Thursday, June 1, 2023

Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr

(Sirach 42:15-25; Mark 10:46-52)

Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he might do for him, the blind man replies, “’I want to see.’”  Bartimaeus may not realize it, but he already sees what is most important.  His mind’s eye recognizes Jesus as the Savior.  Today’s patron saint comes to a similar spiritual vision.

Born into a Greco-Roman family, Justin studied philosophy and rhetoric.  Around the age of thirty having been encouraged to read the Scriptures, he became a Christian.  Justin spent the second half of his life teaching the coherence of Christian faith and philosophy.  He was martyred after refusing to profess faith in the Roman deities.

We too possess the spiritual vision of Bartimaeus and Justin Martyr.  It is more valuable than physical sight because it allows us to know the goodness of the Lord.  He makes us better people and, when the time comes, will save us from death.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

 Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 (Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Luke 1:39-56)

 Visits usually are said to be visitations when they are pre-planned and follow a prescribed form.  A bishop makes visitations to parishes to check financial and sacramental records.  Families have visitation rights to see their loved ones in prison.  Today the Church celebrates the most famous visitation of all: Mary going to the home of her kinswoman Elizabeth.  Neither planned nor formal, her visit qualifies as a visitation because of the dignity of the one whom she carries in her womb.

Mary bears the Messiah, the anointed king of Israel.  She takes him to meet one who will become a leading prophet of the country with whom he is to collaborate.  Most people, of course, do not realize what is happening.  But the child-prophet within Elizabeth’s womb has no trouble recognizing his lord.  He leaps for joy in his presence.  Mary and Jesus will not stay very long, but the two –Jesus and John – will meet again.

The same Jesus makes more than a visitation to us.  With the Father and the Holy Spirit he takes up residence in our souls.  That truth should make us joyful like John.  We should also turn to him in every need.  Whether to resist temptation or to find work, he is there to help us.  

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

(Sirach 35:1-12; Mark 10:28-31)

Peace Corps volunteers and missionaries often say that they received more than they gave.  It had seemed at one time a great sacrifice to live in a foreign country.  There is no hefty salary, few if any opportunity for advancement, and no quick trips home to take part in a wedding or birthday party.  Nevertheless, rewards come in rich experiences, sincere friendships, and closeness to the Lord.  The last of these benefits can be derived from today’s readings.

The lesson from Sirach emphasizes how true sacrifices please the Lord.  It warns against thinking that one can buy a favor but recommends charity as a way to ingratiate a merciful God.  The gospel indicates that the promised reward does not come on demand.  The opposite is more likely. Those who follow the Lord by imitating Jesus may very well find themselves persecuted.  Nevertheless, there is a guarantee that in the end they will be more than compensated for their sacrifices.

We don’t have to go far to experience the truth of these readings.  The more we stoop to help others, the higher God will lift us.

Monday, May 29, 2023

Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church

(Acts 1:12-14; John 19:25-34)

Mary fully becomes “Mother of the Church” at the foot of the cross where she is met in today’s gospel.  Jesus gives to her his beloved disciples to form his “family,” a new community whose ties go beyond blood to selfless love.  Jesus prepared Mary for this moment by gradually distancing himself from her since that day in the Temple when at twelve years old, he told her and Joseph that he must be about the work of his Father.

Mary is living out the “Fiat” she made at the Annunciation – that she would accept completely the will of God.  Her sacrifice is comparable to that of her son hanging on the cross.  She suffers as any mother or father in seeing a son precede them in death.  But she suffers even more since she is aware of Jesus’ divine origin and his utter innocence.  Just as Jesus endured the abandonment by his Father on the cross, Mary must now endure his abandonment.  Only selfless love keeps both faithful.

As Mother of the Church, Mary expresses her selfless love on behalf of all of us.  Her love does not substitute for ours but models such love for us.  Knowing that she was able to give herself completely to God’s will, we can do likewise.

Sunday, May 28, 2023

PENTECOST SUNDAY

(Acts 2:1-11; I Corinthians 12:3-7.12-13; John 20:19-23)

Today, Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the Holy Spirit, it is true. But we also celebrate the Church. In some parishes forty or fifty years ago they brought a big cake into mass. The children sang “Happy Birthday” because today is the day the Church was born. While such a practice may highlight the connection between Pentecost and the Church, it also trivializes both. Somehow, we have to relate Pentecost to the Church by taking both things seriously.

