Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
(Acts 20:17-27; John 17:1-11a)
Beethoven’s ninth and last symphony ends on a note of glory. The composer pulls all stops from the orchestra and even introduces a chorus to give God the highest praise. It is moment of rapture seemingly meant to call the dead from their graves. It is not too far-fetched to say that the composition, familiarly called the “Ode to Joy,” reflects Jesus’ “Priestly Prayer,” which today’s gospel begins.
Jesus is wrapping up his Last Supper discourse and, indeed, his teaching mission. He turns to his Father in prayer while keeping an eye on his disciples. He reiterates what he has taught all along – he is God’s true image so that when he is seen, the Father is seen. Now he asks the Father to glorify him so that in turn the Father may be glorified. He will be seen as pouring out his blood that the world might glimpse the extent of God’s love for all.
As we begin this culminating week of Eastertide, we too lift up our voices in prayer. Like Jesus we ask that God glorify us with exemplary lives so that our actions may redound to His glory. Specifically we pray that the Holy Spirit descend upon us with all His graces.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
(Acts 19:1-8; John 16:29-33)
The paintings of Alice Dalton Brown stand out for their airiness and lightness. A typical illustration shows a window through which pours sunlight on top and a sturdy wind at its opened bottom. Outside is pictured a pool of water. More than likely the painter is portraying the Holy Spirit that comes in Baptism to enlighten our minds to know Jesus and moves our hearts to love him.
In the reading from Acts today Paul meets some disciples who do not know the Holy Spirit. It has been speculated that these people followed Jesus before he went to Jerusalem that last and fateful time. They realize the need for repentance as Jesus preached. But they lack the grace of the Holy Spirit which turns the need into an unquenchable desire to delve more deeply into relationship with the Lord. Paul, of course, does not allow them to tarry longer. He imparts the Spirit so that they may know the fulfillment of life in Jesus.
It is not impossible that we are like those disciples who do not know the Holy Spirit. Yes, the Spirit has entered into our lives, but have we taken notice of his presence? We have to pray that he touch us again – very deeply this time – that we experience the fullness that Jesus promises his disciples.
(Acts 19:1-8; John 16:29-33)
The paintings of Alice Dalton Brown stand out for their airiness and lightness. A typical illustration shows a window through which pours sunlight on top and a sturdy wind at its opened bottom. Outside is pictured a pool of water. More than likely the painter is portraying the Holy Spirit that comes in Baptism to enlighten our minds to know Jesus and moves our hearts to love him.
In the reading from Acts today Paul meets some disciples who do not know the Holy Spirit. It has been speculated that these people followed Jesus before he went to Jerusalem that last and fateful time. They realize the need for repentance as Jesus preached. But they lack the grace of the Holy Spirit which turns the need into an unquenchable desire to delve more deeply into relationship with the Lord. Paul, of course, does not allow them to tarry longer. He imparts the Spirit so that they may know the fulfillment of life in Jesus.
It is not impossible that we are like those disciples who do not know the Holy Spirit. Yes, the Spirit has entered into our lives, but have we taken notice of his presence? We have to pray that he touch us again – very deeply this time – that we experience the fullness that Jesus promises his disciples.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions, martyrs
(Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23)
A Ugandan priest reported last week of today’s feast: “Pilgrims have started walking from within and outside the country to commemorate the twenty two Ugandan saints who perished for standing for the gospel values.” St. Augustine spoke of similar excitement during the feast days of the ancient African martyrs.
Charles Lwanga lived in the latter part of the nineteenth century. By that time Uganda had many Christians, Catholic and Protestants. But its king lived more like a decadent Roman emperor. Adolescents serving in his court were harassed into sexual liaisons. When Lwanga protected some of these youths, he was summarily executed. Pope Paul VI canonized him and twenty-one others who resisted the king’s tyrannical lust.
In the reading from Acts the Lord tells Paul not to be silent. Lwanga and companions heard the same message and spoke out with both words and actions. Their example validates our struggle to live holy lives that give testimony to Jesus’ resurrection.
(Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23)
A Ugandan priest reported last week of today’s feast: “Pilgrims have started walking from within and outside the country to commemorate the twenty two Ugandan saints who perished for standing for the gospel values.” St. Augustine spoke of similar excitement during the feast days of the ancient African martyrs.
Charles Lwanga lived in the latter part of the nineteenth century. By that time Uganda had many Christians, Catholic and Protestants. But its king lived more like a decadent Roman emperor. Adolescents serving in his court were harassed into sexual liaisons. When Lwanga protected some of these youths, he was summarily executed. Pope Paul VI canonized him and twenty-one others who resisted the king’s tyrannical lust.
