Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter - Mass in the Morning and Pentecost Vigil

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit day 9

 
Pentecost Sunday Vigil Mass

“St. Peter and Paul”
by El Greco, 1592

Readings for Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary: [3]
 
Reading 1: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
 
When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself,
with the soldier who was guarding him.
 
Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews.
When they had gathered he said to them, "My brothers,
although I had done nothing against our people
or our ancestral customs,
I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.
After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me,
because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty.
But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar,
even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.
This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you
and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel
that I wear these chains."
 
He remained for two full years in his lodgings.
He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance
and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Commentary on Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
 
In this selection from Acts we hear of St. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome and how he used his affiliation and knowledge of Jewish law and customs to reach out to the Jewish community in Rome with an eye to conversion. “Although the ending of Acts may seem to be abrupt, Luke has now completed his story with the establishment of Paul and the proclamation of Christianity in Rome. Paul's confident and unhindered proclamation of the gospel in Rome forms the climax to the story whose outline was provided in Acts 1:8—‘You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem [...] and to the ends of the earth.’” [4]
 
CCC: Acts 28:20 453
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 11:4, 5 and 7
 
R. (see 7b) The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD's throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold,
his searching glance is on mankind.
R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
The LORD searches the just and the wicked;
the lover of violence he hates.
For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face.
R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 11:4, 5 and 7
 
Psalm 11 is a song (not a prayer) of one who takes refuge in the temple of the Lord.  The psalmist sings of his trust in God’s protection and laments those who trade in violence. The song continues with praise for the one who is steadfast in God’s law.
 
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Gospel: John 21:20-25
 
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray you?"
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"
Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me."
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.
But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?"
 
It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books
that would be written.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 21:20-25
 
Here we see the very end of the Gospel of St. John. In it we pick up the dialog between Jesus and Peter. Jesus has just told Peter he will be led where he does not wish to go indicating that Peter will suffer martyrdom. Peter sees St. John following and asks about his fate, to which the Lord replies “What if I want him to remain until I come?” Peter interprets this as an affirmative statement and tells the others.
 
This part of the selection caused problems among the early Church when St. John did die before the Lord came again. The Church lost some credibility and followers as a consequence.
 
CCC: Jn 21:22 878; Jn 21:24 515
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Reflection:
 
The very end of the Gospel of St. John tells us something that we suspected throughout its reading to be true: that the “disciple whom Jesus loved” was the author himself. He alone among the disciples did not suffer martyrdom. Even Matthias, chosen to replace Judas the betrayer, was martyred for Christ. In his life St. John had time to reflect upon Jesus and all of the events of his life on earth. It was St. John’s community that often grasped the most significant meanings of these events and provided a theological subtext for our understanding of the three previous Gospels in our canon of the Bible: Mark, Matthew, and Luke – the synoptic Gospels.
 
From the evangelist's perspective, as he either wrote or more likely dictated this end to his great work, we wonder about his own feelings. He reveals in these final verses that he alone will not follow his Lord in the kind of death his brothers will suffer. Did he feel guilty? As he set those final words on the page, did he feel fulfilled, or did he look at his work as so many authors do and feel that he had not done credit to the subject of his most important work?
 
As the “Beloved Disciple” we can only speculate that he, knowing Jesus as intimately as he did, would have accepted his role as the one who must tell the story of Jesus with the clearest understanding of the Lord’s deeper intent and with a view born of decades of reflection and contemplation.
 
For us, who read his work and marvel at his truth these millennia later, Saint John’s Gospel is the Gospel of Love. Here more than any other book in Sacred Scripture do we most completely feel Christ’s love for us and hear most clearly his commandment to love God and love one another.
 
For the sake of the Savior of the world and to please the Beloved Disciple who even now must be “reclined upon his chest,” we pray that from this hour onward our effort to follow these simple-sounding commands will be redoubled.
 