It helps us to understand that Pentecost is not just a Christian holiday. Rather, it has its origins in the foundations of Judaism. On the fiftieth day after the Passover and exodus from Egypt, the Israelites received the Law of God. Together with the Covenant, the Law meant that they were the “People of God.” With the gift of the Holy Spirit, we Christians have also identified ourselves as the "People of God" or, sometimes, the "New People of God."

We are the "New People" not only because we are the most recent. Rather, we are men and women recreated by Baptism. We remember what Jesus says to Nicodemus in the Gospel of John: "'He who is not born again cannot see the Kingdom of God.'" Jesus then goes on to explain how to be "born again" is to be born "of water and of the Spirit." Of course, he is referring to Baptism.

The gospel today shows Jesus blowing on the apostles while he says: "... To those whose sins you forgive, they will be forgiven them." We Christians are also renewed because we are not bound by our past sins. We are like the criminal whose sentence is pardoned. He can start life anew without paying the debts due for his previous crime.

Jesus left the New People of God with a mission. Its members, beginning with the apostles, have to go everywhere setting the world ablaze with love. The flames that pass from one to the other in the first reading today represent hearts on fire. They do not stop with the group in the hall but continue to spread through Jerusalem and from there throughout the world to this day. The disciples of Jesus both in Jerusalem and we today fulfill this task by announcing the good news of the love of God. Of course, this announcement is not made only with words but also with deeds.

Since the time of Saint Paul the Church has also identified herself as the "Body of Christ." This is a strange title. In what sense is the church like a body? The Church remains on earth as the physical and organic presence of Christ. The Spirit of Christ, that is, the Holy Spirit, animates this body to fulfill its mission of announcing the love of God. Believers in Christ are the members of this body, each with his or her own ability. Everyone has their necessary role as in the case of a human body so that the Church continues to radiate love. Whether we are cardinal archbishops or those who fry fish for dinner on Lenten Fridays, we support the Church in proclaiming the Kingdom.

The Spirit harmonizes all the efforts of the members. That is why it seems that Pope Francis' proposal to institutionalize synodality with the laity comes from the Spirit. The bishops have always listened to the opinions of the laity. They have sisters, cousins, and cooks in their houses. But casual listening is neither clear nor compelling. The Spirit works by the structures that are built to be truthful and effective.

It has been said that sometimes you have to accept changes so that things remain as always. It seems so with the Church now. Synodality may be necessary for the Church to continue spreading the self-sacrificing love of God.

Friday, May 26, 2023

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest

(Acts 25:13b-21; John 21:15-19)

It is often noted that in this gospel Jesus’ three-time questioning of Peter’s love compares with Peter’s three-time denial of him.  However, the purpose of the questioning is not always speculated.  The probable reason for the repeated question is to assure that Jesus’ Church would be well cared for.  By reminding Peter of his failure, Jesus strengthens his resolve to do everything he can to serve him.  Such love will carry Peter to martyrdom.

The love Jesus requires from Peter is not unique.  He asks the same love from all priests.  They too are shepherds who tend his sheep.  Unless they would do anything for Jesus, some of the flock may wander astray.  Promising such love, priests are asked to remain celibate in imitation of Jesus.  They will have fewer personal responsibilities so that they can give themselves fully to pastoral service.

Today the Church celebrates one of her most famous priests, Philip Neri, “the Apostle of Rome.”  Philip’s care for his expansive flock demonstrated a deep love of the Lord.  Philip was sought after by all kinds of people – rich and poor, high priests and simple workingpersons.  His wisdom, holiness, and, indeed, humor enabled him to meet most every need.

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

(Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11b-19)

In today’s first reading Paul is spared stoning by the disunity of the Sanhedrin.  Astutely observing that both Pharisees and Sadducees are present, Paul identifies himself as a Pharisee.  The Pharisees then side with him when he claims that he is accused for expressing their belief in the resurrection of the dead.  The deadlocked Sanhedrin cannot make a verdict.

Despite Paul’s good fortune, disunity hampers a society from achieving the common good.  Certainly, unity is meant to serve the truth, but disunity is always problematic.  This is why in the gospel Jesus prays that his disciples be unified in the truth that he has taught them.  When the truth in a developing situation is difficult to determine, Jesus would have his disciples discern it together in love.

