Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading — Who can ever know God’s counsel unless God gives wisdom and sends the Holy Spirit from on high? (Wisdom 9:13-18b).
Psalm — In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge (Psalm 90).
Second Reading — Paul asks Philemon to accept back his slave Onesimus, not as a slave but as a brother
(Philemon 9-10, 12-17).
Gospel — To be a disciple of Jesus one must carry one’s own cross and renounce all possessions (Luke 14:25-33).

LIMITS

Today’s readings continue the theme of humility explored last Sunday. All three readings today encourage us to admit that we have limits, and God has none. The poignant poetry of Wisdom resonates with all of us who have ever struggled for peace in situations we cannot control: “For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns.” Saint Paul recognizes his own limitations, both physically (he is in prison) and spiritually: he cannot compel his friend to obey his wishes; he can only propose his request and respect Philemon’s free will. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that God alone can complete the good we wish to do in the world. While we thank God for the gifts we receive—and the families we love—we acknowledge that they are temporary, and humbly cling to God.
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