Word of the Week

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Crucified: Sustauroo (Gk.): meaning “to crucify alone with”, or “to accompany or be at one’s side”. This Greek term is derived from the Gk. stauroo, which speaks to the more general definition of crucifixion; that most excruciating death by stakes and ultimately asphyxiation.

Being led by the Spirit of God, we enter into a more profound union with Christ when we crucify the desires of the flesh, and live according to the gifts of the Spirit (cf. CCC, 2555; cf. Gal.5:24). Essentially, we accompany Christ to the extent that we share in the mystery of the crucifixion of Christ (cf. CCC, 618).

The aforementioned sustauroo can be found five times in the New Testament. While the gospels speak to this term when talking about those prisoners who were crucified with Christ at the time of his crucifixion (cf. Mt.27:44; Mk.15:32; Jn.19:32), Paul employs this Greek term to speak of his union with Christ by way his suffering (cf. Gal.2:20). In fact, Paul claims such a union, that he has the authority to proclaim that “it is no longer I living, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal.2:21)—the maxim of spiritual poverty.

In the past we have touched upon the themes of both sonship and suffering. Today’s readings help us to better understand that sonship in Christ is a call that is endured by way of suffering. The cross becomes the paradigm in this great truth concerning Christendom. In the feat of Calvary, Christ abandons himself entirely to the will of his Father proving that our greatest Christian victories come by way of sonship and suffering. Consequently, Paul’s lesson for this Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time is to remind us of our call to accompany Christ in his crucifixion as sons and daughters of God.

“The crucified Christ reveals the authentic meaning of freedom; he lives it fully in the total gift of himself and calls his disciples to share in his freedom.”

--Pope John Paul II

Primary Texts Consulted

•  Catholic Bible. Suggested trans. Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition.
•  Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Edition, 1997.

The Catholic Hour Home Page
Comments or Questions?
Contact Webmaster