Tuesday of the
Fifth Week of Easter
(Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a)
In the third century the priest Arius exploited a clause in
today’s gospel reading. He claimed that
when Jesus said, “…the Father is greater than I,” he was admitting that he was
not God. The argument was eventually
rejected by the bishops at Nicea, who believed that in this passage Jesus was referring
to his humanity, not his divinity. Much later,
the bishops assembled for the Second Vatican Council criticized the use of
Scripture as a tool to prove different theological positions. In their view, the purpose of Scripture is to
facilitate the human encounter with God.
It is wise to be aware that, as Shakespeare wrote, “The
devil can cite Scripture for his own purpose.”
The sacred writing should not be used as a sword to tear apart another’s
argument. Rather we read it to know
God. Its message assures us of his care
for us. As Jesus indicates in the
selection at hand, God’s care brings us true peace.