The world today is sick with divisions.  In the United States, Democrats and Republicans seem to be at odds on most every issue.  Throughout the world migrants are clamoring at the doors of economically developed countries.  People often lack the goodwill to make sacrifices for the benefit of all.  We should ask the Lord to prepare us to make the necessary sacrifices for the good of all.

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

 Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

(Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11b-19)

Today’s first reading voices three concerns that have echo in the contemporary Church.  The first regards the “presbyters” of Ephesus whom Paul calls “overseers.”  Most scholars think that when Paul passed through Miletus, around the year 57 A.D., the offices of presbyter, equivalent to priest today, and bishop, a common translation of the Greek word for overseer, did not exist.  The scholars say that Luke, the author of Acts, uses the terms which had become common at the time of his writing, twenty-five years or so later.  The question bears on the formation of ministerial categories and whether women might occupy the governing offices.

Paul’s warning about men coming forth “perverting the truth to draw the disciples away” has been a continual Church challenge.  Today as much as ever former priests and laypersons start their own Christian communities of faith.  More monumental, the Catholic bishops of Germany now verge on schism over the Church’s teachings on sex. 

Finally, Paul hints at scandal caused by pastors’ taking unscrupulously from community savings.  He says that he avoided any semblance of misconduct by always working for his upkeep.  Pastors abusing the community’s trust regarding money is still an issue, but much more serious is clerical abuse of minors.  Whatever might be said to understand the situation, the outrage has both crippled innocent lives and set back evangelization efforts.

All the episodes in the Acts of the Apostles have some relevancy today.  But as we read the book, let us give attention to how it describes the early Church.  Acts sees the Church as guided by the Holy Spirit to form an ever-expanding community of love as commanded by its founder.   

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

(Acts 20:17-27; John 17:1-11a)

The prayer Jesus makes in today’s gospel is often called “priestly.”  Jesus is the high priest who is about to offer the eternal sacrifice for human redemption.   His prayer precedes the sacrifice by less than a day.  Its exalted tone may sound strange, but Jesus is not directing himself to a human being.  He is speaking to God.  The prayer is part of the eternal dialogue between Father and Son in the Spirit.

In the prayer Jesus continually mentions giving and receiving glory.  In John gospel glory is manifested with Jesus’ crucifixion.  Unlike the other gospels, where the crucifixion is portrayed as a temporary defeat to be overturned with resurrection, in John Jesus’ death completes his redemptive mission.  Furthermore, it reveals what perfect love – the love of God – is like by sacrificing his life for flawed humanity. 

Our response to such a magnanimous act can only be something like today’s responsorial psalm.  “Blessed day by day be the Lord, who bears our burdens…who is our salvation.”

Monday, May 22, 2023

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

(Acts 19:1-8; John 16:29-33)

John’s gospel sees life as a struggle between doing good and doing evil, between light and darkness.  Everyone has experienced this choice although for some acting justly comes more easily than for others.  In today’s gospel passage, Jesus provides consolation to those who may be having a tough time.

The disciples thank Jesus for being their guide to what is true and good.  Jesus, however, must warn them that the struggle is not over.  In fact, he tells them that it is only about to begin.  He will be arrested, and they will be scattered.  However, just as he is not alone but has the Father’s company, they will have his company.  With him or, better, in him, they will be able to choose rightly.

Many prefer not to think of life as a constant struggle to do what is right.  To them such an approach sounds gruesome and boring.  They like to think that any decision made according to what they value is a good one.  They likely have the resources to rescue themselves from bad choices.  We Christians, however, stand with the poor without such resources.  We strive to follow Christ in everything we do.  We know that he will lead us to the fulness of happiness.

Sunday, May 21, 2023

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD, May 21, 2023

(Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20)

Today we celebrate one of the biggest feasts of the liturgical year. The Solemnity of the Ascension commemorates the second part of the triumph of Jesus Christ over death. As we profess in the Creed, “…he rose again on the third day…and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father…” With the presence of Jesus, the Father will send the Holy Spirit to complete the victory.

For a moment our posture towards the Ascension is that of the apostles in the first reading. We are left in awe admiring the glory of God in heaven. However, as the angels rouse the eleven to action, we must consider what the Ascension means today. The gospel helps us with this task.

