Readings for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 13:44-52
If this reading sounds familiar it’s because we head almost the same passage last Sunday Acts 13:14, 43-52. Here’s a repost of my commentary from that day: “
“This excerpt is part of Paul’s first missionary trip. His encounter with the Jewish Community in Antioch begins with his exhortation about Jesus the Messiah to the members of that community. Much of what is said in the verses missing from this reading relate to how the Lord came in fulfillment of the scriptures.[3]
We pick up in the second part of the reading were the Jews refuse Paul’s logical apology. He then turns to the Gentiles of the region who embrace the faith with great fervor, upsetting the Pharisaic community which then forces Paul to leave.”
Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Psalm 98 (much like Ps. 96) is a song of thanksgiving for God’s salvation. Once again, as the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.
Gospel Jn 14:7-14
It is ironic that, in addition to the first reading being recently proclaimed, our Gospel was likewise used just two days ago at the Feast of Philip and James (the Lesser). Again, I will repost my commentary from that day:
“In this passage from St. John’s Gospel, part of the “Many Dwellings” discourse, we find a rare glimpse of the confusion in some of the disciples. Here St. Philip asks Jesus to 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 Him (Jesus), 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.”
Reflection:
“And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
This one short sentence speaks volumes to us. What we hear when the Lord speaks these words needs to be heard in its entirety. So many times we have felt and heard that the Lord must have said “no” to our prayers. We pray asking God to help us. We pray to God in the name of Jesus because it is what he tells us to do in this passage. But God does not do what we asked.
Much of what we pray for is self serving, is it not? We ask God to help our family accomplish some goal or we ask that God heal someone who is ill. When we make these requests, are we doing so because it is something that will help us, or is it, as Jesus says in that sentence above, something that will glorify the Father in the Son?
God is indeed merciful. He sent his Son to us to demonstrate the depths of that mercy. When we pray, even for our selfish purposes, he hears us because, in prayer, there is some small measure of love and praise even if the intent is wholly selfish. We rejoice when God gives a little push. We marvel at his miraculous power when the Lord seems to reach down and turn defeat into victory.
The great lesson contained in that first quote above is that, when we pray, let us make sure that it is for God’s glory we ask and the Son, who loves us so intensely that he gave up his life for us, will hear and “…do it”.
Pax
[1] After Links Expire
[2] The image today is “Christ taking leave of his apostles” by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 13:44-52
If this reading sounds familiar it’s because we head almost the same passage last Sunday Acts 13:14, 43-52. Here’s a repost of my commentary from that day: “
“This excerpt is part of Paul’s first missionary trip. His encounter with the Jewish Community in Antioch begins with his exhortation about Jesus the Messiah to the members of that community. Much of what is said in the verses missing from this reading relate to how the Lord came in fulfillment of the scriptures.[3]
We pick up in the second part of the reading were the Jews refuse Paul’s logical apology. He then turns to the Gentiles of the region who embrace the faith with great fervor, upsetting the Pharisaic community which then forces Paul to leave.”
Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Psalm 98 (much like Ps. 96) is a song of thanksgiving for God’s salvation. Once again, as the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.
Gospel Jn 14:7-14
It is ironic that, in addition to the first reading being recently proclaimed, our Gospel was likewise used just two days ago at the Feast of Philip and James (the Lesser). Again, I will repost my commentary from that day:
“In this passage from St. John’s Gospel, part of the “Many Dwellings” discourse, we find a rare glimpse of the confusion in some of the disciples. Here St. Philip asks Jesus to 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 Him (Jesus), 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.”
Reflection:
“And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
This one short sentence speaks volumes to us. What we hear when the Lord speaks these words needs to be heard in its entirety. So many times we have felt and heard that the Lord must have said “no” to our prayers. We pray asking God to help us. We pray to God in the name of Jesus because it is what he tells us to do in this passage. But God does not do what we asked.
Much of what we pray for is self serving, is it not? We ask God to help our family accomplish some goal or we ask that God heal someone who is ill. When we make these requests, are we doing so because it is something that will help us, or is it, as Jesus says in that sentence above, something that will glorify the Father in the Son?
God is indeed merciful. He sent his Son to us to demonstrate the depths of that mercy. When we pray, even for our selfish purposes, he hears us because, in prayer, there is some small measure of love and praise even if the intent is wholly selfish. We rejoice when God gives a little push. We marvel at his miraculous power when the Lord seems to reach down and turn defeat into victory.
The great lesson contained in that first quote above is that, when we pray, let us make sure that it is for God’s glory we ask and the Son, who loves us so intensely that he gave up his life for us, will hear and “…do it”.
Pax
[1] After Links Expire
[2] The image today is “Christ taking leave of his apostles” by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11
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