Pax

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[1] The picture used is “St. Peter and Paul” by El Greco, 1592.
[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] NAB Footnote on Acts 28:30-31.

Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Optional Memorial for Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious
 
Proper readings for the Memorial of St. Rita of Cascia 
 
Biographical information about St. Rita of Cascia
 
Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit day 8

“Handing Over the Keys”
by Raphael, 1515-16

Readings for Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary: [3]
 
Reading 1: Acts 25:13b-21
 
King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea
on a visit to Festus.a
Since they spent several days there,
Festus referred Paul's case to the king, saying,
"There is a man here left in custody by Felix.
When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.
I answered them that it was not Roman practice
to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers
and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.
So when they came together here, I made no delay;
the next day I took my seat on the tribunal
and ordered the man to be brought in.
His accusers stood around him,
but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.
Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion
and about a certain Jesus who had died
but who Paul claimed was alive.
Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy,
I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem
and there stand trial on these charges.
And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody
for the Emperor's decision,
I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar." 
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 25:13b-21
 
Here we see the interesting secular response to the “Christian Controversy” from the perspective of St. Luke’s portrayal of the dialog between King Agrippa and Festus. This passage explains why St. Paul’s protective custody is about to be moved to Rome, fulfilling the apostle’s prophetic vision: "Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome” Acts 23:11. The Roman Procurator must respond under Roman law to a Roman citizen (which St. Paul claims to be).
 
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab
 
R. (19a) The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
The LORD has established his throne in heaven, 
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you his angels,
you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab
 
Psalm 103 is an individual hymn of praise. In this passage, the song acknowledges the blessings the Lord has given to those who believe in him, and then proclaims the universality of his reign.
 
CCC: Ps 103 304; Ps 103:20 329
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Gospel: John 21:15-19
 
After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them,
he said to Simon Peter,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
He said to him the third time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,
"Do you love me?" and he said to him,
"Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go."
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.
And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 21:15-19
 
This selection describes events following the passion and resurrection. Jesus has already revealed himself to the disciples in the “locked room.” He now addresses himself to St. Peter. St. Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times during the night of the Lord’s arrest. He now recants that betrayal with a threefold response to Jesus’ questions.
 
The First Vatican Council cited these verses in defining that Jesus, after his resurrection, gave St. Peter the jurisdiction of supreme shepherd and ruler over the whole flock. It is interesting to note that this section of St. John’s Gospel is referred to by Scripture scholars as “Peter’s rehabilitation.”
 
CCC: Jn 21:13-15 645; Jn 21:15-17 553, 881, 1429, 1551; Jn 20:19 575, 643, 645, 659
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Reflection:
 
We have a mission, given to us by Jesus. If we believe that Jesus came into the world to save it, and if we believe his instructions to the disciples must be applied to us, his modern-day disciples, then we must accept the mission he gave to Sts. Peter and Paul as our own.
 
Sacred Scripture is instructive in helping us understand how we are to do his will in an interesting way. In the story about St. Paul’s ongoing journey of evangelization from the reading in the Acts of the Apostles, we see how the apostle uses the secular legal system to respond to his part of Christ’s mission. St. Paul must have been tempted to follow Jesus' footsteps and accept being put on trial in Jerusalem by the same people who condemned the Lord. Instead, having received instructions from Jesus (Acts 23:11), St. Paul uses his Roman citizenship as a means to bring the Word of God to Rome, the very heart of the western world at that time.
 
This example helps us understand that we are not to be completely meek like sheep in the face of the secular world. We are not simply to roll over and embrace suffering in the face of our detractors. No! We have a mission to fulfill. And if the world hates that mission (as we have seen so many times), then we take comfort that it also hated Jesus in his day, and the apostles in theirs. But like them, we do not simply accept the secular judgment of those who would have us embrace hedonism and greed. We use the system to take the Word of God where it must go.
 