The passage constitutes the very end of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew. Jesus has already risen and ascended to heaven. He now appears to his disciples as promised since the discovery of the empty tomb. They go to the designated mountain. When they see Jesus, they fall down in adoration. However, some of them doubt that it is really he. They are like many today who say that it has never happened that a person has risen from the dead. Of course, Jesus’ resurrection is a unique event in history made possible by his relationship to God the Father as the only begotten Son.

The second reading says that Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father, has all power in heaven, on earth and even in the future. Because Jesus tells the apostles that he has been given all power, we know that he has already ascended to heaven. The power will be used for the good of all. This is why he commands, "'Go therefore and teach all nations'". It is the first step in his plan to renew the world in love.

This phrase is echoed at the end of every Eucharist. After the blessing, the priest or deacon says, “Go in peace” sometimes adding “and announce the gospel”. Jesus sends us today as his apostles to evangelize the inhabitants of the world. This mission is accomplished by "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." We have the Sermon on the Mount as a model of the breadth and depth of this task. The lesson will include love even for the enemy, modesty even to keeping lustful eyes in check, pleasing God to the point of shunning praise, and practicing justice until our society shines like a city on a mountaintop.

Still the instruction is not yet complete. Jesus adds the need to baptize. The baptism forms a spiritual nation overlaying the different cultures and peoples that comprise the world. It draws all who heed Jesus’ word into one body – the Church – with him as its head to bring about world peace.

Even more than we do, Jesus realizes the enormity of this mission. It will involve billions of people for generations, centuries, even millenniums. Therefore, Jesus does not hesitate to add, "'... I will be with you always ... '" He fulfills this promise by sending the Holy Spirit to bring about his presence. The Spirit encourages us with trust in Jesus.  It moves us to turn to him in trouble. Above all, it transforms bread and wine into his body and blood to strengthen our weakness.

We live in a skeptical time. Even people who claim belief in God do not practice all his commands. With the Ascension Jesus sends us especially to those among us who doubt. With his support we are to teach them the breadth and depth of Jesus’ wisdom. Even more, we are to invite them to share the love of his body, the Church.

Friday, May 19, 2023

Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

(Acts 18:8-18; John 16:20-23)

The gospel today touches a sensitive nerve.  It promises that God will accede to every request made in Jesus’ name.  Yet from experience it seems that at least some of prayers go unanswered. How should this seeming contradiction be deciphered?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides some answers.  First, it says that we must pray to God as “our Father” who knows best what is good for us.  Then it offers the critique of the Letter of James that we often ask God for things with a divided heart.  That is, we ask for things which will be used for evil purposes.  Finally, the Catechism cites St. Augustine saying that the granting of our request may be delayed so that we may grow in trust as we continue to pray.

The answers that the Church provides are based on faith in a Creator who loves us.  His existence is not self-evident, at least to most people.  Yet we know, also from experience, that what St. Paul writes is true: “…all things work for good for those who love God….”

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

(Acts 18:1-8; John 16:16-20)

Although Christians comprise a small fraction of the Pakistani population, in numbers they are more than two million people.  Missionaries there in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries did not convert many Muslims or Hindus but found the animist peoples open to the word of God.  Evidently, all-encompassing religions like Islam have arguments to counter Christianity’s claims.  On the other hand, religions like animism without established theological traditions offer less resistance to Christian preaching.  This is likely the reason for Paul’s frustration when preaching Christ to Jews.

In Corinth, as in other population centers of the Mediterranean in Paul’s day, there is a synagogue.  Paul finds it the natural place to speak about Christ.  As a matter of fact, members of the synagogue in the town of Berea give Paul an ear, but those of the synagogue in Corinth as in Thessalonica are much less amenable.  Still Paul makes progress in Corinth perhaps because Aquila and Priscilla have already did some spade work for planting the seed of Christ.

Even though we are not willing to give up our Christian legacy for anything, we still might dialogue with people of other faiths.  Learning their traditions not only broadens our knowledge but will likely deepen our appreciation of Christianity. We believe that Christ died to save all people.  Deliberately refusing to share our knowledge of him by neglecting opportunities to dialogue would mean a loss on all sides.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

(Acts 17:15.22-18:1; John 16:12-15)

Many Catholics are clamoring for changes in Church teaching regarding morals.  They believe that its doctrine on homosexuality especially needs to be updated.  It seems that they do now realize if the Church changes its teachings, it would not be Christ’s Church.  The permanency of Church teaching is indicated in today’s gospel reading.

