with ritual purity than with love.
Psalm Response: Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive.
(Deut 30:10-14; Ps 68(69):14-37; Col 1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37)