Readings for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 13:44-52
This excerpt is part of Paul’s first missionary trip. His encounter with the Jewish Community in Antioch begins with his exhortation about Jesus the Messiah to the members of that community. Much of what is said in the verses missing from this reading relate to how the Lord came in fulfillment of the scriptures.
We pick up in the second part of the reading were the Jews refuse Paul’s logical apology. He then turns to the Gentiles of the region who embrace the faith with great fervor, upsetting the Pharisaic community which then forces Paul to leave.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Psalm 98 (much like Ps. 96) is a song of thanksgiving for God’s salvation. Once again, as the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.
Gospel John 14:7-14
In this passage from St. John’s Gospel, part of the “Many Dwellings” discourse, we find a rare glimpse of the confusion in some of the disciples. Here St. Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father. This request is a platform for Jesus to once again remind them that He (Jesus) and the Father are one that they have seen him and they have seen the Father.
He concludes this passage with a clear statement about the power of faith in Him (Jesus), saying that whatever is asked for in his name will be granted. Note especially that Jesus says these prayers (requests) will be granted for the glory of the Father.
Reflection:
Some days it is harder than others to hear God’s call and respond. Some days we know that our message to others will not be heard or we the messengers will be ineffective in bearing it. There is probably a great prayer somewhere for those of us who try to take God’s Good News out with us when we leave each day to go our various ways. Perhaps one of the best reminders around is one that used to hang inside a small church in rural Michigan over the main doors that read (as you exited) “Beware – you are now entering mission territory”.
St. Paul and Barnabas, in our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles clearly knew they were in that situation. They are back in Pisidian Antioch and St. Paul had just finished his first kerygmatic proclamation. While his speech was eloquent, the Jews who were his first and principal audience rejected what he said. So he “took it to the streets” as they say. He proclaimed the message to the gentiles in this cosmopolitan trading city. To the Jews, this was a slap in the face; one of their own inviting non-believers to hear the word God which had been given to them, the chosen people. And worse, the gentiles hear the truth and love it.
We see the result of St. Paul’s initiative. The Jewish community, very influential in Antioch, has Paul and Barnabas driven from the area. But too late, the seed has been planted and it will grow; “…whatever you ask in my name, I will do.” We see those words at work with the spreading of the Good News.
Today I will tell you, my vigil is complete and my mother has passed from this world to the next. What a great lady she was. Though most of you do not know her, as I now go forward into the most difficult situation I have ever faced to proclaim the good news of the resurrection (I speak of my grieving family), I leave you with a poem that she had clipped out of an old news paper and left for us by the place where she would sit and read before her final illness. It reminds me of a passage from Thessalonians but I leave that to you to judge as well.
Turn Again to Life
If I should die and leave you here awhile,
be not like others, sore undone,
who keep long vigil by the silent dust and weep.
For my sake, turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do that
which will comfort other souls than thine;
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine,
and I, perchance may therein comfort you.
– Mary Lee Hall
Pax
Please pray for Esther.
May her soul and the souls of all the just, rest in peace.
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The image today is “Christ taking leave of his apostles” by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 13:44-52
This excerpt is part of Paul’s first missionary trip. His encounter with the Jewish Community in Antioch begins with his exhortation about Jesus the Messiah to the members of that community. Much of what is said in the verses missing from this reading relate to how the Lord came in fulfillment of the scriptures.
We pick up in the second part of the reading were the Jews refuse Paul’s logical apology. He then turns to the Gentiles of the region who embrace the faith with great fervor, upsetting the Pharisaic community which then forces Paul to leave.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Psalm 98 (much like Ps. 96) is a song of thanksgiving for God’s salvation. Once again, as the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.
Gospel John 14:7-14
In this passage from St. John’s Gospel, part of the “Many Dwellings” discourse, we find a rare glimpse of the confusion in some of the disciples. Here St. Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father. This request is a platform for Jesus to once again remind them that He (Jesus) and the Father are one that they have seen him and they have seen the Father.
He concludes this passage with a clear statement about the power of faith in Him (Jesus), saying that whatever is asked for in his name will be granted. Note especially that Jesus says these prayers (requests) will be granted for the glory of the Father.
Reflection:
Some days it is harder than others to hear God’s call and respond. Some days we know that our message to others will not be heard or we the messengers will be ineffective in bearing it. There is probably a great prayer somewhere for those of us who try to take God’s Good News out with us when we leave each day to go our various ways. Perhaps one of the best reminders around is one that used to hang inside a small church in rural Michigan over the main doors that read (as you exited) “Beware – you are now entering mission territory”.
St. Paul and Barnabas, in our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles clearly knew they were in that situation. They are back in Pisidian Antioch and St. Paul had just finished his first kerygmatic proclamation. While his speech was eloquent, the Jews who were his first and principal audience rejected what he said. So he “took it to the streets” as they say. He proclaimed the message to the gentiles in this cosmopolitan trading city. To the Jews, this was a slap in the face; one of their own inviting non-believers to hear the word God which had been given to them, the chosen people. And worse, the gentiles hear the truth and love it.
We see the result of St. Paul’s initiative. The Jewish community, very influential in Antioch, has Paul and Barnabas driven from the area. But too late, the seed has been planted and it will grow; “…whatever you ask in my name, I will do.” We see those words at work with the spreading of the Good News.
Today I will tell you, my vigil is complete and my mother has passed from this world to the next. What a great lady she was. Though most of you do not know her, as I now go forward into the most difficult situation I have ever faced to proclaim the good news of the resurrection (I speak of my grieving family), I leave you with a poem that she had clipped out of an old news paper and left for us by the place where she would sit and read before her final illness. It reminds me of a passage from Thessalonians but I leave that to you to judge as well.
Turn Again to Life
If I should die and leave you here awhile,
be not like others, sore undone,
who keep long vigil by the silent dust and weep.
For my sake, turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do that
which will comfort other souls than thine;
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine,
and I, perchance may therein comfort you.
– Mary Lee Hall
Pax
Please pray for Esther.
May her soul and the souls of all the just, rest in peace.
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The image today is “Christ taking leave of his apostles” by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11
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