Sunday, June 1, 2025

ASCENSION OF THE LORD

(Acts 1:1-11; Hebrews 9:24-28, 10:19-23 (Ephesians 1:17-23); Luke 24:46-53)

In 1961, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin returned from the first human voyage into outer space. In an interview afterward, he said, “I looked and looked, but I did not see God.” His statement was likely just mockery of believers by an atheist. But it raises a question worth exploring on this Solemnity of the Ascension. Should we expect to find heaven in the heavens? In other words, is heaven a physical place? Because Jesus has a resurrection body, it seems He needs a physical place to contain Him.

We begin by examining the first reading and the Gospel for today’s Mass. Both were written by the evangelist we know as Luke. Both also report Jesus ascending into heaven. But the accounts are not entirely the same. We will discuss the Gospel first, since it was written earlier and is simpler. Then we will look at the longer reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

The Gospel text portrays Jesus appearing to his apostles on the night of his resurrection. He explains what happened to him in terms of Scripture. At the end, he commands them to preach his resurrection to all nations and how it led to the forgiveness of sins. However, before beginning the mission, he tells them to await the coming of the Holy Spirit. Then Jesus leaves the house to ascend into heaven, evidently on the same night.

The reading from Acts says that Jesus appeared several times to his apostles during forty days after his resurrection. For the most part, he spoke of the Kingdom of God in these appearances. On the fortieth day, the apostles expressed the same concern for the Kingdom that we have. They asked Jesus when he would return to demonstrate his dominion over the world. Jesus responds that it is not for them to know the exact time. However, he says that they will receive the Holy Spirit so that they may bear witness to him throughout the world. Then he rises from their sight until he vanishes into a cloud. The reading ends with two angels (the "men in white") telling them that Jesus will return as they have seen him depart.

The two readings point to several conclusions about the Ascension. First, it teaches that Jesus has a firm idea of ​​how his mission will continue. He will not be limited by being with his disciples in the flesh. Rather, he will remain with them through his Holy Spirit as they preach forgiveness throughout the world. Second, the forty days are not an exact time but rather a way for Luke to create order in his story. At the beginning of the Gospel, Luke promised the reader just this order. Third, the day of Jesus' return is unknown, although it is certain that he will return. The motive of his return is to fulfill God's promise to restore his Kingdom on earth (see Is 32:1-11). Fourth, the Ascension anticipates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples at Pentecost and upon us at Baptism. The Spirit will help us carry out the mission of proclaiming Jesus' resurrection from the dead and the forgiveness of sin in his name. Fifth, the cloud acts as a chariot carrying Jesus to the glory of heaven where he will reside forever. From there he sends forth his Spirit. Finally, the residence of Christ with the Father is a spiritual place, not a material one. In the First Letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul writes that Jesus' body has been changed from corruptibility to incorruptibility, from weakness to power, and from material reality to spiritual reality. Therefore, when the Scriptures speak of heaven as above, they mean freedom from material things, like a bird in flight.

For us today, the Ascension allows us to live as free men and women. It presents us as victorious over sin through the Lord's death and destined for glory with bodies transformed like that of the resurrected Jesus. This is because we have the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to proclaim Christ to everyone we meet.

Friday, May 30, 2025

 

Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

(Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23)

As if global warming were not enough concern for the future, another catastrophe looms on the horizon.  Western cultures will wane if not disappear because women in many nations do not want to bear children.  The joy of which Jesus speaks in today’s gospel is being lost.

Jesus speaks of childbearing as a metaphor to describe his imminent death and resurrection.  He tells his disciples that their anguish will be great like a woman in labor as they watch him suffer and die.  But like a child being born, he will rise to a new life giving them great joy.

Jesus shares his new life with us in Baptism.  Properly nourished with the Eucharist, the new life will recognize the need to procreate for the common good.  It will also acknowledge that few things are more satisfying than guiding one’s progeny to become loving, faithful people of God.

Thursday, May 29, 2025

 (For a homily on the Ascension, please see Sunday, June 1.)

Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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

In his First Letter to the Corinthians St. Paul writes that he came to them not preaching eloquently or even sagely.  Rather he spoke of Christ crucified.  He had tried eloquence and sagacity in Athens with little effect.  As with most people, the Corinthians were impressed more by sacrificial love than by wisdom or even beauty.