Jesus is telling his disciples that the Holy Spirit will come to “bear all truth.” He takes care in saying that the Spirit will not speak for itself but will declare only what the Father and the Son say.  He may develop what Jesus has already taught but will not add anything new.

In speaking of homosexuality we must be careful not to condemn those who have the condition.  In fact, we should feel compassion for their indisposition to have their own child naturally.  But this is no reason to undermine the truth that sexual intimacy is designed for procreation and support of a family.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

 Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

(Acts 16:22-34; John 16:5-11)

In today’s gospel Jesus assures his disciples that the Holy Spirit will take his place.  This, he says, will be to their advantage.  Because physical presence limits him to one place at one time, he cannot be with everyone.  But the Spirit, who is everywhere at once, can be with the Church wherever it goes.  Reminding the disciples of Jesus, the Spirit will help them fulfill their responsibilities.

The Spirit acts as a lawyer who defends the Church by pointing out the shortcomings of its critics.  Today the Spirit convicts the world of individualism run awry.  People want privacy guarantees so that they can do whatever they wish without suffering loss of respect.  The Spirit further convicts the world of righteousness for ignoring the teachings of Jesus.  His emphasis on selfless love has been distorted into fulfilment of sexual desire at any cost.  Finally, the Spirit condemns the world for removing the strictures of sexual intercourse outside of marriage.  Casual sex ruins family bonds that are necessary for moral development and social cohesion.

“Has the Spirit itself likewise gone?” we may want to ask ourselves in this post-Christian age.  No, but it may be dormant if we do not pray for it and move with its promptings.  Within two weeks we will be celebrating the Holy Spirit.  Now is the time to offer ourselves to its control.

Monday, May 15, 2023

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

(Acts 16:11-15; John 15:26-16:4a)

 The first reading begins with one of the famous “we” references in the Acts of the Apostles.  Biblical scholars cannot agree to whom the “we” refers.  Is it Paul and the writer of Acts, known as “Luke”?  Or perhaps “we” was found on a page in some apostle’s diary and included in the work by the author?  Or maybe it is a literary device meant to lend authenticity to the work?  Not as interesting, perhaps, but more important is the reference to Lydia.

Lydia is a Greek believer in Judaism.  She accepted Jewish thought but not Jewish eating habits.  She too is waiting for the Messiah when Paul tells her about Jesus.  She is convinced that Jesus is the one and invites Paul and whoever his companion is into her home, probably to learn about him.

We too have much to learn about Jesus.  We have the Scriptures and the testimonies of thousands of learned and faithful disciples.  Perhaps also we can learn from personal experiences with faithful and generous people such as Lydia.

Sunday, May 14, 2023

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

(Acts 8:5-8.14-17; I Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21)

We've been hearing rumblings of Mother's Day for over two weeks. It seems that newspaper promotions have tried to sell things as diverse as tacos and Toyotas in our mothers' names. Today we hear rumblings of the Holy Spirit in the gospel. Within two weeks we will be celebrating Pentecost, his feast day. Perhaps we should pay close attention to what rumblings indicate since the Holy Spirit is God.

Jesus says that when he goes to his Father, he will ask Him to send us "another Paraclete", the Holy Spirit. The term “paraclete” may sound strange to us. What is a paraclete? And if the Holy Spirit is another paraclete, who was the first? Paraclete is the Greek word for a lawyer or legal advocate. In any society where Christianity is continually scrutinized (as it unfortunately is in ours), it is necessary to have a capable lawyer. While Jesus is with his disciples, he has acted as his advocate. We remember how he defended his disciples from the accusations of the Pharisees who worked on the Sabbath. Now the Spirit will defend them.

Of course, the Holy Spirit does not have a human form. He can't raise a voice like a lawyer in courtroom. Rather he permeates the atmosphere arranging the proceedings and inspiring his clients. The first reading tells of the apostles laying hands on the Samaritan converts to receive the Spirit lest they fall again under the spell of unclean spirits. The second reading does not mention him, but it is the Holy Spirit who will inspire Christians how to “give…the reasons for their hope”.

Jesus promises the Spirit on one condition. His disciples must keep his commandments. In this Gospel of Saint John the only commandment mentioned is to love one another as Jesus loves all. At first sight this commandment does not seem very difficult to obey.  After all, everyone in the community has the same basic formation and professes the same faith. However, we know that envy and rivalry can arise among the best people. Love requires that we humble ourselves like Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.

