Fifth Sunday of Easter

Catechism Links [1]
 
CCC 2746-2751: Christ’s prayer at the Last Supper
CCC 661, 1025-1026, 2795: Christ opens for us the way to heaven
CCC 151, 1698, 2614, 2466: Believing in Jesus
CCC 1569-1571: The order of deacons
CCC 782, 803, 1141, 1174, 1269, 1322: “A chosen race, a royal priesthood”

“First Deacons Appointed” Detail
by Fra Angelico, c. 1339

 
Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter [2]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [3]
 
Readings and Commentary: [4]
 
Reading 1: Acts 6:1-7
 
As the number of disciples continued to grow,
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,
“It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.”
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community,
so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the apostles
who prayed and laid hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread,
and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly;
even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 6:1-7
This account from Acts of the Apostles is considered to be the institution of the diaconate or the Order of Deacons. There is a clear delineation of roles. The apostles retain their pastoral role as shepherds of the faith (through “prayer and ministry of the word”), while assigning the service role (distribution of food and material to the needy) to Stephen and his six brother deacons. It is noteworthy to observe that Stephen and Philip especially began their own service of the word as well, but in an evangelical rather than liturgical way.
 
Understanding the roots of the imposition of hands is key to understanding the rationale for its use as an ordaining function. While this was a Hebrew tradition for designating a person for a task, it was later adopted by the Church as a mark of ordination and sacramental selection by God. ("From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of baptism.” [5]).
 
CCC: Acts 6:6 2632; Acts 6:7 595, 1569
-------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
 
R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Exult, you just, in the Lord;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the Lord on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Upright is the word of the Lord,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
 
Psalm 33 is a hymn of praise. In these strophes, we hear the note of thanksgiving for God’s salvation and complete faith in God’s mercy. The final strophe (v. 18-19) hearkens to a time of great tribulation where the Lord’s saving hand was clearly seen. (“The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness.”) This song also can also be applied to the virtue of the seven deacons  (See Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:12-13 "Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy”).
 
-------------------------------------------
Reading 2: 1 Peter 2:4-9
 
Beloved:
Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings
but chosen and precious in the sight of God,
and, like living stones,
let yourselves be built into a spiritual house
to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
For it says in Scripture:
Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone, chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.
Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone, and
A stone that will make people stumble,
and a rock that will make them fall.
They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.
 
You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people of his own,
so that you may announce the praises” of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Pt 2:4-9
 
St. Peter begins this selection exhorting the Christian reader to build the spiritual house of God. He tells the Christian to be part of that house and strengthen it through prayer and sacrifice (the reference here seems to point to the Eucharistic sacrifice common in the homes of the persecuted Church).
 
The passage continues with the “building” analogy, the use of the foundation and cornerstone simile. ”Christ is the cornerstone (cf. Isaiah 28:16) that is the foundation of the spiritual edifice of the Christian community (1 Peter 2:5). To unbelievers, Christ is an obstacle and a stumbling block on which they are destined to fall (1 Peter 2:8); cf. Romans 11:11.” [6]
 
CCC: 1 Pt 2:1-10 2769; 1 Pt 2:4-5 1141, 1179; 1 Pt 2:4 552; 1 Pt 2:5 756, 901, 1268, 1330, 1546; 1 Pt 2:9 709, 782, 803, 1141, 1268, 1546
-------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 14:1-12
 
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.”
Thomas said to him,
“Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him,
“Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.”
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 14:1-12
This dialogue with the disciples takes place at the Last Supper. Jesus has already responded to Peter and now Thomas chimes in with: “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” To which Jesus responds with a phrase known to all Christians: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” He ends with another phrase that has been used and twisted throughout the history of Christianity: “No one comes to the Father except through me.”
 
Also in this passage from St. John’s Gospel, part of the “Many Dwellings” discourse, we see the confusion in some of the disciples. St. Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father. This request allows Jesus to remind them that he and the Father are one, and that since they have seen Jesus, they have seen the Father.
 
He concludes this passage with a clear statement about the power of faith in himself 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.
 
