Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

Biographical Information about St. Matthias[1]

Readings for the Feast of St. Matthias[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

We are, on the Feast of Matthias, given the story of how he came to be called as the one to replace Judas. The two verses omitted (18,19) give St. Luke’s account of the death of Judas which differs from Matthew’s account (in Luke’s version, he buys property with his ill gotten gains and is killed in a gruesome fall). We see here how the Church’s tradition of selecting leaders from among the membership is developed with prayer and a vote.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.

A song of praise and thanksgiving, Psalm 113, in this selection, focuses appropriately on servants of the Lord and how these leaders are lifted up from “the lowly”.

Gospel Jn 15:9-17

In the past week we have seen this passage broken into two parts on two different days:

From Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter on Jn 15:9-11:

“Discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples continues. His words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of Christ’s departure. In this passage Jesus focuses on the chain of love from the Father, through the Son, to us.”

From Friday of the 5th Week of Easter on 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.’”

Now that we have seen the commentaries as the stood alone, we see that the Church applies them to the selection of an Apostle. These are the commandments most acutely given to those who will be the first to spread the word.

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the selection of St. Matthias who was chosen by the Apostolic Community to replace Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Christ. There are a couple of interesting things we notice from the reading in Acts. First there were two men chosen as candidates. (the one not selected, Barsabbas, ended up going with Paul back to Antioch) Note that one of the requirements for this position was that the selected needed to have been with Jesus from the time Jesus began his public ministry (“…beginning from the baptism of John”) through the end (“…until the day on which he was taken up from us”).

This would mean that, from the beginning of Jesus public ministry there were not just a few people with him, but some larger number (at one point we know he sent out 72). The image of this larger group following him about changes the picture of just Jesus and his 12 friend traveling about to an entourage of varying size. It also heightens the threat that must have been perceived by the Hebrew leadership. Finally, it also shows just how much Jesus, the man, must have thought he lost when he came to the passion and all his friends had disreted him.

Today we see the “Eleven” bring the core number of Apostles up to the symbolically correct number of Twelve, representative of the twelve tribes of the “New Israel”. Like most of his fellow guardians of the truth, Matthias would be martyred for his courage in proclaiming Christ crucified. And the Gospel today gives us the principle message they took to the world, the message of love and mutual fidelity. Ironic what a threat that commandment is to those out side the faith.

Pax

[1] The icon today is of St. Matthias, artist UNKNOWN
[2] After Links Expire

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

The two sections of this selection from Acts, both heard earlier in the week, begin and end the discussion about whether the Gentile converts to Christianity should have to follow all of Mosaic Law, including circumcision. The first Council of Jerusalem concludes that all that is necessary for the Gentiles is to follow some of the dietary laws, not circumcision. The Church finds unity in consensus between the various members, keeping core Jewish values.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

Psalm 87 is a song of thanksgiving. In this selection we find support of the universal invitation by God to all peoples of all nations.

Reading II Rev 21:10-14, 22-23

In John’s Revelation we are given a vision of the New Jerusalem, God’s Kingdom in Heaven. Here he describes the foundation supported by the twelve Apostles and the lack of a need for a temple – God the Father and His Son, the Lamb of God furnish there own presence and the light as well.

Gospel Jn 14:23-29

The farewell speech of the Lord continues with the promise of the Holy Spirit – the Paraclete. This promise is made because the disciples are becoming worried and are afraid of being left without Jesus’ guidance. In addition to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he leaves his peace, not just the greeting “Shalom” but an inner peace that conquers fear.

This passage concludes with the Lord telling the disciples he is going to be with the Father and they should rejoice with him. He tells them this in advance so their faith may be strengthened when the events come to pass.

Homily:

If you go out to the internet and search on "farewell addresses" you will find a tremendous amount of material. You will find George Washington saying farewell after his term as president, you will find Douglas MacArthur’s farewell to West Point, you will find Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech at Yankee Stadium. All of these speeches by individuals have a common thread. They all express a sense of sorrow at leaving and a hope for the future.

We join Jesus’ farewell speech in John’s Gospel today as he speaks to his closest friends also with that sense of sorrow at leaving and hope for the future. This of course is just a small part of that speech but it carries within it a critically important message.

We start off by hearing him tell his disciples that if they love him, they will keep his word. His word, we hear it many times in the longer form of this speech, love one another as I have loved you he tells us. It is hard what he asks, but he reminds them it is not just his word, it is the Father’s word.