We need the Holy Spirit to face the thousands of challenges in a post-Christian society. Seeing our neighbors spending Sunday morning relaxing, we wonder why we must attend mass. Reading in the newspaper about the so-called rights to abortion and to gay marriage, we challenge ourselves to answer the false premises of these claims convincingly. The Spirit comes to our aid. He presents us with the truth of the Father and the Son so that we do not fail them in our lives. He inspires us with understanding and wisdom so that our words are on target and our actions consistent with them.

In the Acts of the Apostles there is a reference to the Holy Spirit that is both entertaining and characteristic of life today. Saint Paul asks some disciples if they received the Spirit when they embraced the faith. They reply that they have not even heard of the Holy Spirit. Even though all Christians today may have heard of the Holy Spirit, not all have taken advantage of his support. He stands with us to defend us in our troubles. We can count on the help of the Holy Spirit.

Friday, May 12, 2023

 Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

(Acts 15:22-31; John 15:12-17)

Since the rise of Facebook, people have “friends” whom they have never met.  This is not what Jesus has in mind when he calls his disciples “friends” in today’s gospel.

Jesus’ exalted sense of friendship probably stems from the Greek cultural influence in Palestine.  Aristotle taught that there are different kinds of friends.  Some are people just fun to be around.  Others are useful for business purposes.  The most important friends are those with whom one may share the secrets of her or his life.  They love the person so well that they only want what is best for her or him.  One does not have many friends of this type and can be grateful for having just one.

Jesus wants to be our friend.  He is near so that he might hear our deepest desires and disappointments.  He is ready to support our efforts and to console us when we fail.  All he asks of us is to love one another, something like the way in which he loves us.

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter

(Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11)

In today’s reading from Acts Jesus’ disciples resolve a crisis that could have split the Church.  James, the leader of the conservative Jewish Christians, declares that gentile converts need not eat only kosher foods.  Moved by the Holy Spirit, James accepted the rationale proposed by Peter and Paul that people are saved by faith in Christ.

The Church today faces challenges like the one featured in Acts.  Liberals keep clamoring for ordination of women and Communion to the divorced and remarried.  Conservatives want more access to the pre-1960 Latin mass.  These issues cannot be resolved by compromise but by careful discernment and prayer.  Synods may widen perspectives, but ultimately the Holy Spirit will make known the way to proceed.

We may find it hard to trust in the Spirit.  However, trust in the Spirit does not prohibit us from carefully considering the different arguments.  Doing so, we will be able to understand the reasons the pope and other bishops give for their determinations.

Wedneday, May 10, 2023

 Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

 (Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8)

One of the characteristics of the Gospel according to John is Jesus’ using the tetragramic “I am” in describing himself.  In today’s passage he says, “I am the true vine.”  In other places he says of himself as “I am the Good Shepherd,” “I am the Bread of Life,” “I am the light of the world,” etc.  It is not likely that Jesus made such gargantuan claims about himself.  Rather the evangelist John uses the images with which Jesus spoke of God’s Kingdom – vineyards, shepherds and lost sheep, bread feeding thousands – to indicate the Lordship of Jesus.

By having Jesus call himself the “true vine,” the evangelist means that he gives life.  As a branch would wither if it were disconnected from the vine, so would those who cut themselves off from the Church soon fail to live productive lives.  Productive lives are not necessarily those which generate a lot of money or children.  They are lives which work for the good of all and end in true happiness. 

We may have difficulty appreciating all the images the evangelist John uses to describe Jesus’ Lordship.  Most of us get our fruit from stores, not from trees.  Living in an age that prizes autonomy, we may think we are being underestimated when compared to sheep in need of a shepherd.  But if Jesus is all that we proclaim of him to be in the Creed, then we need him as much as we need air.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

(Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a)

Church historians speak of three “missionary journeys” of the apostle Paul.  The first is completed in today’s first reading.  The second will take Paul into Europe (modern Greece).  The third will take years to complete and end in his being taken captive in Jerusalem.

Throughout his missionary activity St. Paul experiences hardship.  Three times he is scourged and three times, shipwrecked.  Today’s reading mentions the stoning after which he was left for dead.  But the passage breathes satisfaction as well with the apostles’ having accomplished their objective.  Seeing the people both accept and keep the faith confirms Paul and Barnabas’ trust in the Holy Spirit.  