CCC: Jn 14:1 151; Jn 14:2-3 2795; Jn 14:2 661; Jn 14:3 1025; Jn 14:6 74, 459, 1698, 2466, 2614; Jn 14:9-10 470; Jn 14:9 516
-------------------------------------------
Reflection:
 
In 1986, a few years after I was ordained for St. Thomas by the late Bishop Povish, I was asked to do a talk on Mary by the Altar Rosary Society.  At that time, the parish offices were housed across the street in what is now Saint Catherine House.  I needed to get keys for the space I was going to use and as I was leaving the house our pastor, Fr. Lundsford (now monsignor) call me to him at the door of rectory across the street. 
 
Being a zealous and spry (I was just 38 at the time.) young deacon, I rushed down the stairs intending to go diagonally across the street to meet father.  What I had not realized was that someone had decided to re-plant grass on the right of way and had strung a rope on the far side of the sidewalk along Elizabeth Street between me and the road. When I saw it I had a choice to make.  I was moving to quickly to stop so I could try to jump over it, duck under it, or run through it.  I ducked under. 
 
This action put me off balance, my body ahead of my feet and, rather than fall in the dirt (I was wearing a suit.) I decided to run my feet under me.  But, when I got onto the pavement it became clear that I was too overbalanced to do that so, remembering my days as a college gymnast, I decided to tuck and roll, minimizing the damage to my suit.
 
I had not taken into account the 15 years that had passed since my gymnastic career had ended and found upon sitting up in the middle of Elizabeth Street that I had broken my collar bone.  I missed my talk with the ladies of the Altar Rosary Society and almost scared Fr. Lundsford to death.
 
You may wonder why I told this story today.  No, it is not because I was thinking of the many dwellings Jesus mentions in the Gospel.  And it was not to astound you that the old deacon you now see was once an athlete.  I suppose you could think that I should have built a house of living stone as St. Peter suggested in the epistle and that’s not it either. And I was not trying for martyrdom following St. Stephen, the first deacon mentioned in the reading from Acts of the Apostles.
 
The big and rather disappointing lesson I learned that day was my body could no longer do what my mind remembered doing those 15 years ago.  I had not practiced, and my remembered skill was gone, just when I needed it.  And it occurred to me as I listened to the disciples, uncharacteristically not understanding what Jesus was telling them in the Gospel discourse (in St. John’s Gospel the disciples usually understand instantly the important lessons Jesus teaches), that if we do not continue to build our faith through practice that when it comes time to follow the Lord, we not be able to do so.  Our faith, while a gift from God, must be exercised.
 
The path each of us has accepted, and we say this because you are here, worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is a difficult one.  Jesus knew this clearly when he gave his “many dwellings” discourse.  He knew that once he was gone, once he had accepted his great passion and returned to the Father, these friends of his would carry on his great work of salvation.  They would spread the word that he had been spreading and like him, they would encounter fear, greed, and hatred.  They would be put to the test and would follow him.  Indeed, all but one of their number would be put to death and the one who survived would do so on a remote island.
 
One of their number reminds us of how important it is to build our inner spiritual strength so we can continue to follow the way Christ leads.  St. Peter tells the early Christians to “build spiritual bodies using the very rock of our salvation, the rock the builders rejected, the stumbling stone for the scribes and Pharisees, the Messiah that did not fit their image as a savior.  It is that spiritual rock that must be our armor against the world that has not fallen in love with Jesus but resents almost everything he stands for.
 
How do we build this armor, develop a faith that can withstand the kind of rejection that society will certainly heap upon us if we dare to be visible disciples of the Lord in our places of business, at school, or just in public?  We must learn who Jesus is and do our best to be like him. 
 
Jesus was formed in Scripture.  We must form ourselves with the Bible.
 
Jesus constantly talked to his Heavenly Father in prayer.  We must be a people of prayer.
 
Jesus loved all those with whom he had contact.  We must be a people who love, not hate.
 
Jesus reminded called everyone to follow his way, the way to the Father.  That must be our invitation to others as well.
 
This is very difficult, and it is not popular, less so today than even 40 years ago.  But it is what we are called to be and if we don’t exercise our faith through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments that give us grace and strengthen us, we will, one day, find that we have lost those muscles and cannot make that final climb.  As much as we hate to exercise, this is an area we cannot ignore.  Great words today from those who have gone before us in faith.
 
Pax

In other years on May 3rd: Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles

[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 is “First Deacons Appointed” Detail by Fra Angelico, c. 1339.
[3] S.S. Commemoratio
[4] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[5] CCC 1288.
[6] NAB footnote on 1 Peter 2:4-8.