He continues his farewell now seeing his disciples very worried. He has already told them he is leaving and reads the fear they must be feeling. He has led them for three years. They have seen him perform great signs, feeding thousands with just a few loaves, healing the sick with just a touch, raising Lazarus from the dead. Now he is leaving them and what will they do without this teacher upon whom they depend?

His tone calming, he tells them that there will be a new Advocate, the Holy Spirit sent to them by the Father to help them, guide them and teach them. He tells them it will remind them of everything he has told them. He must see that this has not completely convinced them. They must still be in doubt so he gives them one further help in their time of fear – he leaves them his peace.

Hear the words used; “Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” This was no simple greeting like “Shalom”. This was something much more. The Lord offered His peace, the peace that wipes away fear and replaces it with sublime calm. This is the peace of a child asleep in her mother’s arms. She sleeps knowing that no harm can come to her.

The Lord then says something that must amaze them a little. He says I am going away but I will be back. He is going to the Father (They know what that means; it means he is going to die.) and they should rejoice. Finally he closes by telling them that he has given them this foreknowledge so that when it happens they may believe.

The words of his speech are not lost on us as we celebrate his sacrifice today. He did indeed go to the Father and he did indeed return as he promised. We have known the ending to this sorry since we were old enough to understand about the Virgin Birth and how Jesus was crucified died and was raised. We still celebrate our Easter season. We hear in his farewell words and like the disciples we worry. Yes, the Holy Spirit was left for us and given to us in the Baptismal bath but still, the world is harsh and we hear and see what goes on and fear.

Out of that fear and worry we come to this place and hear the words again; “Peace be with you.” We understand that peace because we have known it before. Perhaps long ago or perhaps recently, we have felt that peace in the love and support of our own mothers without whose protecting and loving embrace we could never have grown to understand a loving and merciful Father who sent his Son to give us his peace.

Today we celebrate the secular holiday of Mother’s Day. While it is not a Church holiday, the things that we recognize about mothers on this day are the characteristics that Jesus showed us and by doing so gave us an example.

Remember, at the beginning of the Gospel Jesus said;” Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him” The love that Jesus speaks of is that intense, intimate and selfless love. It is the kind of love that we were probably first shown by our mother. That kind of love looks past our faults and blemishes and accepts us completely and without reservation in spite of them. That kind of love accepts injury from us when we say and do things we know are hurtful or wrong and comes back to us even so. It is that kind of love that calms even our foolish fears and wipes away silly tears without condescension.

Today of this secular holiday we thank those who have fulfilled that role in our lives whether they are our biological mother or the person who stands in that place. We thank you for your example of selfless love that helps us to understand the love that flows from the Savior whose feast we celebrate.

Pax

[1] After Links Expire
[2] The image today is “Christ bidding farewell to his mother” by Gerard David, 1510

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

And Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs
And Saint Pancras, Martyr

Biographical Information about Saint Nereus and Saint Achilleus, Martyrs[1]
Biographical Information about Saint Pancras, Martyr[2]

Readings for Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter[3]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 16:1-10

Paul finds Timothy, in this passage from Acts, that he later writes his great descriptions on the infrastructure of the Church. Together, they travel throughout the region and, as the reading says; “Day after day the churches grew stronger in faith and increased in number.” Paul had Timothy circumcised so he could minister to the Jews as well as the Greeks in their travels. Paul himself held fast to Jewish Law. God calls them onward.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 5
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Psalm 100 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. It is also the alternate invitatory psalm offered by the faithful in the Liturgy of the Hours as appropriate to begin the day’s prayer of the Church.

Gospel Jn 15:18-21

Jesus gives the disciples a paradox in telling them that while they are part of the world (meaning here, secular society) they are separated from that society through their association with Christ. He then reminds them that because they are his, they too will suffer persecution by those he and they come to save.

Reflection:

Today we ask ourselves “Why do we put ourselves in harms way by being Christian in a world that does not like or want His word?” We know this was true from the start. Jesus tells his disciples so in the Gospel today. We memorialize three saints, Pancras, Nereus and Achilleus, all of whom were martyred. The blood of the followers of Christ has flowed into the earth since St. Stephen first received stones from the men in Jerusalem who threw them with Saul’s (St. Paul’s) approval. (Could there be any doubt that Paul knew the kind of animosity he would face in carrying the word to others?)