Still the Jews of Corinth in today’s first reading refuse to accept Paul’s message.  Perhaps they were content with their traditions so that they did not see the need to investigate a new way of believing.  More likely, they could not accept a suffering Messiah.  In any case few Paul curtails his efforts among them so that he might preach to Gentiles.  Paul can readily refute their unsophisticated pagan beliefs with the story of Jesus.

The history of Christianity contains many wise people and illustrious art.  But still it is Jesus, the God-man who gave himself to free people of their sins, that holds our attention.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

(Acts 17:15.22-18:1; John 16:15-21)

A good teacher broadens and deepens knowledge. Such was the sage, Socrates.  He drew insights out of listeners by applying what they knew to different situations.  Jesus promises such a teacher in the Holy Spirit in today’s gospel.

Jesus tells his disciples that the Holy Spirit will come to guide them to the truth.  But they already have the truth in Jesus himself.  What Jesus apparently means is that the Spirit will confirm the truth ‘that Jesus has given his disciples. Then the Spirit will clarify and deepen the truth in the deliberations of the Church. 

We can see this process in the development of understanding of who Jesus is.  The disciples know that Jesus is the Messiah who has come to reveal God’s will to the world.  The Spirit will eventually show that he is God incarnate whose death is the price of human redemption and whose resurrection is the promise of eternal life. Our response to this development can only be “thanks” along with the determination to live in accord with God’s will.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

 

Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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

Today’s gospel passage is not easily grasped.  It deals with the Holy Spirit’s role as an advocate-prosecutor.  The Spirit helps the disciples, as all Christians, in discerning right from wrong and by providing the will power to do what is right.  Also, the Spirit acts like a prosecutor who convicts the world of doing the contrary.

The world should be seen as those who do not accept Jesus as the Son of God.  Although Jesus’ primary opponents have been “the Jews,” they alone have not rejected God’s love.  In the Gospel the Jews collaborate with the Romans forming an axis of believers and non-believers (in God) to execute Jesus. 

First, the Spirit convicts the world of its fundamental sin of not believing in Jesus.  After seeing Jesus perform miraculous deeds, including restoring life to the dead, the world still refuses to believe him.  Second, the Spirit establishes righteousness by raising Jesus from the dead and returning him to the Father.  Finally, Jesus’ death and resurrection condemns the works of Satan, the world’s leader.

In the passage Jesus consoles his disciples – including us – not to worry and encourages them to believe in Christ.  It shows that despite the apparent victory of the world, Christ has triumphed and is leading his faithful to eternal life.

Monday, May 26, 2025

 

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest

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

In today’s first reading St. Paul begins his European mission.  He and his companions have crossed the Hellespont into Greece.  They travel to Philippi, a few miles inland. On the Sabbath they go to a river where they meet God-fearing people interested in Judaism.  Paul has teaches these neophytes that Jesus has fulfilled Jewish expectations.  A leading citizen named Lydia is baptized along with her household.  The Church will grow like a redwood to an awesome and majestic height.

Fast forward to Rome fifteen centuries later.  The Church is in serious trouble. The redwood is close to falling under its own weight. Protestantism has divided her influence.  Clericalism has frozen her testimony.  A young man from Florence named Philip Neri arrives in Rome to reverse the trend.  He finds Catholics confused and discouraged.  He takes time to talk with them about the marvel of Christ’s resurrection.  He exuberates the joy of knowing Christ.  Philip gathers the reputation of Rome’s second evangelizer, the first being St. Paul himself.

Joy should accompany our belief in the resurrection.  Suffering and death are not the final Christian lot.  We are remade in the image of Christ’s new life.  Some at times will feel restricted by Christian discipline.  Others, like Philip Neri, should show them that sacrifice lets us experience more fully the love of Christ.

Sunday, May 25, 2025

 

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

(Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29)

Worldly peace and the peace of Christ have been differentiated throughout the centuries. We have heard how worldly peace is superficial, how it does not last long, and how it can be shaken by conflicts and setbacks. In contrast, the peace of Christ reaches the heart, brings confidence, and is not easily lost.

If worldly peace were so fragile, who would not choose the peace of Christ? However, we know that worldly peace also brings benefits. The cessation of heated arguments gives adversaries time to reconsider their goals. A safe and comfortable place also relieves the tensions that drain an individual's energy and good humor. Worldly peace sometimes accompanies a genuine commitment to coexistence, if not mutual respect.