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Proper readings for the Memorial of St. Athanasius
 
Biographical information about St. Athanasius

“St. Athanasius”
artist and date are unknown

 
Readings for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary:[3]
 
Reading 1: Acts 13:44-52
 
On the following sabbath
almost the whole city
gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy
and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,
"It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
but since you reject it
and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us,
I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation
to the ends of the earth."
 
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this
and glorified the word of the Lord.
All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread
through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers
and the leading men of the city,
stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them
and went to Iconium.
 
The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 13:44-52
 
This excerpt is part of Paul’s first missionary trip. His encounter with the Jewish community in Antioch continues.  He had finished his exhortation about Jesus the Messiah to the members of that community. We see the angry rejection by many of the Jews.  Once the Jews refuse to acknowledge Christ as Messiah, we are given Paul’s logical defense.  He then turns to the Gentiles of the region who embrace the faith with great fervor, upsetting the Pharisaic community who then force Paul to leave.
 
"The opposition of these Jews, who in their jealousy contradict what Paul says, will from now be the typical attitude of the synagogue to the Gospel. It emerges everywhere the Apostle goes, with the exception of Beroea (cf. 17:10-12)." [4]
 
CCC: Acts 13:48 2640
-------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
 
R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
 
Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people, and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people, and they sing his praises in response. The Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies. Christians see the deeper expression of God’s love, as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.
 
This is an excellent example of how Christians, heirs to the Judeo-Christian truth, can see clearly in these ancient texts the references to the Christ: “The Lord has made his salvation known.” It is this event about which we “sing joyfully to the Lord.”
 
-------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 14:7-14
 
Jesus said to his disciples:
"If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to Jesus,
"Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do,
so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it."
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 14:7-14
 
In this passage from St. John’s Gospel, part of the “Many Dwellings” discourse, we find Jesus still responding to St. Philip’s request that Jesus 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 the Son of God, 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.
 
“Since Jesus is going to the Father and the divine glory will transform his humanity, Jesus will be in the position to hear and answer prayers. Like these “greater works,” the granting of these petitions asked by the disciples in communion with Jesus reveals the glorified humanity of the Son existing with the father, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [5]
 
CCC: Jn 14:9-10 470; Jn 14:9 516; Jn 14:13-14 2614; Jn 14:13 2614, 2633, 2815
-------------------------------------------
Reflection:
 
Some days it is harder than others to hear God’s voice and respond. Some days we know that our message to others will not be heard or we, the messengers, will be ineffective in proclaiming it. There is probably a great prayer written 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.”
 
Sts. Paul and Barnabas, in our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, clearly knew they were in that situation. They are back in 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 of God, which had been given to them, the chosen people. And worse still, from the perspective of the Jewish leadership, 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.
 
When we get tired of the rejection of our Gospel, lived in our daily lives, when we grow weary thinking, we have failed let us remember those words of the Lord and take heart: “whatever you ask in my name, I will do.” But a word of caution – the Lord’s time is not our time.
 
Pax
 

---

[1] The picture is “St. Athanasius” artist and date are unknown.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] The Navarre Bible, Gospels and Acts (Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002), 806.
[5] Francis Martin and William M. Wright IV, The Gospel of John (Baker Academic, Grand Rapids MI © 2015), 247.

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Optional Memorial for Saint Joseph the Worker
 
Proper readings for the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker
 
Biographical information for St. Joseph the Worker

“The Face of Jesus”  
by Ariel Agemian, 1935

 
Readings for Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary: [3]
 
Reading 1: Acts 13:26-33
 
When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue:
"My brothers, children of the family of Abraham,
and those others among you who are God-fearing,
to us this word of salvation has been sent.
The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him,
and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets
that are read sabbath after sabbath.
For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence,
they asked Pilate to have him put to death,
and when they had accomplished all that was written about him,
they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb.
But God raised him from the dead,
and for many days he appeared to those
who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem.
These are now his witnesses before the people.
We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you
that what God promised our fathers
he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus,
as it is written in the second psalm,
You are my Son; this day I have begotten you."
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 13:26-33
 
In this passage from Acts we find Paul on his first missionary journey to Asia. He is speaking to a mixed crowd of Jews and Gentiles, explaining that Jesus came to fulfill what was written in the Hebrew Scriptures. He concludes his discourse with a quote from Psalm 2:7: "You are my Son; this day I have begotten you." For the Jews this proclamation by the psalmist would have seemed a natural continuation of the understanding of the Hebrew people in salvation history, that the "chosen people" should enjoy God's promised salvation (in the resurrection). For the Gentiles the adoption by God, implicit in the quote, would have been seen as an invitation.
 
