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| “Resurrection of Christ” by Francesco Bassano, 1584-88 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Acts 18:9-18
Commentary on Acts 18:9-18
The setting of this selection is part of St. Paul’s stay in Corinth. There is a strong link that existed between the Jewish faith and Christianity in this early period of the development of the Church. The proconsul, Gallio, a Roman, rejected the charges of the Jewish leadership against Paul, saying that it was an internal affair of the Jewish religion. Christianity continues to flourish in spite of resistance, receiving help in this instance from Rome herself. This example demonstrates the role the Roman Empire, with its transportation system and laws designed to facilitate the incorporation of conquered territories into itself, played in the rapid spread of Christianity.
CCC: Acts 18:18 2102
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (8a) God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Commentary on Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Psalm 47 is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise. It acclaims God king in all the earth. This selection focuses on the omnipotence of God over all peoples and nations.
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Gospel: John 16:20-23
Commentary on Jn 16:20-23
In this passage there is an analogy used by Jesus. It compares the Lord's death and resurrection to the initiation of new life through the human birth process. Jesus uses this comparison to contrast the pain of childbirth with the anguish of grief the disciples will suffer when he leaves them to return to the Father. He concludes by comforting them saying: “whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”
CCC: Jn 16:23-27 2615
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Reflection:
For those of us who have doubts about our faith at times, the passage proclaimed from St. John’s Gospel is a real comfort. Jesus is continuing his farewell speech to the disciples. He undoubtedly sees how distressed they are becoming over his explanation that he will be leaving them. In spite of the picture generally painted in St. John’s Gospel, of the disciples understanding and accepting Jesus’ nature and role, in this instance, as he tells them he is leaving, they are clearly having some problems understanding just how he is going to be present to them in the resurrection.
He first explains that initially there will be the grief of parting as he leaves this world and goes back to the Heavenly Kingdom. But this grief will be forgotten when he is reunited with them, first in his resurrection, and then in the Holy Spirit he will leave them as a guide. He uses the analogy of giving birth to a child, and how the joy experienced in the life that results from the birthing process overshadows the pain the mother suffers. He tells them that, at this time (this speech is part of his discourse at the Last Supper), they are afraid of what is to come, and, having understood that he will soon be leaving, they are in pain. But there is rejoicing to come, and the pain they are feeling will be forgotten. (A father speaking to his child might say – “Don’t cry, I will be right back.”)
The passage concludes with a promise that “…whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you." The clear implication to the disciples is that even in the parting that will come; the Lord will still be present and active. If this were not so, how could he make that promise?
The problem we face sometimes is that our attitudes are like the family pet that is left at home. Once the door closes and their master is no longer visible, they start whimpering because they want to go too, or are concerned that their master will not return. Jesus promises that we will be reunited with those who have gone before us in faith. He pledges the Father’s love and the joy of the Heavenly Kingdom. On that day, even our most persistent doubts will be put to rest as the Lord tells us: “On that day you will not question me about anything.”
In the intervening time, our instructions are ironically similar to those left with a child by their parents when they leave for a short time (and although it can be construed as a bit demeaning, to a pet as the master leaves) “Be good, I’ll be right back.”
Pax
[2] The picture used today is “Resurrection of Christ” by Francesco Bassano, 1584-88
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