We look at the Apostles and the Martyrs (remembering that all but one of the Apostles were martyred as well) and ask why did they do it? We see the confusion over that issue from others from the time Pilate questioned the Lord. He could not understand why Jesus would accept his fate and he could not understand why the Jews would want Barabbas instead either.

No secular human motive applies. Being Christian is not for fame, we do not achieve acclaim for our belief (except possibly the Pope and when he is elected he goes immediately to the “Room of Tears”). It is not for wealth. On the contrary, the most devout of our faith, the vowed religious, take vows of poverty. It does not bring us physical comfort, again quite the contrary if we give up our own comfort for the poor and marginalized.

Why then follow Christ? It is a question each of us must answer and a voice each of us must hear. For me, the best I can do is paraphrase St. Peter; because I have come to believe that Christ alone has the words of eternal life.

Pax

[1] The first image used today is “Saint Domitilla, with Saints Nereus and Achilleus”, by Pomarancio, 1598-99
[2] The second image is “Virgin on throne between Saint Pancras and Saint Monaca” by Guercino, 1615
[3] After Links Expire

Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter

And Blessed Damien Joseph de Veuster of Molokai, Priest

Biographical Information about Blessed Damien[1]

Prayer for the memorial of Blessed Damien:

Father of mercy,
In Blessed Damien you have given a shining witness of love for the poorest and most abandoned. Grant that, by his intercession, a faithful witness of the heart of your son, Jesus, we too may be servants of the most needy and rejected.

We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Readings for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 15:7-21

The debate over whether the Gentiles must follow all of the Law of Moses continues as St. Paul addresses the Apostles in Jerusalem. Supported by St. Peter, he makes the fundamental argument that all are invited to be saved through faith in Christ. The “yoke” Paul speaks of is a reference to the “Yoke of the Torah” or the “Kingdom of Heaven” not necessarily a burden but a goal.

The response of St. James (same as the one related in Gal 2:1-10) makes an apostolic decree. St. Luke here apparently combines two distinct events. The First Jerusalem Council which deals with circumcision and the second which deals with dietary laws.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Once again today a song of praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 96 a Royal Psalm) is used in conjunction with the theme from Acts of announcing God’s salvation to all peoples of all lands.

Gospel Jn 15:9-11

Discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples continues. His words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of Christ’s departure. In this passage Jesus focuses on the chain of love from the Father, through the Son, to us.

Homily:

“If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love…”

We are given a very concise instruction in today’s Gospel and a very generous gift. The Lord offers us his love, his consolation, his peace and all he asks is that we keep his commandments. The most important of these he will utter in the verse from St. John’s Gospel that immediately follows our reading today– “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”

There are, in the Book of the Law in the Old Testament, over 200 laws and commandments. Of all of those laws the ones that deal with behavior not with diet can be summarized in two short statements; “Love God” and “Love one another.” So the only question we need to answer is, how do we demonstrate that we are doing this?

We are given one person’s answer to that question in Blessed Damien, whose memorial we celebrate today. He exemplified “love one another” by going to the lepers in Hawaii and ministering to them. Be brought love to those who were outcast and unloved by the world. His was the extreme response to Christ’s call. What will ours be?

We start with where we are. We start with those with whom we have the most contact and we convey our love, Christ’s love to them. We then listen for God to give us other opportunities and respond as often as possible. In that way “…my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

Pax

[1] The photo is from the Hawai'i State Archives in Honolulu, Hawai'I, 1888
[2] After Links Expire

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Readings for Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 15:1-6

We will hear this debate again on this coming Sunday were the first two verses will again be used. In this passage we see the issue being raised – should the Gentile Christians be required to follow ALL Hebrew Law (as Jesus and his disciples did). The practice they are debating today is circumcision and should the male Gentiles be required to be circumcised. It was a big enough deal to send Paul and Barnabas back to Jerusalem where we hear the debate continue.

This event helps us understand how teaching in the early Church was kept consistent. Peter and the Apostles were the authority. On important questions of the faith they were the ones who made decisions. Local Presbyters did not.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Psalm 122 is a hymn of praise being used to echo the journey of Paul and Barnabas back to Jerusalem. The original singers would have been rejoicing at returning to the one temple.