By contrast, a chief Church concern today is people passing through RCIA and then abandoning the faith.  We must ask why this happens.  One cause may be the lack of witness.  Catholics are often nonchalant about putting into practice what the Church teaches.  When converts see this, they may question their own commitment. 

Monday, May 8, 2023

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

(Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26)

A geneticist studied fruit flies.  He got to know them well.  In fact, he came to appreciate individual characteristics.  He saw how one fly did things in ways others did not.  In this sense he came to love the fruit flies he studied.  This banal example of love can provide some clarity in what Jesus means in today’s obscure gospel passage.

Judas, the other Judas that Luke mentions in his list of apostles, asks Jesus why he reveals himself to them and not to everyone.  Jesus answers obliquely.  He tells how those who love him keep his word and he and his Father will dwell in those persons.  In this way they receive the revelation of both Jesus and the Father.  They have an affective knowledge based on their love for God.  They prove their love by keeping Jesus’ words, which are his commandments.

We may say we love God, but do we keep his commandments?  We’re not talking about eight or nine of the ten but all of them.  Do we sincerely and honestly help our neighbor?  Do we refrain from biting sarcasm and deception in our conversations.  To love as Jesus commands means forsaking the ways of the world.  However, it results in an assurance of his love for us.

Sunday, May 7, 2023

 

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, May 7, 2023

(Acts 6:1-7; I Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12)

Today’s gospel is one of the masterpieces of the New Testament.  It ranks with the Sermon on the Mount for profundity of message and for breadth of recognition. Jesus is giving his final discourse in the Gospel of John.  It deals with various topics such as his commandment of love, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the need to stay connected to him.  In the section we just read, Jesus comforts his disciples because of the sorrow they will feel when he goes.  In the process he shares with us some of the keys to the spiritual life.

First, he shares a little about his destiny and, eventually, the destiny of his followers.  He compares it, that is eternal life, to a hotel with rooms for everyone.  When Thomas, here as elsewhere skeptical, asks him about this place, Jesus answers him with reference to himself.  He says he is "'the way, the truth, and the life.'"  Because this phrase is so dense, we have to unpack it a little.

When Jesus says he is "the life," he means that he is our destiny of eternal life.  Seeing God, the beatific vision, is the essence of eternal life.  Jesus will tell Philip, "'Whoever sees me, sees the Father.'" St. Paul indicates the wonder of this vision when he writes to the Corinthians: "Now we see as in a mirror, confused; then we will see face to face" (I Cor 13:12). Knowing Christ like this must be more tremendous than any natural sight, be it the summit of Mount Everest or the beach of Cancun.  It is experiencing and delighting in the glory of the Creator of the universe who deigned to become like us!

Jesus provides us with another key to the spiritual life by saying that he is the way.  We remember how the early Christians in the Acts of the Apostles were known as followers of the "Way."  The word "Way" here refers to Jesus as the model of moral conduct.  In the Sermon on the Mount he says to his disciples: "...how narrow the entrance and how narrow the road that leads to Life!'"  He is referring to his disciplined and principled life.  We see this quality of life also in the saints.  Puerto Rican Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodriguez dedicated his life by teaching other laymen.  Because he had several health problems, he could not follow a priestly vocation.  But his condition did not stop him from teaching and animating groups on the liturgy of the Church. 

Jesus also claims to be the truth.  He is the truth of God the Father incarnate in a human being.  In other words he is self-sacrificing love that humbled himself to share our human lot.  Moreover, as our companion, he not only extended a hand to cure our infirmities but also suffered a horrific death to free us from sin.  When we follow him one hundred percent, we have to expect to suffer as well. Unfortunately, many do not want to suffer at all.  They don't want to walk a couple of blocks to conserve the environment, much less are they willing to sacrifice a couple of hours to visit the sick.  We might learn from those brave Ukrainians who are risking their lives to defend their homeland even though they could have fled the country as refugees.

There is some interest in the spiritual life today.  Bookstores have sections full of titles about spirituality from different sources.  All of these books – whether Christian, Jewish, or "new age" – will refer to the supreme spiritual guide of the ages, Jesus Christ.  He remains like no one else "the way, the truth, and the life."

