Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
(Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40)
It is surely ironic that the seven so-called deacons, who were ordained to care for the table needs of the Hellenist widows while the apostles attended to preaching the word, show themselves to be quite competent preachers. In Monday’s reading from Acts Stephen’s fiery discourse moved the Jews to martyr him, and in today Philip’s words show an irresistible power. We may wonder what exactly are the table needs of the widows – just more bread or, as Jesus calls himself in the gospel, “the bread of life”?
Rather than make strict classes between the ordained and the non-ordained, the preachers and the listeners in these Scriptures, it seems wise to recognize how all followers are giving testimony to Jesus by their expressed actions. Likewise in the Church today we must take care not to make a hard caste system of the different levels of ordination and the laity. Certainly bishops and even priests are ordained to carry out formational roles in the Church. But the laity has a unique role in the celebration of sacraments and certainly forms the frontline in taking the gospel to the world.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
(Acts 7:51-8:1a; John 3:31-36)
As we grow old, the inevitability of death becomes less of a truism and more a truth. We should begin to ask ourselves, “How do I wish to die?” To this end people have always written wills for the disposition of their belongings. These days many are also making “living wills” where they indicate what medical treatments they wish to have or avoid and who will make health decisions for them if they become incapacitated. We would do better if we plan a Christian death.
Some may think that a Christian death means to have a church burial and that planning it means to choose the Scripture readings and hymns to be used in the funeral mass. But the term “Christian death” or “Christian way of dying” has a deeper, more ancient meaning. Like Stephen in the reading from Acts today, we die a Christian death when we ask forgiveness for our enemies and entrust our souls to the Lord. These practices are truly “Christian,” of course, because they also imitate Jesus’ death in the Gospel according to Luke.
We can prepare for such a death by repeating the same prayers daily – asking forgiveness for those who knowingly or not harm us and putting our lives into the hands of God.
(Acts 7:51-8:1a; John 3:31-36)
As we grow old, the inevitability of death becomes less of a truism and more a truth. We should begin to ask ourselves, “How do I wish to die?” To this end people have always written wills for the disposition of their belongings. These days many are also making “living wills” where they indicate what medical treatments they wish to have or avoid and who will make health decisions for them if they become incapacitated. We would do better if we plan a Christian death.
Some may think that a Christian death means to have a church burial and that planning it means to choose the Scripture readings and hymns to be used in the funeral mass. But the term “Christian death” or “Christian way of dying” has a deeper, more ancient meaning. Like Stephen in the reading from Acts today, we die a Christian death when we ask forgiveness for our enemies and entrust our souls to the Lord. These practices are truly “Christian,” of course, because they also imitate Jesus’ death in the Gospel according to Luke.
We can prepare for such a death by repeating the same prayers daily – asking forgiveness for those who knowingly or not harm us and putting our lives into the hands of God.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday of the Third Week of Easter
(Acts 6:9-15; John 6:22-29)
“The Goose that Laid Golden Eggs,” tells the story of owners of a magical goose which daily deposits for them a small fortune. But the couple somehow feels short-changed because they must wait a whole day for the next delivery of gold. Thinking that the goose has golden insides which might be immediately exploited, they kill the goose. In stead of discovering a fortune, however, they only find the usual blood and gore. We find this fable echoed in today’s gospel.
As Jesus tells the Jews in today’s gospel, they look for him only because he has given them bread to eat. They have overlooked the fact that he came come down from heaven which is evident from all the signs he has worked. He just fed thousands of them with a few loaves of bread and small fish. After that, he miraculously transferred himself over water. Instead of trying to exploit him for a fortune, why don’t they heed his words daily to gain a destiny greater than gold?
We must ask the same question of ourselves. Of course, we believe in Jesus as Lord, but often our actions fail our beliefs. We squirm (and perhaps scream) when events don’t follow our preferences. We may hedge on commitments when they lead up high, seemingly endless roads. These are not Jesus’ ways. He taught us to bear difficulties patiently and to fulfill our responsibilities come what may.
(Acts 6:9-15; John 6:22-29)
“The Goose that Laid Golden Eggs,” tells the story of owners of a magical goose which daily deposits for them a small fortune. But the couple somehow feels short-changed because they must wait a whole day for the next delivery of gold. Thinking that the goose has golden insides which might be immediately exploited, they kill the goose. In stead of discovering a fortune, however, they only find the usual blood and gore. We find this fable echoed in today’s gospel.
As Jesus tells the Jews in today’s gospel, they look for him only because he has given them bread to eat. They have overlooked the fact that he came come down from heaven which is evident from all the signs he has worked. He just fed thousands of them with a few loaves of bread and small fish. After that, he miraculously transferred himself over water. Instead of trying to exploit him for a fortune, why don’t they heed his words daily to gain a destiny greater than gold?