Gospel Jn 15:1-8

We begin the discourse on the vine and the branches – really a monologue on the union with Jesus. It is still part of Jesus’ farewell speech. The familiar image of the Vineyard and the Vines is used which has imagery in common with Isaiah 5:1-7; Matthew 21:33-46 and as a vine at Psalm 80:9-17; Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 15:2; 17:5-10; 19:10; Hosea 10:1. The identification of the vine as the Son of Man in Psalm 80:15 and Wisdom's description of herself as a vine in Sirach 24:17. This monologue becomes a unifying tie that pulls everything together.

Reflection:

The theme of unification of Christians is strongly portrayed today. First we hear of Paul and Barnabas returning to Jerusalem to resolve and important issue within the infant Church. Rather than making an authoritative statement and thereby risking dividing the community (remember, this debate was started because other Jews from Judea had come to join their brethren. While they did not have the authority of Paul and Barnabas who were sent by Peter and the other disciples, they had undoubtedly been instructed by them and may have even been eye witnesses to the Lord’s Passion. It is, then, critical that Paul and Barnabas act as they did – get a consensus from the common authority. It also gives them a chance to reinforce the message they had seeded along the way. In this case, the vine had grown rapidly and sent off many branches.

In the second instance, the Lord’s own monologue in his farewell speech to the disciples is also speaking of the unity they must foster. He tells them in clear words “Remain in me, as I remain in you.” Here we leap to understanding of the presence of the Eucharist. From the vine’s fruit comes wine and the wine becomes the blood and the blood remains is us as we remain in him.

The picture painted is of concentric circles with the outer circle being the unity of the Church and the inner circle being our individual unity with Christ. Like rays shinning out from a central light, the inner circle that is the individual members support the outer against all forces. Imagery aside, our personal relationship with the Lord is bound up with his universal relationship with the Church. With her we remain in Him.

Pax

[1] After Links Expire
[2] The image today is the “Blessing Christ” by Giovanni Bellini, 1460

Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter

Readings for Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 14:19-28

Once again we are given a reading from Acts used just a few days ago (last Sunday). In the first part, not heard on Sunday, Paul is beaten and stoned but his zeal is not dampened. The remainder of this commentary is from Sunday:

“This first reading recounts the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. It describes the model of how the church was built. Paul and Barnabas would enter a region and proclaim the Good News. They would then identify leaders among the converted, entrust the word to them and then move on. Since the scripture says those converted were Gentiles we assume they did not, as the tried in Antioch, begin with the Synagogues.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. The link we are given is back to the first reading as the psalmist proclaims: “May my mouth speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” We give thanks for St. Paul and the other evangelists who fearlessly proclaimed Christ and him crucified.

Gospel Jn 14:27-31a

We hear Jesus continue his monologue to the disciples at the Last Supper. They are afraid because of what he has told them and now he calms their fears. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.” He explains once more that he is returning to the Father so that the world might know his love for God and his faithfulness to the Father’s will.

Reflection:

Anyone who has lost a loved one knows the feelings the disciples are experiencing in this passage from St. John’s Gospel. While some of their feelings are concern for their teacher and friend, much of what they are feeling is fear for themselves and concern for their own future.

Into their agitated state comes the words of the master; "Peace". The gentle reassuring voice that explains that it is not as the world gives (that is not just a salutation – Shalom) but the peace of the knowledge that salvation flows from the one who offers it. There could be no peace for them or for us at such times if we did not believe that the one who offers this peace is indeed returning to the Father. He is not leaving them, he is not gone forever, but returning to the Father and there he waits for us to join him. What comfort he offers!

For us that word of peace comes back to us with power when we face situations in life were we have either lost a loved one in death or we ourselves face the end of our existence here. If it is a loved one, we know the grief of personal loss. It is not for the soul of the one who has left that we grieve, but for ourselves who must continue in this life without that person. Rational knowledge that all must die does not enter into that dark time. But what must enter is that thought, that prayer that the Lord himself left – “peace”. The person for whom we grieve is lost to us for only a little time. He has promised us the new resurrection and at that time we will be reunited. Peace, he offers us his consolation just as he did his disciples.

And when it is ourselves who face that final journey, his peace comes to us as well. There is no sting of death to snatch us away. The Lord of Life has defeated death and now rules over the Kingdom of Light and he sends us peace. Peace that makes our final days and hours a place to say our good-bys and prepare ourselves to meet the Father from whom we came. What a wonderful gift he gives today.