This is the message of St. Paul. This is also the message of Jesus who tells St. Peter to feed the sheep of kingdom of God. This mission is passed on to us, his hands in the world. We pray this day that we may be strong in the faith, using all our skill and knowledge to bring the love of Christ to the world.

Pax
 

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[1] The picture used is “Handing Over the Keys” by Raphael, 1515-16.
[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.

Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Optional Memorial for Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
 
Proper readings for the Memorial of St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions
 
Additional information about St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions
 
Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit day 7

“Jesus Prays With His Disciples”
by Alexandre Bida 1878

Readings for Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary: [3]
 
Reading 1: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
 
Wishing to determine the truth
about why Paul was being accused by the Jews,
the commander freed him
and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene.
Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.
 
Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees,
so he called out before the Sanhedrin,
"My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees;
I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead."
When he said this,
a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees,
and the group became divided.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection
or angels or spirits,
while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.
A great uproar occurred,
and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party
stood up and sharply argued,
"We find nothing wrong with this man.
Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"
The dispute was so serious that the commander,
afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them,
ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst
and take him into the compound.
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage.
For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,
so you must also bear witness in Rome."
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
 
In this passage about Paul’s return to Jerusalem, the apostle has been recognized as the one who is converting many outside Jerusalem to the “Way,” and the Jews are furious. A riot has broken out in the temple precincts (Paul takes a beating), and he is taken into custody by the Romans (probably saving his life).
 
The centurion, learning that Paul is a citizen of Rome, allows him to speak to the Sanhedrin as described in this selection. He has just recounted his conversion story to them, and now fuels an argument between the Sadducees and Pharisees over the concept of the resurrection, which the Pharisees believe in and the Sadducees deny. A second time Paul is rescued from Jewish violence by the Romans. Paul then hears from Jesus that he will be sent to Rome to bear witness there.
 

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
 
R. (1) Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you."
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
 
Psalm 16 is a song of thanksgiving that has become prophetic. It speaks clearly of the resurrection accomplished in Christ. It is a hymn of trust in God. Each strophe ends with an affirmation of faithfulness. Key, in the context of the Easter season, is the idea of trust in God who has conquered death and offers the same gift. ("Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.") The psalmist prays that God will shield the faithful from harm, and expresses confidence in the Lord’s salvation, closing the passage with praise for God’s loving mercy.
 
CCC: Ps 16:9-10 627
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Gospel: John 17:20-26
 
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
"I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them."
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Commentary on Jn 17:20-26
 
Here is the final part of the “High Priestly Prayer” from the Lord’s final discourse. In this selection we are joined with the disciples as Jesus prays “also for those who will believe in me through their word.” Again the theme of unity between the Father, the Son, and his followers is emphasized and brought to a conclusion with: “that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”
 
CCC: Jn 17 2604, 2746, 2758; Jn 17:21-23 260, 877; Jn 17:21 820; Jn 17:22 690; Jn 17:23-26 2750; Jn 17:24 2749, 2750, 2750; Jn 17:25 2751; Jn 17:26 589, 729, 2750
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Reflection:
 
Jesus prays for us in this part of the “High Priestly Prayer” from St. John’s Gospel. We are the ones who receive his word through the disciples, and we are the ones who recognize that it was his authority that sent them into the world that we might experience his love.
 
Even as we hear this message, we must ask ourselves the only question of importance: how do we live these words of faith? Our recognition that God loves us, and Christ, his Only Begotten Son, brought us understanding of his love, is at the heart of our faith. And faith, as we have been taught, is a gift from God freely given. (“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1) We come back then to what we do with faith? How do we share this gift?
 
St. Paul took the zealous approach of dedicating his life to spreading the word of God, even when doing so was dangerous to his life. For the vast majority of us, God does not ask us to place ourselves in physical danger as an act of faith. Rather, we are called to witness to his love though our actions and interactions with those around us. We are called to look for ways to express our faith by helping the poor, the downtrodden, and the marginalized. This frequently takes the form of helping those close to us, our family members, our friends, and our neighbors. In this day and age, we don’t have to look far or hard to find likely targets for God’s loving hand.
 