We must ask the same question of ourselves. Of course, we believe in Jesus as Lord, but often our actions fail our beliefs. We squirm (and perhaps scream) when events don’t follow our preferences. We may hedge on commitments when they lead up high, seemingly endless roads. These are not Jesus’ ways. He taught us to bear difficulties patiently and to fulfill our responsibilities come what may.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday of the Second Week of Easter
(Acts 5:34-42; John 6:1-15)
Once I met a Jewish friend on the day before Passover. He remarked that the feast provides an excuse for a party. He was being a bit irreverent, of course, but what he said hit the mark. Passover gives reason to rejoice as it celebrates Israel’s release from Egyptian slave gangs.
John the Evangelist notes that Jesus feeds the crowds at Passover time. This is not a detail to add realism to his story; rather, it frames the account in gold. It tells us that Jesus’ feeding the five thousand men and an untold number of women and children has a liberation theme. The people’s attention to Jesus frees them from helpless attachment to sin. Their participation in his supper gives energizes them for life’s journey. The fact that the people carry home leftovers underscores Jesus’ accomplishment.
We should find ourselves involved in this same process of liberation during the Eucharist. The Word of God prunes us of vices while the bread and wine, changed into Jesus’ body and blood, charge us with his life. Carefully attended to with prayer, the Eucharist allows us to feel in our lives the effects of Christ’s redemption.
(Acts 5:34-42; John 6:1-15)
Once I met a Jewish friend on the day before Passover. He remarked that the feast provides an excuse for a party. He was being a bit irreverent, of course, but what he said hit the mark. Passover gives reason to rejoice as it celebrates Israel’s release from Egyptian slave gangs.
John the Evangelist notes that Jesus feeds the crowds at Passover time. This is not a detail to add realism to his story; rather, it frames the account in gold. It tells us that Jesus’ feeding the five thousand men and an untold number of women and children has a liberation theme. The people’s attention to Jesus frees them from helpless attachment to sin. Their participation in his supper gives energizes them for life’s journey. The fact that the people carry home leftovers underscores Jesus’ accomplishment.
We should find ourselves involved in this same process of liberation during the Eucharist. The Word of God prunes us of vices while the bread and wine, changed into Jesus’ body and blood, charge us with his life. Carefully attended to with prayer, the Eucharist allows us to feel in our lives the effects of Christ’s redemption.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday of the Second Week of Easter
(Acts 5:27-33; John 3:31-36)
We should take note of who is speaking in this gospel. It sounds similar to yesterday’s gospel where Jesus tells Nicodemus, “’God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Today’s passage, however, relates the testimony of John, whom we (but not the fourth evangelist) call “the Baptist.”
The reading does not mention us the context of John’s testimony, but we can find it by referring to the whole gospel. Jesus has left Jerusalem and gone into the country of Judea where John is baptizing. Jesus also baptizes -- a fact which raises concern among John’s disciples that Jesus is encroaching on John’s turf. However, John -- a true prophet – raises no objection. On the contrary, he utters his famous words of submission, “He (Jesus) must increase; I must decrease.”
Today’s gospel challenges us to be likewise humble. We think of ourselves as fortunate to live in a time of so many comforts and conveniences – to name a few: high definition television, central air and heating, popular vacation cruises. But are these luxuries anything in comparison to the eternal life which Jesus promises? Eternal life is companionship with Jesus. It far exceeds anything the world has to offer because it provides a joy not limited to time and space. We will experience it when we, like John, submit ourselves to him.
(Acts 5:27-33; John 3:31-36)
We should take note of who is speaking in this gospel. It sounds similar to yesterday’s gospel where Jesus tells Nicodemus, “’God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Today’s passage, however, relates the testimony of John, whom we (but not the fourth evangelist) call “the Baptist.”
The reading does not mention us the context of John’s testimony, but we can find it by referring to the whole gospel. Jesus has left Jerusalem and gone into the country of Judea where John is baptizing. Jesus also baptizes -- a fact which raises concern among John’s disciples that Jesus is encroaching on John’s turf. However, John -- a true prophet – raises no objection. On the contrary, he utters his famous words of submission, “He (Jesus) must increase; I must decrease.”
Today’s gospel challenges us to be likewise humble. We think of ourselves as fortunate to live in a time of so many comforts and conveniences – to name a few: high definition television, central air and heating, popular vacation cruises. But are these luxuries anything in comparison to the eternal life which Jesus promises? Eternal life is companionship with Jesus. It far exceeds anything the world has to offer because it provides a joy not limited to time and space. We will experience it when we, like John, submit ourselves to him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)