Readings for Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 15:22-31
We have, in this passage the conclusion of the First Council of Jerusalem. St James, with the rest of the Apostles selects a delegation to return to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to tell the good news to the Gentile Christians that, with the exception of Mosaic dietary regulations, they are in accord with the orthodox Christian faith. (Circumcision is not required.)
Responsorial Psalm Ps 57:8-9, 10 and 12
R. I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
Psalm 57 is a song of thanksgiving. In the Easter tradition, the psalmist gives thanks for God’s salvation and sings of God’s glory to all the nations.
Gospel Jn 15:12-17
There is much made of the use of the difference in the Greek words for “love” used in this discourse. When Jesus says “No one has greater love than this…” the word agapao (intimate, selfless love) is used while when he says “ You are my friends…” the word phileo (casual "friendly" (brotherly) type of love) is used. St. John uses the two words synonymously so the message is clear – reiterated at the end of the passage – “Love one another.”
Reflection:
The Apostle John, whose Gospel we hear today ended his days on the island of Patmos according to tradition. It is recounted in literature that toward the end of his days, he would walk to a public square and deliver a short message each day. That message was simply “Love on another.”
The story is also told (I am paraphrasing here) of an early Christian who approached St. John one day and said; “Master, you were with the Lord for so long, yet, when you come to teach us you only say that one thing; ‘love on another.’ There must be much more you could tell us. Why do you not recount other teachings of the master?”
Again, according to the story, St. John’s answer was “Because ‘love on another’ was the most important commandment he gave us and he repeated it often. We cannot hear it or say it enough.”
The telling point here is what we said yesterday. Those three words, “love one another” are the summary of much of the Gospel message. If we can find a way to respond to that one command, we have taken a huge step toward understanding what the Lord wants of us.
In the dark, when we pray “Lord what should I do?” or “How should I deal with this person or situation?” We should hear those words – love one another. When we are faced with belligerent or angry people, intent on doing us harm, we should hear – love one another. It is the most frequent answer to the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) question so popular a few years ago.
Today, as we pray let us remember those three most important words, “I love you” but universally directed as “Love one another.”
Pax
[1] After Links Expire
[2] After much internal debate the image selected is “Christ Crucified” by Matthew R. Brooks, 1998
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 15:22-31
We have, in this passage the conclusion of the First Council of Jerusalem. St James, with the rest of the Apostles selects a delegation to return to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to tell the good news to the Gentile Christians that, with the exception of Mosaic dietary regulations, they are in accord with the orthodox Christian faith. (Circumcision is not required.)
Responsorial Psalm Ps 57:8-9, 10 and 12
R. I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
Psalm 57 is a song of thanksgiving. In the Easter tradition, the psalmist gives thanks for God’s salvation and sings of God’s glory to all the nations.
Gospel Jn 15:12-17
There is much made of the use of the difference in the Greek words for “love” used in this discourse. When Jesus says “No one has greater love than this…” the word agapao (intimate, selfless love) is used while when he says “ You are my friends…” the word phileo (casual "friendly" (brotherly) type of love) is used. St. John uses the two words synonymously so the message is clear – reiterated at the end of the passage – “Love one another.”
Reflection:
The Apostle John, whose Gospel we hear today ended his days on the island of Patmos according to tradition. It is recounted in literature that toward the end of his days, he would walk to a public square and deliver a short message each day. That message was simply “Love on another.”
The story is also told (I am paraphrasing here) of an early Christian who approached St. John one day and said; “Master, you were with the Lord for so long, yet, when you come to teach us you only say that one thing; ‘love on another.’ There must be much more you could tell us. Why do you not recount other teachings of the master?”
Again, according to the story, St. John’s answer was “Because ‘love on another’ was the most important commandment he gave us and he repeated it often. We cannot hear it or say it enough.”
The telling point here is what we said yesterday. Those three words, “love one another” are the summary of much of the Gospel message. If we can find a way to respond to that one command, we have taken a huge step toward understanding what the Lord wants of us.
In the dark, when we pray “Lord what should I do?” or “How should I deal with this person or situation?” We should hear those words – love one another. When we are faced with belligerent or angry people, intent on doing us harm, we should hear – love one another. It is the most frequent answer to the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) question so popular a few years ago.
Today, as we pray let us remember those three most important words, “I love you” but universally directed as “Love one another.”
Pax
[1] After Links Expire
[2] After much internal debate the image selected is “Christ Crucified” by Matthew R. Brooks, 1998
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