We could offer the cell phone as a symbol of worldly peace. Many people today have become attached to their cell phones so that they don't go anywhere without them. It provides them with the security of having what they feel is necessary to avoid anxiety and maintain equanimity. When they feel alone, it puts them in touch with their friends. When they are lost, it guides them to their destination. And when they are unsure about a fact or a process, it provides information in seconds. And these are just a few examples of the advantages of having a cell phone.

However, there are limits to the cell phone. It brings a sense of peace until it is lost, misplaced, the battery runs out, or there are problems with the internet provider. When setbacks like these occur, peace quickly gives way to anxiety. This is not a reason to abort the cell phone, but to seek something deeper that stabilizes peace.

In the Gospel, Jesus offers friendship with himself to support the conditional peace of the cell phone and the other sources of peace. He embraces this peace so that we can face any challenge with confidence. The peace of Christ is knowing, like a child in her father's arms, that everything will turn out well. It is the assurance that, whatever may come, even death, Christ will deliver us from the evil we experience.

The Hebrew language has the word shalom to express the peace of Christ. More than a cessation of hostilities, shalom means prosperity, fulfillment, and harmony even in war. Shalom is the assurance that, through the superior resources we have, we will overcome all challenges. Whether it be illness, enemies, or other adversity, we will not lose but will prevail in the end.

Christ shows us how we can access his peace. By keeping his commandments, especially the commandment to love one another, he will come with the Father to dwell within us. It's like having the chief of police in the house when we receive a security threat. As Saint Paul writes to Timothy: “If we died with him, we will live with him; if we endure, we will reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:11b-12a).

We don't have to choose between the peace of the world and the peace of Christ. In fact, we need both. Cell phones are very useful, but they can't provide us with the courage to face the loss of resources, much less death. When we are fighting against evil, we want the shalom of Christ. It gives us the strength to overcome every threat of evil.

Friday, May 23, 2025

 

Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

All the attention being given to the new pope raises a question of the first reading.  Why didn’t Peter take upon himself the decision to allow gentiles into the Church without circumcision?  In other words, why was the letter to the Church at Antioch written in the name of “the Apostles and presbyters” of Jerusalem?  After all, Jesús did name Peter the rock upon which he would build his Church.

The reason is not that difficult to discern.  In the beginning, the Church was small and egalitarian.  The apostles held places of prominence, but the whole community took part in deliberations.  As the Church grew, clarity and effectiveness demanded that the successor of Peter make operational decisions for the whole Church.  This did not take place, however, for about one hundred years. 

Pope Francis tried to return some of the mutual decision-making to the whole Church through synodality.  Pope Leo XIV seems poised to continue this process.  However, we should not think of synodality as a name for democracy.  It promises to be more a sounding board where the voices of Catholics from different backgrounds may be heard.  Ideally, it will give the pope of the universal Church and bishops of local churches a better sense of what the Holy Spirit is doing among the faithful.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

 Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

 (Acts 15:7-21; John 15: 9-11)

What if the Catholic Church, in order to foster unity with Protestant communities of faith, relaxed the requirement of attending Sunday Eucharist?  Surely many would oppose the change as an aberration to a Catholic tradition that has been practiced almost since the beginning.  Others would say that there is no Scriptural mandate to attend Sunday Mass and therefore the Church precept is alterable. This question is similar to what the primitive Church confronts in today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

It is hard to understate the importance of this meeting of the primitive Church.  The leaders are to decide the direction of the Church in the future.  Will it continue to be primarily a movement within Judaism, or will it allow Gentiles to be Gentiles while finding their salvation in the Lord Jesus?  The decision seems to boil down to what James will say.  Peter has already been convinced of the need to allow Gentile members eat pork.  Paul and Barnabas, of course, have no objections to the idea.  Opposed to the change are the so-called “Judaizers” who see Christianity as a renewal of Israel with its necessity of keeping the Law.  James’ speaking in favor of the change with only a few restrictions wins the argument in favor of Gentiles keeping their dietary custom. 

It probably is not a good idea to abandon the Sunday Eucharist obligation.  But Catholics should be open to some non-essential changes in order to accommodate Christian unity, like the determination of the day of Easter.  We should not emphasize our differences from others.  Rather we should seek commonalities so that Christ may be one without diluting what he is and all that he tells us.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

 

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

(Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8)

Dorothy Day was the leading Catholic activists of her time.  She probably did not think of herself in that way.  Activists are generally considered political personalities more interested in attracting people to their cause than serving the Lord.  Dorothy Day was principally interested in the latter.  She stayed close to Christ.  As he promises in today’s gospel, she bore much fruit.

