Optional Memorial for Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest and Martyr
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“Christ Blessing the Children”
by Nicolaes Maes, 1652-53 |
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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
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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 “Christ Blessing the Children” by Nicolaes Maes, 1652-53.
[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.
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