Tuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time – Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest:

📖 Readings

  • Colossians 2:6-15

  • Psalm 145:1b-2, 8-9, 10-11

  • Luke 6:12-19

Theme: “Rooted in Christ, Reaching Out in Compassion”



Introduction 

Someone once joked: “We spend half our lives climbing the ladder of success, only to discover it’s leaning against the wrong wall.”
Paul reminds us today that the only solid wall worth leaning on is Christ. Everything else fades.

The Word of God

  • Colossians 2:6-15 – Paul exhorts the community to remain rooted in Christ, not swayed by false philosophies or worldly promises. Christ has disarmed powers and authorities through His cross—He is the fullness of God’s saving plan.

  • Psalm 145 – A joyful song of God’s mercy: slow to anger, rich in compassion, and faithful in all His works.

  • Luke 6:12-19 – Jesus spends the night in prayer before choosing the Twelve Apostles, then immediately turns outward to heal, liberate, and bless the crowds. Prayer leads to mission.

Connection of the Readings

The message is clear: Christ is the centre. Paul insists that our faith must remain firmly rooted in Christ; Jesus models that deep communion with the Father in prayer leads to life-giving mission. Psalm 145 reassures us that God’s compassion sustains all.

Saint Peter Claver lived this rhythm beautifully: prayer, rootedness in Christ, and concrete love. He ministered to enslaved Africans brought to Cartagena in horrific conditions, offering food, medicine, and above all human dignity. His motto: “We must speak to them with our hands before we try to speak to them with our lips.”

Reflection Questions

  1. Am I truly rooted in Christ, or do I allow myself to be swayed by worldly ideologies and comforts?

  2. How does my prayer life lead me to compassion and concrete action?

  3. Like Saint Peter Claver, who today are the “forgotten” people I am called to reach out to?

Implications for the Jubilee Year and Synodality

  • The Jubilee calls us to rediscover our roots in Christ—not as individuals only, but as a pilgrim people.

  • The Synod invites us to listen, walk together, and include the marginalized. Peter Claver embodies synodality in action—he made himself one with the oppressed.

Inspiration / Motivation

Faith is not a decoration but a foundation. When rooted in Christ, we bear fruits of love, service, and courage—even in hostile conditions.

Quote

“Seek God in all things and you shall find God by your side.” – Saint Peter Claver

Final Thoughts

Prayer without action becomes empty; action without prayer becomes shallow. The life of Saint Peter Claver shows us that when faith is rooted in Christ, it blossoms into mercy for the least and forgotten.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
keep me rooted in You, firm in faith and rich in love.
Like Saint Peter Claver,
may my prayer open me to compassion,
my faith lead me to justice,
and my heart expand to embrace the poor and oppressed.
Help me to walk with others in humility,
so that together we may bear witness to Your saving love.
Amen.

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