In calling himself the vine, Jesus indicates that he brings the sap of grace to his adherents.  With this resource they can give glory to God while helping others.  Separating themselves from him, people tend to seek their own glory.  Their service often becomes compromised by giving bad example in their personal lives. 

Let us remain close to Christ be praying always and receiving the sacraments often.  Speaking to the Lord when we are not talking to others, we will find our motives purified and our resolve to do what is right strengthened.  His grace will enhance us like a mother’s milk enables her baby to grow strong and healthy.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

 

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

Once a fierce snowstorm was forecasted for a city.  Institutions in the city were being shut down, including the local college.  The young women at the college were worried about their classmate who lived in another town.  The classmate, however, was calm and peaceful.  She said that her father called to say that he was coming to pick her up.  “How do you know he will get here?” the other women asked.  The student replied that she knew her father loved her and that if he promised, he would do it.  Needless to say, he came to fetch his daughter, and they drove home safely.

The story parallels today’s gospel.  Jesus has promised his disciples that he will come back to see them.  He must depart to do battle with Satan, the Prince of the World.  He knows, however, that he will defeat the evil one and rescue his disciples.  Therefore, they should, like the young woman in the story, not worry but trust in him.

Let us also have faith in Jesus.  He has already defeated Satan and sent his Holy Spirit to help us.  Listening to his voice in our conscience as well as his words in the Gospel and taking his Body and Blood in the Eucharist, we will be all right.

Monday, May 19, 2025

 

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

As often happens in John’s gospel, in today’s passage someone questions Jesus and receives an indirect answer.  In today’s passage Judas queries the Lord regarding why he does not reveal himself to the world.  Jesus’ response is typically oblique.  He reiterates what he said about his and the Father’s love abiding in whoever keeps his commandments.  His hidden plan is to use this loyalty to reveal himself to the world.

The first reading shows two ardent lovers of the Lord preaching salvation to the world.  Paul and Barnabas.  They showed their love of Christ by enduring a stoning while preaching his name.  They pick themselves up from the failure in Iconium to proclaim Jesus in Lystra and Derbe.  There they attract people by their authority over evil spirits.  When the people naively think that the two are gods, they credit the God of Israel for their power.  The pagan people, so accustomed to thinking of the divine as having capricious power, have a hard time grasping the new teaching.

Hopefully, we do much better, but there is reason to wonder. Like the pagans of Lystra and Derbe we often show more deference to physical than to spiritual power.  Many, both young and old, watch cartoons and cartoonish movies featuring characters with disproportionate muscles.  Rather than show awe for this inanity, let us show our love for God by loving one another. 

Sunday, May 18, 2025

 

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, May 18, 2025

(Acts 14:21-27; Revelation 21:1-5; John 13:31-33, 34-35)

The Catholic Church has always considered the Gospel according to Saint John to be its richest gospel treasure. More than any other book of the Bible, this gospel portrays Jesus as the incarnate Son of God. The phrase Thomas uses when Jesus offered his hand and side to test him resonates on every page: “My Lord and my God.”

Before we discuss today’s brief gospel reading, it would be helpful to examine a little of the gospel’s make-up. Biblical scholars teach us that after the prologue and before the final conclusion, the work can be divided into two parts: what is called the “book of signs” and the “book of glory.” The first part tells of Jesus performing seven miraculous signs and interpreting each one with the dialogue surrounding it. It is no coincidence that the famous Bread of Life Discourse occurs immediately after the multiplication of the loaves.

The “book of glory” itself shows what the “book of signs” implies. That is, in the words of the Gospel: “God so loves the world that he gave his Son so that whoever believes in him… may have eternal life.” In his Farewell Discourse, Jesus carefully explains the implications of this sacrificial love for his disciples.

Today's reading is taken from the beginning of the Farewell Discourse. Jesus has just washed the feet of his disciples, even those of Judas Iscariot, his betrayer. It was such a humble act that not even the Jewish slaves were required to do it. Then Jesus gave the reason for his service. He said, “As I have done for you, you ought to do for one another.” He did not mean that they should literally clean the soles and ankles of one another, but rather that they should serve one another wholeheartedly.