Pax


[1] After Links Expire
[2] The image presented today is “Peace” by Théodore Chassériau, 1844-48

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Readings for Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 14:5-18

Again today, I cannot do better than the footnote on this selection: “[8-18] In an effort to convince his hearers that the divine power works through his word, Paul cures the cripple. However, the pagan tradition of the occasional appearance of gods among human beings leads the people astray in interpreting the miracle. The incident reveals the cultural difficulties with which the church had to cope. Note the similarity of the miracle worked here by Paul to the one performed by Peter in Acts 3:2-10.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.

In this hymn of praise, we are again reminded the difference between God and idol as the song contrasts idolatry (“Their idols are silver and gold, the handiwork of men.”) with the Lord (“Our God is in heaven; whatever he wills, he does.”) It is a nice support to the reading from Acts.

Gospel Jn 14:21-26

We pick up the Lords dialogue with his disciples right after he has first promised to send the Holy Spirit (the new advocate – the Paraclete). He now reinforces that promise with a summation of his great commandment we heard in yesterday’s gospel and then completes our understanding of the Holy Trinity with; “The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name--he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you.”

The Father and the Son are one and in the Name of the Son the Holy Spirit now remains with us.

Reflection:

Pentecost is still three weeks away and we are introduced to the New Advocate. Our focus in this Easter season is still on Christ Risen but since the Holy Trinity cannot be divided we are reminded of its presence today. It was the Gift he left us. It is the one we depend upon day by day to help us move toward the great ideal he left us.

We reflected yesterday about how difficult it is to follow the “New Commandment” to love one another; today we are given a reminder that the Lord left us help. How could we accomplish any of the good we do on our own?

I am reminded of a time when I went to a funeral home to do a Vigil Service. Because of other family commitments I was forced to take one of my teenage children with me. What makes this event memorable is that when I had finished the service and we were driving home, my daughter asked me; “Dad, where did you find the words to comfort people in that situation?” The question completely surprised me because I had not even thought about it, and worse, thinking back at that moment, I could not remember what I had said. It was then that I realized that sacramental grace had jumped up and taken my service where it needed to go. All I furnished was a “warm body” mine, and a will to do what God wanted, for his greater glory.

The answer I gave my daughter was not very satisfying. I think I said something like “I guess the Holy Spirit just helped out.” But there were no more questions so I guess that did the trick. The point of my anecdote is that the Lord sends his Holy Spirit to each of us. It is given in Baptism and strengthened by sacramental grace given in other forms as well (Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage, and Confirmation). All we need to do is relax and pray for God’s assistance, through His Son and it will be there.

Pax
[1] After Links Expire
[2] The image today “Disputation over the Trinity” by Andrea del Sarto, 1517

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 14:21-27

This first reading recounts the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. It describes the model of how the church was built. Paul and Barnabas would enter a region and proclaim the Good News. They would then identify leaders among the converted, entrust the word to them and then move on. Since the scripture says those converted were Gentiles we assume they did not, as the tried in Antioch, begin with the Synagogues.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

The psalm selection today is a song of thanksgiving. The hymn extols God’s saving works and commends the people to proclaim the word to all “the children of Adam” – the whole human race.

Reading II Rev 21:1-5a

In this selection from St. John’s Revelation, John has a vision of the “New Heaven” and the New Earth”, after Christ begins his reign at God’s right hand. The New Jerusalem, the image of God’s Church viewed as the bride with Christ the bridegroom. In this New Jerusalem, the Church, God dwells and there he will show his tender mercy (“He will wipe every tear from their eyes”) The old order is washed away; “Behold, I make all things new.”

Gospel Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

We enter the Jesus story in St. John’s Gospel during the Last Supper. Judas has just fled and the Lord delivers the “New Commandment” - Love one another. By using those words, Jesus places himself with God whose commandments the disciples follow.

Reflection:

How can we not reflect on that subject that Jesus spoke of most frequently in his ministry – “Love one another”. The Gospel brings us to the point were Jesus knows the end is swiftly coming and the first thing, the most important thing he says to his disciples is “Love one another”. Taking his entire ministry and summing it up in one phrase, “Love one another” comes as close to anything.

