31st Sunday in Ordinary Time - B. "Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them."
Whether we know it or not, each of us has many, many power relationships. We may be "one-up" over a younger sister or an employee; equal with our teammates or fellow baptized Christians; or "one-down" in relationship with a boss or bully.
It strikes me that it is very hard to love someone who is "above" us in a power relationship. In this situation, we are usually weak, they are strong. But when we have power over someone, then love is not just possible, but commanded -- and easy to evade. Think of the Good Samaritan. The beaten pilgrim had no way of repaying the Samaritan. Laying half dead on the road, he is the epitome of "one-down." What are the "one-down" relationships in your life where you can bring love?
No comments:
Post a Comment