Now Jesus continues to interpret his service. He gives his disciples the commandment of love: “… love one another, as I have loved you.” In other words, that they render service with consideration, care, and self-denial. In Greek, the word most often used for this kind of love is agapan. It is the love that seeks nothing but the good of the other person. Agapan describes best God's love for humankind.

It has been noted that this commandment of love in the Gospel of John is for members of the same community. According to this perspective, Jesus does not command us to love our enemies as in the Sermon on the Mount. However, when he gives the commandment, Jesus has just washed the feet of the same Judas, who already intends to betray him. Jesus does not shy away from loving his enemy here. Nor should we in our service.

The Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote of agapan love that it is different from the love in our dreams. According to him, it is “love in action,” a “hard and terrible” thing. However, let us not waste time worrying about how we can love those who have offended us. The challenge that agapan presents to us is to visit the elderly in nursing homes and to stop and lend a hand to a stranger in need. We learn to love one another, whether our relatives or enemies declared by our government, by seeing in them the likeness of Christ. For, like Jesus, they are images of God, whom we must love above all else.

Friday, May 16, 2025

 

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

(Acts 13:26-33; John 14:1-6)

John’s Gospel states that eternal life consists in knowing Christ.  He provides the company that not only lasts forever but also brings untold joy and peace.  As much as one follows Jesus, as much as one loves others as he has done, that person is on the way to eternal life.  So Jesus can correctly identify himself as the way, the truth, and the life.

Accepting these simple truths with so great implications require faith.  Jesus has implored his disciples to have this faith.  He has worked many signs so that they might believe in him.  He has also demonstrated this same kind of faith in his relationship with the Father. 

As Jesus prayed and trusted in the Father, we should pray and trust in him.  We should not think that our humanness is different from Jesus’.  As he was able to reach beyond the horizon of physical knowledge to what the eye cannot see, so can we.  Doing so will put us on the way of life.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

 

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

(Acts 8:26-40; John 6:44-51)

Sometimes individuals excuse themselves from following Christ saying they have not been given faith.  Even though they accept all that Jesus teaches about morals, they halt their allegiance where he speaks of resurrection from the dead and eternal life.  Today’s gospel encourages them to drop rational arguments and go with Jesus.

The "Jews" (what the evangelist John calls the Pharisees and Sadducees) express their difficulties with Jesus's discourse. They don't understand how he came down from heaven if he has parents like everyone else. Unfortunately, they have turned their mindsagainst Jesus.  His words seem like boasting to them. They need to listen more closely not only to Jesus' voice but also to the yearnings of their own hearts for eternal life.

We should not kid ourselves thinking that we could not have joined “the Jews” in their opposition to Jesus.  Many of us are easily convinced when talk turns into action against individuals.  If it is the case, we can thank God for making our faith-journey easy.  We also want to take time to tell others what and why we believe.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

 Feast of Saint Matthias, apostle

 (Acts 1:15-17.20-26; John 15:9-17)

 A mother was concerned about the bad habits developing in her teenage daughter.  She saw as the source of the girl’s vices the friends with whom she was associating.  So the mother challenged the teenager to give up the friends – a move which was initially resented but in time came to be appreciated.  People are not only known by the friends they have but become like them.  For this reason we hear Jesus’ words in today’s gospel with great joy.

From the beginning of the Gospel of John Jesus speaks as the incarnate Son of God.  He lives on a completely different, what might be called a “higher,” plane than other humans.  Because of this divine nature, it seems that humans will always remain subservient to him.  However, in today’s passage Jesus tells his disciples that they have become his friends.  After years under his tutelage they now share deeply and completely Jesus’ own interests.  It is more wonderful than being born into the aristocracy or being made a CEO.

Just as surely as St. Matthias shared friendship with Jesus, so may we.  Of course, it entails keeping his commandment to love both God and neighbor.  It also assumes a continual dialogue with Jesus in prayer.  As his friends, we are to listen to Jesus’ words in the gospel and share with him are own joys and anxieties.  In due time we will find ourselves becoming just like him.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

 

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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

Today’s first reading tells of two related milestones. For the first time not only Jews but also non-Jewish Greek speakers were joining Christ’s community.  Also, the community was given the name of “Christian” or, at least its members were called “Christians.”

