(Optional Memorial of Saint George, Martyr)
(Optional Memorial of Saint Adalbert, Bishop and Martyr)
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| “Christ taking leave of his apostles” by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Acts 13:44-52
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.
CCC: Acts 13:48 2640
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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.
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.”
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Gospel: John 14:7-14
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 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.
CCC: Jn 14:9-10 470; Jn 14:9 516; Jn 14:13-14 2614; Jn 14:13 2614, 2633, 2815
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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 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
[2] The picture is “Christ taking leave of his apostles” by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11
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