Friday, May 5, 2023

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

(Acts 13:26-33; John 141-6)

Days come and go as the world turns on its axis.  But one, for Christians at least, will last forever.  Because it marked an event outside time, the day of the resurrection of Christ will never end.  Humans take part in this day when they are baptized into Christ. As Paul tells the synagogue assembly in today’s first reading, “’…he has brought to fulfillment for us, their (i.e., the apostles’) children, by raising up Jesus…’”

Paul’s discourse here is an example of early Christian preaching.  The Book of the Acts of the Apostles contains several of these speeches, mostly by Peter and Paul.  They summarize the entire gospel: Jesus is God’s word; that is his representative, who was sent to the world to give it new life.  Despite many awesome signs, the Jewish people did not recognize him as God’s emissary.  Rejecting his message, they arranged his crucifixion by the Romans.  The Hebrew prophets had foretold these events as well as his resurrection from the dead.

The Christian narrative probably sounded strange to people of the first century as it does to our contemporaries.  Surely it requires more testimony than that of a preacher.  We provide that testimony by living the new life – a life of uncompromising virtue.  By our loving acts and faultless lives, people will know that Jesus has risen from the dead and that we share this destiny.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

(Acts 13:13-25; John 13:16-20)

In John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost the great angel Lucifer takes a definitive stand against God. “I will not serve,” he says.  To punctuate the point, he adds that it is “better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven.”   Off he goes to bring havoc to the world, not least terribly by distorting our notion of service.

Service seems to call into question the exalted idea we have of ourselves.  It apparently shows to the world and to ourselves that we are not the force that sets the universe in motion but a small cog in the order of things.  Yet Jesus served -- very visibly the night he took off his tunic to wash the feet of his disciples.  Service then does not demean our stature; quite the contrary it conforms us to the Lord.  When we serve faithfully and well, we prove ourselves worthy of a place in God’s house, a seat at His table.

The reference to Judas in the gospel reading today points to a man who, like Lucifer, refuses to serve.  It is opined – perhaps because he was the treasurer of the community -- that Judas rivaled Peter as head disciple.  In the reading Jesus implies that Judas’ difficulty is that he cannot see himself taking off his tunic, much less give his life, in faithful service.  Thus, he too takes a definitive stand against the Lord.

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Feast of Saints Philip and James

(I Corinthians 15:1-8; John 14:6-14)

The readings today were apparently chosen because they recall the names of the apostles whom we celebrate.  The first reading mentions James as one of the early witnesses of the resurrected Christ.  Some commentators think that James is the so-called “brother of the Lord” mentioned throughout the New Testament.  If this is the James that St. Paul has in mind, he was probably not a disciple during Jesus’ ministry and therefore probably not one of the twelve apostles.  The gospels report another apostle named James besides the son of Zebedee.  He was the son of Alphaeus and is often referred to as “James the Less” because he was younger or shorter than the son of Zebedee.

Philip the apostle also may be confused with another by the same name.  In the Acts of the Apostles one of the seven men upon whom the apostles laid their hands was named “Philip.” (The seven are commonly called “deacons” because their original mission was to care for the Greek-speaking widows in the primitive church community.)  Philip the apostle was a disciple of John the Baptist who directed him to Jesus.

All this sorting of names is more than just interesting.  It demonstrates that our faith in the resurrection of Jesus is based on the testimony of real men, not legends, of whom the Scriptures give account.  The fact that most of those who gave testimony to the resurrection suffered martyrdom also inspires confidence in the resurrection.  Many may think it preposterous to believe that any human life has a vital existence beyond death.  For us, however, it is a necessary conclusion.

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

(Acts 11:19-26; John 10:22-30)

In today’s gospel the Jews ask Jesus if he is “the Christ.”  This term implies that he would be considered the son of God in an exalted sense although not in the same sense that St. Athanasius meant.  Almost three centuries later, Athanasius lived at a time when people debated an equal standing for God the Father and God the Son. 

Athanasius contended that Father and Son are identical except for their respective relations.  Today’s passage testifies to this radical equality where Jesus says, “’I and the Father are one.’”  They have not only the same nature but also the same mind and will.  The Holy Spirit shares these qualities as well.  He differs from the Father in that he proceeds from the Father.  He differs from the Son in that the Son is begotten by the Father. 

We may have trouble trying to explain the Trinity to others.  But it is very important that they are one.  Also we must keep in mind that they love us more than we can imagine.  In return for that love, which blesses us each day, we praise and thank them.  Since imitation is a high form of praise, we also want to love one another.