For the initial years after Jesus’ resurrection, only Jews belonged to the Church.  The Church was a sect of Judaism – Jews who believed that the Messiah had come in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.  In Antioch, evidently for the first time, non-Jewish Greeks became Church members.  As a result, the community could no longer be considered a Jewish sect.  Its members had to recognize the fact and call themselves “Christians,” that is, followers of Christ.

We are proud to be called “Christians.” Jesus Christ, because he had a divine as well as human nature, lived human ideals to the full.  He modeled to the full truth, goodness, and love.  With the grace that he gives us, we can do something similar.

Monday, May 12, 2025

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

(Acts 11:1-18; John 10:1-10)

Today’s readings speak of missionary activities.  They build one upon the other.  The first poses the question of gentiles having to conform to Jewish customs to be admitted into the Church community.  Then the gospel poses Jesus as sheepgate.  It begs the question of having to go through him in Baptism to find eternal life.

Early on the apostles decided that one need not adopt Jewish customs for Church membership.  The issue of having to be baptized or, more precisely, of what does Baptism consist has been debated for centuries.  Vatican II declared that people ignorant of the Gospel but who seek the truth and do the will of God can be saved. This conclusion makes sense, but justifying the position in Scripture has not been satisfactorily accomplished. 

We take to heart the problem when we live our faith intensely.  People will notice and may make inquiries about becoming Catholics.  We also should not be afraid to proclaim our love for the Lord.  Others need to be assured that he is present to us and that his love can make a difference in their lives. 

 

Sunday, May 11, 2025

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

(Acts 13:14, 43-52; Revelation 7:9, 14-17; John 10:27-30)

Just as the Second Sunday of Easter has been named "Divine Mercy Sunday," this Fourth Sunday of Easter is called "Good Shepherd Sunday." Always on this Sunday we read part of the discourse of the Good Shepherd found in the Gospel according to John. Today we have read what amounts to the conclusion of the discourse.

The reading emphasizes three points. First, his sheep listen to the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. That is, his followers hear and heed his words. Although they challenge ("you also must wash one another's feet"), they also comfort ("I will not leave you orphans; I will come back to you"). Whether chastising or supporting, the voice of the Good Shepherd always speaks the truth that sets us free.

Second, no one snatches the sheep from the hands of the Good Shepherd. This is not possible because the sheep only follow his voice. The sheep know that he will lead them to the green pastures of eternal life. If anyone has fled to non-Christian religions, it is because they have not listened to the voice of the Shepherd.

Finally, Jesus says that he and the Father are one. This phrase is not intended as proof that Jesus is God. Rather, it indicates that the two -- Father and Son -- are united in love. During the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus will pray to the Father that all his disciples may be so united: "As you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us" (17:21b).

The new pope is the successor of Peter, whom Jesus chose to be his vicar. As Peter spoke with the voice of Christ, so must the new pope. He must faithfully pass on Jesus' teachings so that no one is led astray from the path to eternal life. Equally necessary, he must keep everyone close to him so that no one can take them away. This implies that people feel his love. Pope Francis won the affection of the world when he kissed the man whose face was covered with tumors. We hope that the new pope will not lack this kind of demonstrable love.

There have not been large numbers of Christians leaving belief in Jesus Christ for other religions. However, many Christians have rejected the pope as their vicar. First, the Orthodox separated from the Catholic Church. Then, evangelicals denied the authority of the Bishop of Rome. This second group has accepted moral practices that do not correspond to those of the Catholic Church. The new pope must seek ways that will unify Christians, at least in charitable works and hopes, as they are united in faith and Baptism.

In addition to being a pastor, the new pope will have other roles. Like Peter, he must be a fisher of men and women. As the world's most well-known moral force, he must remind national leaders of the need to resolve conflicts through dialogue and compromise. One of the greatest popes in history gave himself and all popes who have come after him another role.  Saint Gregory the Great called himself, the “servant of the servants of God.”  Like Christ and all Christians, the pope must serve.

Friday, May 9, 2025

 

Friday of the Third Week of Easter

(Acts 9:1-20; John 6:52-59)

People have searched for the perfect food.  They want a natural source of all the necessary protein, carbohydrates, fat, and nutrients.  Eating this food, they would never worry about balancing their diet.  Nutritionists, however, say that no such food exists.  Of course, there are eatables that are very healthy, but no single food can sustain a person indefinitely.  So, what is Jesus talking about in today’s gospel?  He says, “Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life?” What does he mean by this?