In the reading from Acts the Lord tells Paul not to be silent. Lwanga and companions heard the same message and spoke out with both words and actions. Their example validates our struggle to live holy lives that give testimony to Jesus’ resurrection.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter
(Acts 18:1-8; John 16:16-20)
Weeping is caused by the secretion of fluid from the lachrymal glands to lubricate the surface of the eye. Exactly why people cry is an open question. Some scientists say simply that it is a response to strong emotions. Others, proceeding from biochemical analysis, claim that weeping removes hormones associated with stress.
From experience we associate weeping with loss of affection. We cry when those whom we love take their leave. So parents sob at weddings, and the bereaved weep at funerals. Because he is about to be handed over to death, Jesus in today’s gospel anticipates his disciples’ tears.
In another gospel Jesus tells his disciples, “Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted.” He does not mean that crying brings automatic relief. Rather he is saying that when we cry in recognition of our need for divine guidance, help is sure to come. As in the passage today, Jesus is indicating that he will send us his Spirit of joy.
(Acts 18:1-8; John 16:16-20)
Weeping is caused by the secretion of fluid from the lachrymal glands to lubricate the surface of the eye. Exactly why people cry is an open question. Some scientists say simply that it is a response to strong emotions. Others, proceeding from biochemical analysis, claim that weeping removes hormones associated with stress.
From experience we associate weeping with loss of affection. We cry when those whom we love take their leave. So parents sob at weddings, and the bereaved weep at funerals. Because he is about to be handed over to death, Jesus in today’s gospel anticipates his disciples’ tears.
In another gospel Jesus tells his disciples, “Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted.” He does not mean that crying brings automatic relief. Rather he is saying that when we cry in recognition of our need for divine guidance, help is sure to come. As in the passage today, Jesus is indicating that he will send us his Spirit of joy.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr
(Acts 17:15.22-18:1; John 16:12-15)
Although there were exceptions, Christianity at first attracted mostly slaves and women – people from the lower echelons of society. These women and men were hardly unintelligent; indeed, they were sharp enough to recognize their innate inability to overcome base desires and demonic powers. Of the exceptions Justin was among the most notable. He had studied all the philosophies known in the Mediterranean region during the second century. Then one day on a seashore he met an old Christian who told him how Jesus had fulfilled the words of the prophets. His search for truth was satisfied. There was more truth to be uncovered, but Justin now knew where to dig.
St. Paul uses a different tack in addressing the Athenians in the first reading. Rather than proceed from the Scriptures, he gives them a lesson in natural religion. He first speaks of creation, then the Creator, and finally alludes to Jesus. The strategy falls on its face. The crowd in the Areopagus is not prepared to digest the idea that someone could be raised from the dead. Paul learns that all the reasoning in the world cannot move the masses to accept Christ. Rather the Christian has to proclaim with deeds of charity as much as words of wisdom that Jesus Christ provides the bread for a more abundant life.
We do well to follow both Justin and Paul. There is value in explaining how faith in Christ does not contradict reason but rather confirms most all of its conclusions. Yet we should realize that our logic will crumble if the goodness of our lives does not testify to Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
(Acts 17:15.22-18:1; John 16:12-15)
Although there were exceptions, Christianity at first attracted mostly slaves and women – people from the lower echelons of society. These women and men were hardly unintelligent; indeed, they were sharp enough to recognize their innate inability to overcome base desires and demonic powers. Of the exceptions Justin was among the most notable. He had studied all the philosophies known in the Mediterranean region during the second century. Then one day on a seashore he met an old Christian who told him how Jesus had fulfilled the words of the prophets. His search for truth was satisfied. There was more truth to be uncovered, but Justin now knew where to dig.
St. Paul uses a different tack in addressing the Athenians in the first reading. Rather than proceed from the Scriptures, he gives them a lesson in natural religion. He first speaks of creation, then the Creator, and finally alludes to Jesus. The strategy falls on its face. The crowd in the Areopagus is not prepared to digest the idea that someone could be raised from the dead. Paul learns that all the reasoning in the world cannot move the masses to accept Christ. Rather the Christian has to proclaim with deeds of charity as much as words of wisdom that Jesus Christ provides the bread for a more abundant life.
We do well to follow both Justin and Paul. There is value in explaining how faith in Christ does not contradict reason but rather confirms most all of its conclusions. Yet we should realize that our logic will crumble if the goodness of our lives does not testify to Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)