The prayer Christ offers today is for us on two levels. First, he prays that we recognize and accept the word of God passed down to us from the apostles; that we take that word to heart. Second, Jesus’ prayer begs that we too are recognized by others as passing the love he shares with us on to others. In this way the love of God continues to grow in the world.

Pax
 

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[1] The picture used is “Jesus Prays With His Disciples” by Alexandre Bida 1874.
[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.

Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Optional Memorial for Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest
 
Proper readings for the Memorial of St. Bernardine of Siena

Biographical information about St. Bernardine of Siena
 
Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit

“Paul's Farewell To The Ephesian Elders”
by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1851-60

 
Readings for Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary:[3]
 
Reading 1: Acts 20:28-38
 
At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus:
"Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock
of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers,
in which you tend the Church of God
that he acquired with his own Blood.
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you,
and they will not spare the flock.
And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth
to draw the disciples away after them.
So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day,
I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.
And now I commend you to God
and to that gracious word of his that can build you up
and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.
I have never wanted anyone's silver or gold or clothing.
You know well that these very hands
have served my needs and my companions.
In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort
we must help the weak,
and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
 
When he had finished speaking
he knelt down and prayed with them all.
They were all weeping loudly
as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,
for they were deeply distressed that he had said
that they would never see his face again.
Then they escorted him to the ship.
 
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Commentary on Acts 20:28-38
 
St. Paul is speaking to the presbyters that have been appointed over the various communities around Ephesus (a very large city at the time). He has already explained that he is returning to Jerusalem and does not believe he will see them again. Now he tells them to be on guard against false prophets and teachers, and against members of their own communities who will spread dissension. He reminds them finally to keep focused on the Lord’s commands and to remain charitable, supporting the community through work, rather than accepting payment for their leadership (using himself as an example).
 
CCC: Acts 20:32 798; Acts 20:36 2636
 
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab
 
R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Show forth, O God, your power,
the power, O God, with which you took our part;
For your temple in Jerusalem
let the kings bring you gifts.
R. Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,
chant praise to the Lord
who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.
Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:
"Confess the power of God!"
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Over Israel is his majesty;
his power is in the skies.
Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
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Commentary on Ps 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab
 
Psalm 68 continues the psalmist's hymn of thanksgiving. It sings of the great favor the Lord has shown to his chosen people. It rejoices in God’s salvation.  The psalmist exhorts the faithful to "Confess the power of God" which gives them strength.
 
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Gospel: John 17:11b-19
 
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
"Holy Father, keep them in your name
that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we are one.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth."
 
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Commentary on Jn 17:11b-19
 
This passage is a continuation of the “High Priestly Prayer” started earlier in St. John’s Gospel (John 17:1-11a). This part of the prayer begins with a plea for unity between the Father and the disciples (note the reference here to Judas Iscariot as the “son of destruction"). Still speaking directly to God, Jesus again says he is going to the Father, and that the disciples should share his joy at this prospect. He then asks the Father to keep them safe from the poison of sin (similar here to the petition in the Lord’s Prayer) and to consecrate them in truth (defining truth as the Word). In this instance “but that you keep them from the Evil One,” appears to refer specifically to the devil as opposed to some generic evil.
 
This passage closes as Jesus refers to how the world will receive these friends he sends into the world (“I gave them your word, and the world hated them”). This is why he asks at the outset: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.” He claims the faithful for the kingdom of heaven.
 
CCC: Jn 17:11 2747, 2749, 2750, 2750, 2815, 2849; Jn 17:12 2750, 2750; Jn 17:13 2747, 2749; Jn 17:15 2750, 2850; Jn 17:17-20 2821; Jn 17:17-19 2812; Jn 17:17 2466; Jn 17:18 858; Jn 17:19 611, 2747, 2749, 2812
 
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Reflection:
 
“They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.”
 