The passage marks a turn in the “Bread of Life” discourse.  Jesus is no longer referring to receiving him by heeding his teaching as what gives life.  Rather, he is pointing to the Eucharist.  It is the bread transformed into his Body and the wine made into his Blood that give eternal life.  Two additional points need to be made.  First, Jesus is not saying that the Eucharist will sustain natural life.  Rather, they provide life in God’s company for eternity.  Second, eating his Body and drinking his Blood is tantamount to receiving him and heeding his teaching.  Anyone who does not believe in Jesus or has not followed his teaching does not benefit from the Eucharist but puts him or herself in peril.  It will bring that person condemnation, not life.

The Eucharist on a spiritual plane is like a balanced diet on a natural plane.  As we eat healthy food to keep us alive, we need the Eucharist to enjoy life with God forever. 

Thursday, May 8, 2025

 

Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

(Acts 8:26-40; John 6:44-51)

New Testament Greek has different words for the verb to eat.  To simply consume something, the Greek word is phago.  But in today’s gospel the evangelist uses trogo for eating which is more like chewing or gnawing.  What the evangelist John implies by trogo is that Jesus is offering himself not just to be consumed, but to be savored.

Jesus is in a contentious dialogue with his fellow Jews.  He tells them that he is the image of God sent into the world.  As God gave physical life to all creation, he is giving life everlasting to all who believe in him.  Belief, he says, is like savoring good food.  It is not just paying lip service but meditating on and doing what he says.

Some of Jesus’ teachings are difficult to practice.  Caring for an aged relative can be physically and emotionally trying.  We do so because Jesus told his disciples that as he washed their feet, they must wash the feet of one another.  Such service done out of love renders us not only saintly but also heirs of everlasting life.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

 

Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter

(Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40)

 Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, may have had a small place in history if Russia had not invaded his country.  But it seems now that he will be remembered as a courageous defender of freedom whether or not the Ukrainians defeat the Russians.  Zelenskyy has refused to back down to the mighty Russian forces.  He has successfully appealed to the world for solidarity in the cause of national sovereignty.  There is a parallel here with what takes place in today’s first reading.

The Greek-speaking Jewish Christians have been expelled from Jerusalem.  Stephen’s diatribe against the temple set off a persecution against them but apparently not against the Hebrew-speaking church.  The oppression turns out to be not so much a threat to Church existence as a catalyst to its growth.  Powerful preachers like Philip will win converts in different lands among non-Jews.  The Church can now be seen as beginning to fulfill its universal mission.

Both Zelenskyy and the Greek-speaking Christians should inspire us to not surrender to defeatism when facing opposition.  Rather we should pray to God for courage, strength, and prudence to fulfill our destiny.  Of course, prayer is often accompanied by action.  We should pursue the struggle for justice while protecting our loved ones.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

 

Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter

(Acts 7:51-8:1A; John 6:30-35)

In the 1970s and 1980s it became fashionable to use homemade bread for Mass.  The bread did not contain leaven, but it was grainy and chewable.  It also looked more like table bread.  The custom faded when the Church insisted that the Eucharistic bread be made of just flour and water.  With only these elements it is hard to get anything but a wafer-like texture.  Today’s gospel indicates that this may be what is desired in bread meant for the Eucharist.

The crowd is asking Jesus for a sign like the manna with which God miraculously fed the Israelites in the desert.  Manna is described in the Bible as a “fine, flake-like thing like the frost on the ground.”   Its name is derived from the question the Israelites asked when they first saw it. “¿Man hu?” they said, which in Hebrew means “¿What is it?”  In offering Jesus’ body in the Eucharist, the Church presents a bread that resembles manna but provides eternal life rather than physical sustenance.

Receiving Communion weekly or daily, we may take it for granted.  It’s more than a wafer, nutritious bread, or even the miraculous bread of the desert.  It is Christ who gives himself that we may have eternal life.  Our meditation on this truth should help us overcome the temptation to think less of it.

Monday, May 5, 2025

Monday of the Third Week of Easter

(Acts 6:8-15; John 6:22-29)

As if he had just read today’s gospel, Stephen in the first reading “works for the food that endures for eternal life.”  He does not withdraw from criticism but boldly proclaims Jesus Christ.  Like his Lord, Stephen will be martyred for testifying to the truth.