CCC: Acts 13:27-28 597; Acts 13:29 601; Acts 13:31 647; Acts 13:32-33 638; Acts 13:32 653; Acts 13:33 445, 2606
-------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab
 
R. (7bc) You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
"I myself have set up my king
on Zion, my holy mountain."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:
The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you."
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
"Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You shall rule them with an iron rod;
you shall shatter them like an earthen dish."
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
And now, O kings, give heed;
take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;
with trembling rejoice.
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab
 
Psalm 2 is a “royal psalm.” The proclamation of adoption is set in legal terms of the day to establish the relationship between people and God. We hear in this language the baptismal adoption we received, making us God’s children and favored above all creation.
 
CCC: Ps 2:6-7 745; Ps 2:7-8 2606; Ps 2:7 441, 653, 2836
-------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 14:1-6
 
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father's house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way."
Thomas said to him,
"Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me."
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on John 14:1-6
 
This dialogue with the disciples is taking place at the Last Supper. Jesus has already responded to Peter and now Thomas continues to question with: “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” To which Jesus responds with a phrase known to all Christians: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” He ends with another phrase that has been used throughout the history of Christianity, from an evangelical perspective as an invitation, and negatively as a statement of exclusivity: “No one comes to the Father except through me.”
 
"Thomas, the loyal but undiscerning disciple (cf. 11:16), voices the incomprehension of the rest of the group. His question echoes that of Peter in 13:36, and reflects a complete failure to grasp the implications of vv 2–3. He seems to want to know precisely where the Father’s house is located and where Jesus is going to prepare a place for them (cf. Hort: 'In his eyes the journey must be like one from land to land, or, as we might say, from planet to planet'; The Way, the Truth and the Life, 15).
 
"The disciple’s lack of understanding, as so often, provides opportunity for Jesus to clarify the revelation. The saying is commonly recognized as ranking with 3:16 as an outstanding expression of the Gospel. 'It forms a classical summary of the Johannine doctrine of salvation that is based entirely on Jesus Christ' (Schnackenburg, 3:65)." [4]
 
CCC: Jn 14:1 151; Jn 14:2-3 2795; Jn 14:2 661; Jn 14:3 1025; Jn 14:6 74, 459, 1698, 2466, 2614
-------------------------------------------
Reflection:
 
For the past several days we have been very focused on our faith in Jesus and how that faith leads us in life. Today we are given a glimpse of the reward. John’s Gospel is so full of familiar phrases and sayings. Today we find two:
 
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
 
And
 
“I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
 
These two concepts are linked within this Scripture. First, the heavenly reward for living a life of faith: the Lord goes on before us to prepare a place for us. If we are faithful to what he has asked of us, we are given a home. This Scripture is frequently used as our consolation at wakes and funerals because of the great need for hope at these times. We get it here today and are grateful because we who struggle with our mortality need to be given this hope as well.
 
The second half of the second quote: “No one comes to the Father except through me” is problematic for many Christians and non-Christians alike. It tells us, if we look at it from the other direction, that unless you accept Jesus as God and Savior, you cannot get to the Father. That’s unambiguous. It also begs the “Gandhi Question” as it has been called. (Thanks for that label, Nic.)
 
This one statement is frequently used by biblical literalists to say that Jesus excludes any who do not, upon hearing of the existence of Christ, convert to Christianity. They point to this as an absolute doctrine of faith. (Ironically many in this same group also reject the equally unambiguous statement: “My body is real food and my blood real drink” (John 6:55) and say that is somehow symbolic.)
 
Just as we disagree with some who believe that the earth must have been created in six twenty-four hour days (because we disagree about God’s time-sense) we also remember that God’s perspective about time and ours are different when it comes to looking at eternal life.
 