The Lord’s appearance on earth was a testament to how much he loves us. His entire ministry, from the moment he walked out of the Jordan until he walked the hill of Calvary to his death was dedicated to that one example. We cannot look at a single action in the Lord’s life and not see that example to us. And here he says it plainly – “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Scholars point out that this was not, strictly speaking, a new commandment. They point out that in the book of Leviticus (Lev 19:18), God gave a similar command, but no where in history was the example repeated so often nor said with such force. With these words the Lord created the New Jerusalem. The founding words of the Church, the bride of Christ, as we see in Revelations, are “Love one another.” It is the badge that identifies us to others of our faith, and indeed, the badge that tells us if one does not share that faith with us.

Given how important that identifier is, how must we express that commandment in our own actions? If that is how all will know that we are his disciples, how do we act toward one another such that it is proclaimed to the world? That is the hardest thing he asked us to do. We might say; “I love my neighbor.” But how often would people look and say, “If that was love, I don’t want to see hate.” We might say we love the members of our own family. But how many times have we said or done hurtful things?

It is the most difficult commandment God gives us and we must constantly strive to be a more perfect student of the God of Love. As we grow in faith that is our goal. How must that New Jerusalem be if all the saints have this attitude?

Pax
[1] After Links Expire
[2] The image today is “ The New Jerusalem descending from Heaven” by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1851-60

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Readings for Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 13:26-33

In the passage from Acts today we find Paul on his first missionary journey to Asia. He is speaking to a mixed crowd of Jews and Gentiles, explaining that Jesus came to fulfill what was written in the Hebrew Scriptures. He concludes his discourse with a quote from Psalm 2 which is used as our psalm response.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.

Psalm 2 is a “royal psalm”. The proclamation of adoption is set in legal terms of the day to establish the relationship between people and God. We hear in this language the baptismal adoption we received, making us God’s children and favored above all creation.

Gospel Jn 14:1-6

We jump backward from yesterday’s passage about the request from St. Philip to see God, the Father. This dialogue with the disciples is taking place at the Last Supper. Jesus has already responded to Peter and now Thomas chimes in with; “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” To which Jesus responds with a phrase known to all Christians “I am the way and the truth and the life.” He ends with another phrase that has been used and twisted throughout the history of Christianity; “No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Reflection:

Today we should examine the words of Christ as he tells us, in answer to St. Thomas’ question, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Don’t we also have in our hearts the same question St. Thomas asked? Don’t we also ask in our holiest prayers “God what do you want me to do?” adding at least in the recesses of our minds; “I do not know the way.”

Were he standing here he would say, as he said to St. Thomas; ““I am the way and the truth and the life.” What did he mean, "I am the way..."? To our discerning hearts and to those early Christians who defined themselves as followers of “The Way” it means following Jesus teachings. The way must be living as Jesus himself has commanded, loving God and loving neighbor. In the passage from St. John’s Gospel just before this one, in Chapter 13; 34, we are told; “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.
This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." It is “The Way.”

What did he mean when he said, “…and the truth”? Truth has a unique quality about it. Truth is perpetual, eternal. It exists as a fundamental reality, predating time and indelible, unchanging and unchanged. By stating this one fact, the Lord gives us a glimpse into his nature and his message because, as we said just a few days ago, the Lord is both messenger and message. Jesus is the Logos, the living Word of God and the ultimate truth.

What did he mean when he said, “…and the life.”? We can only understand this statement one way, Jesus, who has defeated death so that we might have life in him, refers to life in and of the spirit. The mortal bodies we have will die. God does not violate his own physical laws. What the Lord refers to is the new life in heaven (“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.”). We have that promise, the promise of the one who is “ the way and the truth and the life”.

The chain of logic is complete. To receive “the life” we must follow “the way” and we only do that by adopting “the truth” and acting upon it. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, we were never told this would be easy.

Pax
[1] After Links Expire
[2] The image today is “Many Mansions” by Suzann Ricky, contemporary artist.

Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles

Biographical Information about St. Philip[1]
Biographical Information about St. James[2]

Readings for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter[3]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 1 Cor 15:1-8

In this passage we find Paul addressing the flagging faith in the resurrection expressed by some of those in Corinth. He uses what is probably a creedal statement to express the official belief of the Church and then speaks of eye witness event surrounding Jesus’ resurrection.

Unfortunately there is no documentation in the Gospels for his reference to either Jesus’ appearance to James (nor do we know to which James he is referring) or to the 500 believers. He concludes in humility, reminding them that he also saw the Risen Lord, although in lesser circumstances (“Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.”).

Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:2-3, 4-5
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

Psalm 19 is a hymn of praise to God for his creation. While to its original audience it sings the praise of God the creator, placed against the Feast of Philip and James, it speaks of the evangelical work of the Apostles, spreading God’s word throughout the world.

Gospel Jn 14:6-14

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.

Homily:

Spring has truly arrived and new life is showing itself everywhere. It is as if Easter, in whose light we still bask, has been the herald to all of God’s creation. Last month, after the official start of spring there was some unseasonably cold weather that caused serious problems to a number or regions as the new crops were stunted by the cold snap. Beginnings are difficult times.

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Philip and James (the Lesser) Apostles. Much like newly sown crops, the Apostles took the seed they had been given and planted it. The seed they had was their faith in the Savior of the World and they were planting it in soil that, in many cases was as hostile as any late spring cold snap. They were sent, some with great fervor and others with trepidation into the world as the Psalm today says:

“Through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. “

So today the Church remembers and celebrates two of those guardians of Eternal Life, St. Philip and St. James. They took the Word into the world with the authority Christ gave them and through that power it comes to us. We must also remember the cost of their effort, both were martyred – the Word of God they carried was so important they were willing to give their lives for it. That is our example today.

Pax
[1] This image of St. Philip is taken from Butler’s Lives of Saints by Harmony Media. Artist Unknown
[2] This image of St. James the Lesser is taken from Butler’s Lives of Saints by Harmony Media. Artist Unknown
[3] After Links Expire

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

& Saint Athanasius, Bishop, Doctor

Biographical Information about St. Athanasius[1]

Readings for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 12:24—13:5a

In this story from Acts we hear of the first missionary effort into Asia Minor. The Holy Spirit influences this action through Prophets among the members the missionary church at Antioch to send Barnabas and Saul. Note, the effort begins on Cyprus in the Synagogues. The word spreads.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

While Psalm 67 is a group lament or petition asking for a bountiful harvest, this selection points to the universal salvation promised by God to all the peoples.

Gospel Jn 12:44-50

Setting the stage for this passage from St. John’s Gospel, we find Jesus in the Temple precincts again, this time after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He has been teaching and while many believed that he was the Messiah, the Pharisees were intimidating and most did not acknowledge this belief. Jesus expresses his frustration in this passage as we hear; “Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me”.

He goes on to explain that he (Jesus) and the Father are one and that not only was he sent by God, but that all he said, is saying, is from God.

Reflection:

We are still in Eastertide and St. John’s Gospel continues to bring home the point that Jesus, who was crucified and raised from the dead, is one with God, is of God, is both messenger and message. That final part of the Lord’s example is what we need to focus on in our own lives.

Christ came into the world and, in his public ministry, gathered people about him that could emulate him. That means not just live the nomadic life of one sent to spread the Good News throughout the land, but also who could conform their minds and hearts to his. What is in the mind and in the heart will be seen in actions that unfold through that same impulse.

That is what is meant when we say that Jesus was both messenger and message. He not only told us what we must do to follow the will of God, but showed us through his own example what that means. Can we profess Christ Crucified and act as though that act had no bearing on what we do and how we react to the world?

How many times have we prayed; “God, please show me what you want me to do. Show me the way to serve you best.” In our listening silence do we hear the whisper –“I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” We must ask our selves in those situations what is the Message and how should the Messenger communicate it.

He didn’t say it would be easy.

Pax
[1] The image used today is an Icon of St. Athanasius from St. Mary Orthodox Coptic Church in Pasadena, CA, Artist is UNKNOWN.
[2] After Links Expire

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

& Saint Joseph the Worker

Biographical Information about St. Joseph[1]

Readings for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 11:19-26

The story in Acts today is significant in the life of the Church primarily because, as a consequence of bringing a large number of gentiles to believe in Christ and because they had no historical connection to Judaism, they identified themselves, for the first time, as Christians – separate from the Judaism. This new vitality attracted not only Barnabas but Saul as well.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.

The psalm proclaims the centrality of Jerusalem (Zion) as the source of holiness. Ironically it is positioned after the reading that will lead Christians to understand the New Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem, a place where those who believe in Christ, the Son of God, are favored.