Think of what Jesus meant by this prayer to the Father! We do not belong to the world, yet, like the Lord when he was in the flesh, we walk in the world and must be part of it. But we do not belong to it. Is it any wonder that we sometimes feel out of place?
 
The Lord is fond of using parables. In his prayer, specifically in this part of his prayer, he implies that we are like seasoning in a dish to be placed in front of the king. Without the seasoning of the Good News, the dish that is the human race tastes wrong; something important is missing. It is the Good News the Lord brings that transforms the dish into something pleasant, into something delicious, that the king will enjoy and savor.
 
We become that seasoning which is not part of the dish. However, it is necessary for the offering to be pleasing to our King. All parts of the dish are flavored by seasoning. Just so, we reach out to all parts of the world, changing it by our presence but not being changed by it.
 
In order for us to remain unchanged by the world, there must be something about us that keeps us effectively unchanged by the parts of the world we encounter.  That is difficult; we must have at the core of our being an indelible character that can withstand the natural human tendency to adapt itself, to follow the path of least resistance.  As we have been warned so many times, the world does not like what is not its own.  And because we belong to Christ we do not belong to the world.
 
So how do we develop that indelible character, this non-negotiable set of values that makes us change what we encounter and not be changed by it?  It is our faith in Christ.  Our sure and certain knowledge that his will supersedes ours when it comes to our lives on earth.  It is his love for us that transforms us, makes us seasoning for those we meet.  They see in us the love of Christ, a love that shines out from us in the form of peace in the face of adversity, in compassion in the face of injustice or injury, and in our actions in support of those we meet, inviting them to share what we have been given.
 
We keep this core of faith alive and healthy with the sacraments: Eucharist, reconciliation, and, when we are ill, anointing of the sick.  We feed ourselves with prayer and allow prayer to guide us in our actions.
 
Today we hear Christ calling us to be in the world but not belong to it. We are to season those we encounter with the attitude of Christ who is love. May we live up to that great call.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Cliff R. Miles, my father. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
 
Pax

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[1] The picture is “Paul's Farewell To The Ephesian Elders” by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1851-60.
[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.

Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit

“Christ in Gethsemane”
by Heinrich Hofmann, 1886

Readings for Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary:[3]
 
Reading 1: Acts 20:17-27
 
From Miletus Paul had the presbyters
of the Church at Ephesus summoned.
When they came to him, he addressed them,
"You know how I lived among you
the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia.
I served the Lord with all humility
and with the tears and trials that came to me
because of the plots of the Jews,
and I did not at all shrink from telling you
what was for your benefit,
or from teaching you in public or in your homes.
I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks
to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus.
But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.
What will happen to me there I do not know,
except that in one city after another
the Holy Spirit has been warning me
that imprisonment and hardships await me.
Yet I consider life of no importance to me,
if only I may finish my course
and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus,
to bear witness to the Gospel of God's grace.
 
"But now I know that none of you
to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels
will ever see my face again.
And so I solemnly declare to you this day
that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you,
for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God."
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Commentary on Acts 20:17-27
 
This passage begins Paul’s farewell speech at Miletus. The steady and lively growth of Christianity has started to spark significant resistance from multiple sources. Paul now feels compelled to return to Jerusalem, but wants to make sure he has left a final message with the leaders in the region of Ephesus. Here he begins his discourse, reminding them of his fidelity to the message he received from Jesus.
 
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21
 
R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance;
you restored the land when it languished;
Your flock settled in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Blessed day by day be the Lord,
who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation.
God is a saving God for us;
the LORD, my Lord, controls the passageways of death.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia. 
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Commentary on Ps 68:10-11, 20-21
 
Psalm 68, a hymn of thanksgiving, praises God for salvation and all that he has provided to the people. The Father lifts them up even in the face of death. The psalmist recalls all that God has done for his faithful people, and enjoins them to sing his praise, giving the Lord what is due to him from a grateful people.
 