All Christians believe that they will, in the end, come before the judgment seat of Christ. He will look at our faith and actions and decide if we are to come to him. As Catholics, our belief is more complex. We believe that before we can take our place with the Father and his Son, we must be washed clean of the earthly burden we take with us when our mortal bodies perish. (Would we go before Christ in filthy rags?)
 
This cleansing takes place in a state (not place) we call purgatory and thank God for it. In this state we have time/space to recant our earthly sins and become once more justified, that is just as if we had never sinned. With this in mind, the next statement should feel right. As we understand Jesus, true God and true Man, the Only Begotten Son of God who came into the world to save all mankind, he was perfect love and forgiveness. We look at very good people who do not believe in him because of geography or circumstance and say, Jesus would understand, Jesus would love, Jesus would forgive and give another chance. As someone very dear to me has said; “Gandhi may not have believed in Jesus, but Jesus believed in Gandhi.”
 
We, as Catholics, say each time we attend Mass: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”(Matthew 8:8) We receive Christ and he receives us, not by some merit on our part, but because of his great love for us. We cannot be perfect in this life, but we believe we will see him, in his glory, face to face, when we are perfected in the new resurrection.
 
Pax
 

---

[1] The picture used is “The Face of Jesus”  by Ariel Agemian, 1935.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] George R. Beasley-Murray, John, vol. 36, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1999), 252.

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Optional Memorial for Saint Pius V, Pope, Religious
 
Proper readings for the Memorial of St. Pius V
 
Biographical information for St. Pius V

“Last Supper”
by Benedetto Caliari, c.1585

Readings for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary: [3]
 
Reading 1: Acts 13:13-25
 
From Paphos, Paul and his companions
set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia.
But John left them and returned to Jerusalem.
They continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia.
On the sabbath they entered into the synagogue and took their seats.
After the reading of the law and the prophets,
the synagogue officials sent word to them,
"My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation
for the people, please speak."
 
So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said,
"Fellow children of Israel and you others who are God-fearing, listen.
The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors
and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt.
With uplifted arm he led them out,
and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert.
When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan,
he gave them their land as an inheritance
at the end of about four hundred and fifty years.
After these things he provided judges up to Samuel the prophet.
Then they asked for a king.
God gave them Saul, son of Kish,
a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
Then he removed him and raised up David as their king;
of him he testified,
I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;
he will carry out my every wish.
From this man's descendants God, according to his promise,
has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel;
and as John was completing his course, he would say,
'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.
Behold, one is coming after me;
 
I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.'"
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 13:13-25
 
This is the first of several instances recorded in Acts in which St. Paul uses his scholarly knowledge of the Hebrew tradition to build up a logical rationale for Jesus as savior and Messiah. In this passage his development ends as he recounts the history of God’s covenant with the Jewish people, from their exodus from Egypt under Moses to the appearance of John the Baptist. John was a contemporary figure about whom these people would have been aware.
 
CCC: Acts 13:24 523
-------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27
 
R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
"I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
That my hand may be always with him,
and that my arm may make him strong."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
"My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,
and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
He shall say of me, 'You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.'"
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27
 
Psalm 89, taken as a whole, is a communal lament. This selection rejoices in God’s establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the promise of heavenly support for his kingdom.
 
CCC: Ps 89 709
-------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 13:16-20
 
When Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, he said to them:
"Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master
nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
I am not speaking of all of you.
I know those whom I have chosen.
But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled,
The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.
From now on I am telling you before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send
receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 13:16-20
 
This passage from St. John’s Gospel is set in the upper room following the Passover meal that was to be the Last Supper. The author’s account of the washing of the disciple’s feet and the immediate aftermath differs from the Synoptic versions, in that here the Lord announces his foreknowledge of the events to follow. Jesus uses this predictive ability to bring the reader to belief in Christ as the Son of God. (“I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”)
 
CCC: Jn 13:12-16 1694; Jn 13:12-15 1269; Jn 13:13 447; Jn 13:15 520; Jn 13:20 858
-------------------------------------------
Reflection:
 
What if Jesus had come to us, as many of the Jews of his day had expected, and immediately assumed a place of secular and political power, taking the seat of an emperor or king? What if, instead of walking through Galilee teaching and performing signs of healing and forgiveness, he had, with a mere effort of will, taken the seat of the emperor of Rome (as with the feeding of the multitudes)? How would that example have changed how we understand God the Father whom Jesus, his Son, came to reveal?
 