In the gospel Jesus had worked a sign out of compassion for his followers.  Rather than seeing them hungry in a deserted place, he fed them.  But he never intended that the people look to him as a source of physical nourishment.  Rather he wanted them to imitate his concern for others.  For the same reason he washed his disciples’ feet the night he shared with them his last meal.

Jesus came into the world so that all might see in him the brother that unites one to another.  He wants us to care for one another with a helping hand.  His sharing his Body and Blood provides us with the grace to carry out this mission.

Sunday, May 4, 2025

 

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

(Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19)

The Church emphasizes that the new pope will not be Francis's successor. He will be, like all the other popes in history, the successor of Peter. In today's gospel, Jesus commissions Peter to shepherd his flock. It is worth examining this gospel to determine the characteristics of Peter that are expected in his new successor.

In the passage, Peter stands out in four ways. First, he takes the initiative to go fishing. Second, he jumps into the water to be the first to welcome the risen Jesus. Third, he confronts Jesus in a heartfelt conversation. Finally, Peter hears some alarming words about his destiny. These events build upon one another to give us a revealing portrait of Peter and his successors.

Above all, the successor of Peter must have a fervent love for Christ. Peter shows such love when he throws himself into the water to welcome him. Later, he professes his love when Jesus asks him if he loves him. To love Jesus is to love the truth he taught. One of the fundamental duties of the successor of Peter is to maintain Christ's doctrine intact. There will always be calls to change it for convenience or pride. In loving Christ, the pope will verify new proposals as legitimate developments of his doctrine or distortions of the truth.

The successor of Peter must also be a holy man. In the Gospel, Peter speaks with Jesus face to face. He shares with the Lord not only his misery for having denied Him but also his willingness to serve Him. His successor must often speak with Christ heart to heart in prayer. He has enormous responsibilities that require the wisdom of the Holy Spirit whom Christ imparts.

One responsibility of the pope is to seek unity among the different Christian communities. Jesus called Peter "the rock" upon which he would build his church. He is a rock on which all can walk safely. Peter must create a space that accommodates all Christians in love and truth.

To do this, the Pope must have initiative. In the gospel, Peter demonstrates leadership by embarking on a path on which others follow. He tells his companions, "I'm going fishing," and they accompany him. Fishing is a metaphor for evangelizing. With Jesus' support, Peter and his companions will attract many to the Church. Today, Peter's successor, along with other bishops, must continue attracting people. It is not a matter of claiming large numbers of converts but of helping more people achieve eternal life.

At the end of the reading, Jesus tells Peter that he will lead him where he does not want to go. He means that Peter will not die in bed but as a martyr. To accept martyrdom, Peter must cultivate courage. He must decide that Christ is his purpose in life, so that a violent death is not too high a price to obtain it. In 1981, Saint John Paul II was shot by an assassin. It could happen to any successor of Peter. However, a pope's fear is not being targeted by a killer. Vatican experts say it is the reality of complete exhaustion that worries so-called papabili. It's true that Pope Benedict XVI retired. But he did so only because he realized he didn't have the energy to handle the responsibilities. Among other qualities, the successor of Peter must be ready to exhaust himself for Christ.

It's no exaggeration to say that the characteristics of loving Christ, being holy, showing leadership, and possessing fortitude define not only the successor of Peter but all Christians. Realizing that most of us lack these attributes should cause us to pause for a moment. We need to marvel at and pray for the new pope.

Friday, May 2, 2025

 

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

(Acts 5:34-42; John 6:1-15)

Both readings today show how scant resources under proper conditions can grow into gigantic movements.  In the first the wise Gamaliel admonishes Jewish leaders not to impede followers of Christ.  He says that the fledgling community in time is likely to fall under its own weight.  Of course, guided by the Holy Spirit, Christianity grew to become the dominant world religion.  In the gospel Jesus feeds thousands with only five barley loaves and two fish. 

St. Athanasius also was a minority voice in a great debate.  During his lifetime most people accepted the teaching of Arius that Christ was not God, equal to the Father.  Athanasius deflated the heresy by showing how no human can be saved if Christ is not God.  Fortunately, the majority of bishops backed his way of thinking.

Pope Francis also championed smallness and simplicity.  He thought resources were better shared than accumulated or squandered.  He linked a simple lifestyle to the struggle to save the planet from greenhouse gases.  But he was more concerned about human cooperation than the danger of the earth being overheated.