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| “The Ascension of Christ” by Pietro Perugino 1496-98 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Acts 18:1-8
Commentary on Acts 18:1-8
This passage contains the threads from several different stories converging in Corinth. First, Aquila and Priscilla were probably already Christians since their home, according to 1 Corinthians 16:19, became a meeting place for the local community. They were probably expelled from Rome because of in-fighting among the Jews about the identity of the Messiah.
It is clear from this account that the Church in Corinth was not established without significant resistance from the local Jewish community. Paul clearly went after that group, and was successful in forming the nucleus of membership among the Corinthians.
CCC: Acts 18:6 597; Acts 18:8 1252, 1655
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. (see 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
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 16:16-20
Commentary on Jn 16:16-20
In spite of Jesus’ repeated attempts, the disciples are still uncertain about his departure and how long he will be gone. Since they have already heard what the prophets had predicted about the length of time he would be in the tomb, and had heard the Lord himself give the number of three days, they are concerned here about when he will return to them after the resurrection. The Lord, in characteristic form, does not give them a specific time frame, but instead paints a picture of the events surrounding his return.
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Reflection:
The message of St. John’s Gospel is one of hope. That short statement: “…you will grieve, but your grief will become joy,” sums up the Christian experience and expectation. Have we not all questioned at times why life seemed so unfair? Haven’t there been times when we have all wondered at God’s purpose in giving us the life he has so graciously bestowed upon us? In these times of doubt and pain, we grieve for the hurts of life, hurts we receive and hurts visited upon others.
Out of these questions, in answer to them, comes Jesus, who is the Christ (as St. Paul reminds us in his evangelization of the Corinthians). He, in no uncertain terms, tells us that while we may mourn and grieve in this life, wait but a time, and we will rejoin him in his Heavenly Kingdom. He tells us that while we may be parted for a time, we will be joined to him eternally in the life of heaven.
It is this message of hope, communicated in our time on earth by the Advocate he left for us, that we must recall in times of strife or grief. We look within to find the strength of the Holy Spirit to buoy us up and bring us knowledge of his great consolation. This great prize is what we have received. This interior hope (peace) is what allows us to continue against all the trials that are put into our lives.
What must we do to tap into this indwelling strength, this pillar of hope? We listen to his word, and find in sacred scripture that which feeds our spirit of holiness. We speak to God in prayer, and he opens our core of strength. We receive the Sacraments of the Church, which provide graces specific to each that sing in harmony with the voice of scripture, and the warmth of prayers answered. All these things are open to us, gifts left by him who is parted from us only for a short while. All we need to do is ask and believe, and we will be given the great prize of eternal life.
Pax
[2] The picture used today is “The Ascension of Christ” by Pietro Perugino 1496-98
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