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Gospel: John 17:1-11a
 
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said,
"Father, the hour has come.
Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,
just as you gave him authority over all people,
so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.
Now this is eternal life,
that they should know you, the only true God,
and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
I glorified you on earth
by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.
Now glorify me, Father, with you,
with the glory that I had with you before the world began.
 
"I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world.
They belonged to you, and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now they know that everything you gave me is from you,
because the words you gave to me I have given to them,
and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you,
and they have believed that you sent me.
I pray for them.
I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me,
because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours
and everything of yours is mine,
and I have been glorified in them.
And now I will no longer be in the world,
but they are in the world, while I am coming to you."
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Commentary on Jn 17:1-11a
 
Raising his eyes to heaven, Jesus begins what is known as the “High Priestly Prayer.”  In this first section, the Lord begins a petition for the disciples (those he has at that time and those to come), speaking directly to the Father (not to the disciples, they are just overhearing this prayer). The emphasis is clearly that the disciples have become what the Lord wanted, faithful believers, and he asks the Father to support them. He intercedes for those who were given to him by the Father (“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world” - the apostles and their followers). The Lord singles out the faithful for the Father’s special care, asking that they be glorified with him as he departs the world.
 
CCC: Jn 17 2604, 2746, 2758; Jn 17:1 730, 1085, 2750; Jn 17:2 2750; Jn 17:3 217, 684, 1721, 1996, 2751, Sans; Jn 17:4 1069, 2750; Jn 17:5 2750; Jn 17:6-10 2751; Jn 17:6 589, 2750, 2750, 2812; Jn 17:7 2765; Jn 17:8 2812; Jn 17:9 2750; Jn 17:10 2750; Jn 17:11 2747, 2749, 2750, 2750, 2815, 2849
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Reflection:
 
As we listen today to the words of St. John we hear the Lord in prayer, completing his discourse to the disciples just before they go out to Gethsemane. It sounds as if Jesus is summing up what he has been saying to the assembly, reassuring us and them that, while it seems to be the end, it is not, and all that the Father has given him will be saved.
 
This feels like we have come full circle, from the joy of Easter and the promise of salvation we received with the feast of the Ascension, back to our trepidation before the Lord’s Passion. It has a melancholy feeling, hearing the Lord speak this way, almost out of phase from where we want to be. We have to look deeper to feel the power and majesty in these words.
 
If we have been drawn into the story as it has unfolded over the past seven weeks, we feel the endings. We hear Paul, now returning to Jerusalem, telling the leaders of the Church he started in Ephesus that he will not be seeing them again. We see Jesus with his disciples, having given them, among other things, the parables of the Vine and the Branches, the Shepherd and the Sheep, and the greatest Commandment, now praying to the Father:
 
Father, the hour has come.
Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,
just as you gave him authority over all people,
so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.
 
And from Paul:
 
But now I know that none of you
to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels
will ever see my face again.
And so I solemnly declare to you this day
that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you,
for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God
 
Our Easter celebration is nearly over, and it is time for new beginnings. In a few short days, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at the great feast of Pentecost. It is a signal that we need to reach into that holy place within us and draw anew on that power he left us, given in baptism, strengthened and sealed in confirmation, nourished with the Eucharist, demonstrated in matrimony and holy orders, and revitalized in reconciliation and anointing. We are, after all, a sacramental people and it is the coming Spirit that makes us whole and one with him. For many of us it also announces that we may once more return to our faith communities, although without the social familiarity we enjoyed in the past (we recognize that in earlier times, smaller faith communities took a more central role in the social life of the community at large).  But thank God we can once more come together as missionary disciples.
 
Pax
 

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[1] The Picture is “Christ in Gethsemane” by Heinrich Hofmann, 1886.
[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.