Catechism Links [1]
CCC 1346-1347: The Eucharist and the experience of the disciples at Emmaus
CCC 642-644, 857, 995-996: The apostles and disciples as witnesses of the Resurrection
CCC 102, 601, 426-429, 2763: Christ the key to interpreting all Scripture
CCC 519, 662, 1137: Christ, our Advocate in heaven
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| “Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles” by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Commentary on Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Following the earlier cure of the lame beggar, a crowd gathers in the temple area and St. Peter launches into the second kerygmatic discourse or proclamations about the nature of Christ. Peter uses a new title for the Savior, “The Author of Life.” He concludes this discourse with a call for conversion.
"This second address by St. Peter contains two parts: in the first (vv. 12-16) the apostle explains that the miracle has been worked in the name of Jesus and through faith in this name; [...] This discourse has the same purpose as that of Pentecost - to show the power of God made manifest in Jesus Christ and to make the Jews see the seriousness of their crime and have them repent." [5]
CCC: Acts 3:13-14 597; Acts 3:13 599; Acts 3:14 438, 601; Acts 3:15-16 2666; Acts 3:15 612, 626, 632, 635; Acts 3:17-18 591, 600; Acts 3:17 597; Acts 3:18 601; Acts 3:19-21 674
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9
Commentary on Ps 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9
Psalm 4 is an individual lament. In these strophes we hear the trust the psalmist has in God whose saving works cause the faithful to tremble in awe of God’s mercy. Assurance of God's mercy and protection brings the peace that sets hearts to rest and joy to life.
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Reading II: 1 John 2:1-5a
Commentary on 1 Jn 2:1-5a
This selection provides a principal teaching of St. John. He writes to the faithful that they might know the commandments of Christ. He then tells them that in order to keep from sin they must keep Jesus’ commandments. He contrasts professed faith and observed actions, saying that if you say you belong to Christ but do not follow his commandments, you are a liar. (see also 1 John 4:20, 1 John 5:10).
CCC: 1 Jn 2:1-2 1460; 1 Jn 2:1 519, 692, 2634; 1 Jn 2:2 605, 606
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Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
Commentary on Lk 24:35-48
This is the first appearance of the Risen Christ to the disciples immediately following his appearance on the road to Emmaus, the account of which is referenced at the beginning of this selection. No mention is made of St. Thomas’ presence or absence as in the account from St. John (see John 20:19-31). He shows the disciples his wounds, and then to prove he is corporeal, he asks for food and eats in front of them.
As with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus “opened their minds” so they could see how the Law and Prophets were fulfilled in him. Then, satisfied that they believe, the Lord brings them to understand the prophetic significance of what had taken place. He concludes pointedly by saying: “You are witnesses to these things.” This statement is important since later in St. Luke’s narrative in the Acts of Apostles, their witness becomes the foundation of faith for others.
CCC: Lk 24:36 641, 645; Lk 24:38 644; Lk 24:39 644, 645, 645, 999; Lk 24:40 645; Lk 24:41-43 645; Lk 24:41 644; Lk 24:43 2605; Lk 24:44-48 652; Lk 24:44-46 112; Lk 24:44-45 572, 601; Lk 24:44 702, 2625, 2763; Lk 24:45 108; Lk 24:46 627; Lk 24:47-48 730; Lk 24:47 981, 1120, 1122; Lk 24:48-49 1304
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Reflection:
St. John does not mince his words: “Those who say, "I know him (Jesus)," but do not keep his commandments are liars…” We can differentiate this from Jesus’ attacks on the Pharisees. He called them “hypocrites” (Matthew 6, 2ff, Mark 7:6, and Luke 13:15).
A hypocrite is defined as: “a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.”[6]
We contrast that word with the one used so forcefully by the Evangelist – he calls those who claim to know Christ, but whose actions belie stated beliefs, liars. The same source defines the word “liar” as: “A person who knowingly utters falsehood; one who lies.”[7]
In reality, hypocrisy as demonstrated by the Pharisees is more easily forgiven. Their pious deeds of praying, fasting, and alms-giving, while not heartfelt, at least attempted to serve God’s purpose. (Do we really believe that the Pharisees felt they were being dishonest in their rigorous practice of the faith?) The Christian, on the other hand, who claims to know the Lord, to understand Christ’s will for his followers, but knowingly acts in sinful ways is more culpable.
Whether liar or hypocrite, the teaching point is clear. As Christians we have two important goals to accomplish. First we are called to have faith in Jesus Christ, that he is the Anointed One of God, and sent by God so that we might obtain life through the forgiveness of our sins. As St. John
The second goal also follows the injunction of the Evangelist. We are to be proof to the world that Jesus lives, and through his followers, continues to demonstrate his love to the world. If we believe in Jesus, we seek to understand what he calls us to be. What he calls us to be is evidence in the world that Christ lives in his faithful followers. St. John
At last, here is an actionable statement. All we need to do is to understand the commandments of Jesus. Throughout the New Testament, the Gospels give us a number of “sayings” of Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount is a virtual litany of blessings to be given to those who follow God with a sincere heart. There is, however, only one place in which Jesus tells us what he considers to be the “greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:36). It is the same commandment that St. John
The love of God and love of others is so important that St. Luke calls it our means to life in his Gospel (Luke 10:25-28). St. John vehemently proclaims in his Gospel and his epistles as our key to living the faith we have been called to. It is the reason Jesus died, and the reason he returned to us. What more can we ask? It is God’s love personified and returned to us time and again.
Pax
[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, Published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014
[2] The picture used is “Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles” by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11
[5] The Navarre Bible, “Gospels and Acts”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, pp. 738
[6] hypocrite. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hypocrite
[7] liar. (n.d.). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/liar
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