We would never have understood that, even though we may have great wealth or power, our duty as Jesus’ followers is to serve others. We are to be stewards of God’s gifts, not kings to wield them as our own.
 
In the Gospel today, Jesus has just finished washing the feet of his disciples (including Judas). In the selection just proclaimed, he forces them to look at this servant role and understand that, as he has performed this act of humble service, they too are to express the love of God to others through this attitude of servant leadership.
 
It is of this very attitude that the Lord tells us: “If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.” Today we are called to express our belief in the Risen Lord by recalling to others his humility and love. We express this love as our Savior commands, in humble service to others for the praise and glory of God the Father.
 
Pax

---

[1] The picture used is “Last Supper” by Benedetto Caliari, c.1585.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Proper readings for the Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena

 
Biographical information about St. Catherine of Siena

"The Ecstasy of St Catherine of Siena"
by Pompeo Batoni, 1743

Readings for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary: [3]
 
Reading 1: Acts 12:24—13:5a
 
The word of God continued to spread and grow.
 
After Barnabas and Saul completed their relief mission,
they returned to Jerusalem,
taking with them John, who is called Mark.
 
Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
"Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul
for the work to which I have called them."
Then, completing their fasting and prayer,
they laid hands on them and sent them off.
 
So they, sent forth by the Holy Spirit,
went down to Seleucia
and from there sailed to Cyprus.
When they arrived in Salamis,
they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 12:24—13:5a
 
In this story from Acts we hear of St. Paul’s first missionary effort into Asia Minor. There is some discussion about v. 24.  Some translations say Barnabas and Saul returned "to Jerusalem" while others say they returned "from Jerusalem."  Since, from this point forward, St. Luke focuses on the Church at Antioch, we will assume they returned "from" Jerusalem.
 
The structure of the community at Antioch is described in some detail.  Not only did they have leadership ordained to lead the assembly, but they also had "prophets and teachers."  These individuals had special roles within the community.  It is clear that they were having liturgical celebrations, almost certainly eucharistic in character.  In the context of communal worship, the Holy Spirit influences missionary action through prophets and teachers.
 
The members ordain a task for Barnabas and Saul; "they laid hands on them," sending them on their journey. Note, the effort begins in the synagogues on Cyprus. The word spreads.
 
CCC: Acts 13:2 1070; Acts 13:3 699, 2632
-------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8
 
R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8
 
Psalm 67 is a blessing and has elements of the ancient blessing of Aaron from Numbers 6:22ff. This blessing has more of a plaintive tone (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: John 12:44-50
 
Jesus cried out and said,
"Whoever believes in me believes not only in me
but also in the one who sent me,
and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.
I came into the world as light,
so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.
And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them,
I do not condemn him,
for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.
Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words
has something to judge him: the word that I spoke,
it will condemn him on the last day,
because I did not speak on my own,
but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.
And I know that his commandment is eternal life.
So what I say, I say as the Father told me."
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on 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 many present 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.'”
 
Jesus goes on to explain that he and the Father are one, and that, not only was he sent by God, but that all he said was from God. We note also that Jesus says that those who do not believe in him will not be condemned by the Lord; rather they condemn themselves through their own actions, and will be so judged on the last day.
 
CCC: Jn 12:46 2466; Jn 12:48 679; Jn 12:49 1039
-------------------------------------------
Reflection:
 
We are still in Eastertide and St. John’s Gospel continues to bring home the point that Jesus, who was crucified and rose from the dead, is one with God, is of God and is both messenger and message.  That final part of the Lord’s example is what we need to focus on in our own lives.
 
The Scripture from the Acts of the Apostles shows us how a second generation of evangelists was formed and sent out.  The Word of God was well and truly launched into new territory.  The mission of Christ on earth was on its way to the people of the whole Roman Empire, not just the little corner of Palistine.
 
Christ came into the world and, in his public ministry, gathered people about him that could emulate him.  That means people who could not just live the nomadic life of one sent to spread the Good News throughout the land, but also those 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 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 what that means through his own example.  Can we profess Christ Crucified, and act as though that event 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 ourselves 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 picture is "The Ecstasy of St Catherine of Siena" by Pompeo Batoni, 1743.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.