Gospel Jn 10:22-30

We come at last to the climax of Jesus debates with the Jewish leadership. He is in the temple precincts now. He came there at a time when many of those from all over the region would be there, the Feast of Hanukkah. They press him to state plainly whether or not he is the Messiah. His final response is a chain of logic that leads to his final statement: “The Father and I are one.”

Reflection:

When the angle first came to St. Joseph and told him to take Mary as his wife, even though she was pregnant, could he in his wildest dreams picture the scene unfolding in the temple precincts as described in St. John’s Gospel? Could he who fled to Egypt with Mary and the infant Lord have guessed that this son of his would grow up to inspire not just his own Jewish people to embrace the spirit of God but also the gentiles?

Not much is said about him in all of scripture. Perhaps his greatest claim to fame is that Jesus is referred to several times as “the carpenter’s son”. With that title we see the influence of the Lord’s foster father. God must have guided Joseph as he watched quietly as Jesus grew in stature. The true man, Jesus, learned at Joseph’s elbow as tradition holds.

There is something about St. Joseph that strikes a deep cord in us. He is the one who labors in anonymity to support his family. He is the one we assume kept his family safe and fed during those early years. (He also must have sold a house at some time based on the tradition that has grown up around burying his likeness upside down on property one wants to sell. While in my heart that seems silly, whatever brings faith to bear on life situations must have value.)

While we suppose Jesus, both God and man, was born with a perfect character, Joseph’s humility certainly fits with the Lord’s later teachings. He is a model for all Christian (thank you, gentiles of Antioch for giving us that name) fathers.

Today we thank God for the gift of himself, for Jesus and the God are of the same essence. We also give thanks to St. Joseph for his example of humble service and diligent work supporting the Holy Family.

Pax
[1]The image today is “St Joseph with the Infant Jesus” by Guido Reni, c 1635
[2] After Links Expire

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

& Saint Pius V, Pope

Biographical Information about St. Pius V[1]

Readings for Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Univesalis

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 11:1-18

The footnote from the NAB on this passage does a good job –“ The Jewish Christians of Jerusalem were scandalized to learn of Peter's sojourn in the house of the Gentile Cornelius. Nonetheless, they had to accept the divine directions given to both Peter and Cornelius. They concluded that the setting aside of the legal barriers between Jew and Gentile was an exceptional ordinance of God to indicate that the apostolic kerygma was also to be directed to the Gentiles.”


Responsorial Psalm Ps 42:2-3; 43:3, 4
R. Athirst is my soul for the living God.

Psalm 42 is an individual lament for a return to Jerusalem where God may be encountered in the temple. For us this longing is for the Lord and the reference to running water links us to the baptism described in Acts.

Gospel Jn 10:1-10

The “Good Shepherd” discourse is continued from Sunday’s Gospel. St. John records Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees. They, of course, do not believe he is the Messiah and therefore do not follow him and think they will enter the kingdom of heaven another way (climb over the fence).

Jesus uses this metaphor in support of his earlier statement “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him” (John 6; 44). Jesus is the gate and gatekeeper and comes for the salvation of the sheep.

Reflection:

It is appropriate that today we remember Pope Pius V who started his life as a shepherd and later, as Bishop and then Pope took up the crook that was then a crosier. It reminds us that today we should all pray for our Pope and Bishops who have the tremendous job of guiding the Church and who are custodians of its teaching magesterium.

Our special prayer goes today to Bishop Carl F. Mengling, Bishop of Lansing who is recovering from surgery and whose condition is far from certain. While we are in a mood to pray for people, today I would also like prayers for Alisha Hankins who was taken ill over the weekend and Michael who a year ago was rescued from death the miracle of life through a liver transplant and today must mourn two of his three sons 15 and 12, taken from him in a automobile accident. May the God of mercy and healing send the Holy Spirit to all who are in pain and need of healing.

We don’t usually use this space for prayers for specific individuals, but today as we celebrate once more him who came as our shepherd, it is appropriate that we remember what a shepherd does for his flock. He not only leads them to green pastures and flowing streams but he watches over them, protecting them from harm. While in the case of those for whom we pray today, physical harm is always waiting for all of us; our shepherd sends his strength to heal from within. We are given through the Holy Spirit, that sense of peace that comes from complete faith in the Good Shepherd who will keep us safe in his loving arms.

Pax
[1] The image today is “Pius V” by El Greco, 1600-1610
[2] After Links Expire