& Saint Athanasius, Bishop, Doctor
Biographical Information about St. Athanasius[1]
Readings for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 12:24—13:5a
In this story from Acts we hear of the first missionary effort into Asia Minor. The Holy Spirit influences this action through Prophets among the members the missionary church at Antioch to send Barnabas and Saul. Note, the effort begins on Cyprus in the Synagogues. The word spreads.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
While Psalm 67 is a group lament or petition asking for a bountiful harvest, this selection points to the universal salvation promised by God to all the peoples.
Gospel Jn 12:44-50
Setting the stage for this passage from St. John’s Gospel, we find Jesus in the Temple precincts again, this time after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He has been teaching and while many believed that he was the Messiah, the Pharisees were intimidating and most did not acknowledge this belief. Jesus expresses his frustration in this passage as we hear; “Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me”.
He goes on to explain that he (Jesus) and the Father are one and that not only was he sent by God, but that all he said, is saying, is from God.
Reflection:
We are still in Eastertide and St. John’s Gospel continues to bring home the point that Jesus, who was crucified and raised from the dead, is one with God, is of God, is both messenger and message. That final part of the Lord’s example is what we need to focus on in our own lives.
Christ came into the world and, in his public ministry, gathered people about him that could emulate him. That means not just live the nomadic life of one sent to spread the Good News throughout the land, but also who could conform their minds and hearts to his. What is in the mind and in the heart will be seen in actions that unfold through that same impulse.
That is what is meant when we say that Jesus was both messenger and message. He not only told us what we must do to follow the will of God, but showed us through his own example what that means. Can we profess Christ Crucified and act as though that act had no bearing on what we do and how we react to the world?
How many times have we prayed; “God, please show me what you want me to do. Show me the way to serve you best.” In our listening silence do we hear the whisper –“I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” We must ask our selves in those situations what is the Message and how should the Messenger communicate it.
He didn’t say it would be easy.
Pax
[1] The image used today is an Icon of St. Athanasius from St. Mary Orthodox Coptic Church in Pasadena, CA, Artist is UNKNOWN.
[2] After Links Expire
Biographical Information about St. Athanasius[1]
Readings for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 12:24—13:5a
In this story from Acts we hear of the first missionary effort into Asia Minor. The Holy Spirit influences this action through Prophets among the members the missionary church at Antioch to send Barnabas and Saul. Note, the effort begins on Cyprus in the Synagogues. The word spreads.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
While Psalm 67 is a group lament or petition asking for a bountiful harvest, this selection points to the universal salvation promised by God to all the peoples.
Gospel Jn 12:44-50
Setting the stage for this passage from St. John’s Gospel, we find Jesus in the Temple precincts again, this time after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He has been teaching and while many believed that he was the Messiah, the Pharisees were intimidating and most did not acknowledge this belief. Jesus expresses his frustration in this passage as we hear; “Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me”.
He goes on to explain that he (Jesus) and the Father are one and that not only was he sent by God, but that all he said, is saying, is from God.
Reflection:
We are still in Eastertide and St. John’s Gospel continues to bring home the point that Jesus, who was crucified and raised from the dead, is one with God, is of God, is both messenger and message. That final part of the Lord’s example is what we need to focus on in our own lives.
Christ came into the world and, in his public ministry, gathered people about him that could emulate him. That means not just live the nomadic life of one sent to spread the Good News throughout the land, but also who could conform their minds and hearts to his. What is in the mind and in the heart will be seen in actions that unfold through that same impulse.
That is what is meant when we say that Jesus was both messenger and message. He not only told us what we must do to follow the will of God, but showed us through his own example what that means. Can we profess Christ Crucified and act as though that act had no bearing on what we do and how we react to the world?
How many times have we prayed; “God, please show me what you want me to do. Show me the way to serve you best.” In our listening silence do we hear the whisper –“I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” We must ask our selves in those situations what is the Message and how should the Messenger communicate it.
He didn’t say it would be easy.
Pax
[1] The image used today is an Icon of St. Athanasius from St. Mary Orthodox Coptic Church in Pasadena, CA, Artist is UNKNOWN.
[2] After Links Expire
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