Thursday, May 7, 2020

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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

Some Catholic biblical professors want to rename the “Old Testament.”  For them, “old” gives the impression that the collection of Scriptures is out of date.  Protestants have used the term “Hebrew Scriptures,” but for most Catholics this name is inadequate.  We recognize writings for the collection that were written in Greek or Aramaic.  The Catholic scholars calling for a change recommend that the collection be called the “First Testament.”  “First” gives an aura of importance while relaying the truth that the “New Testament” builds upon it.  Today’s segment from the Acts of the Apostles demonstrates this truth.

St. Paul demonstrates how the “First Testament” conveys the underpinnings of Christianity.  Paul and Barnabas have begun the “First Missionary Journey” in western Asia Minor.  Rather than trying to reach the people by preaching at crossroads, they go to synagogues.  There they meet not only Jews but also Greeks who have been attracted to Judaism.  They show everyone how Jesus fulfills the Jewish Scriptures.  In today’s gospel passage Jesus also alludes to the “First Testament.”  He shows how it has predicted what is taking place in his great work of salvation.

Sometimes Christians think that there is no need of the “First Testament.”  They find the New Testament ample for information and reflection.  If this idea were to be realized, we would be shortchanged.  The First Scriptures give us a rich understanding of God – His love, mercy, wisdom.  Moving from this basis, we can more fully appreciate who Jesus is.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

(Acts 12:24-13:5a; John 12:44-50)

The prophets and teachers convene to pray in Antioch in today’s first reading.  They should not be surprised when the Holy Spirit tells them to separate Barnabas and Paul for missionary activity.  From the beginning the Church has had an outward thrust.  It not only promotes holiness among its members but also calls others to God.

Today’s gospel gives a couple of the themes of Christian missionaries.  Jesus is the light of the world.  God has sent him to save humans from condemnation.  Those who follow Jesus will have eternal life.  Those who reject him will be lost forever.

In recent years the Church’s missionary dimension has been called “evangelization.”  With this new name it has an additional focus.  Today the Church’s evangelizing activity addresses those for whom the light of Jesus has been obscured.  It calls back baptized Catholics who no longer practice the faith they were taught.  The evangelizers are people like you and me who act like prospectors entering an abandoned gold mine.  Just as prospectors realize that previous excavations left a lot of gold behind, we know that many alienated Catholics will respond if called back to church.  We have to show them how Jesus, the light, makes all the difference in the world.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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

More is known about Jesus than just about any other person of antiquity. Yet like the Jews of today’s gospel, we want to ask him, “Who are you?”  The Jews have a sense that he is their long-awaited Messiah or Christ.  He works wonders and his words can galvanize people.  Yet he does not seem to be organizing a militia as they might expect.  Jesus responds to their query in an enigmatic way.  He says that he and the Father “are one.”  Is he saying that he is actually God?

The Church teaches that he is.  But this doctrine did not become clear until more than three hundred years after Jesus’ death.  Probably experiences like the conversion of non-Jews in the reading from Acts contributed to it.  Jesus was not just the Jewish Messiah calling Israel together as a nation.  He had an appeal to other peoples as well.  He came to bring the whole world together in peace.

We know the answer to our question.  Jesus is our Lord and God.  He comes to us as a brother to unite us to all humans under his Father’s care.  The gospel passage emphasizes that Jesus’ self-revelation takes place in winter.  That detail aids our sense of his identity.  He is the burning light that overcomes the cold and darkness of hatred among peoples.

Monday, May 4, 2020

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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

One may be a good shepherd in two senses.  He is good if he always does what he knows to be right.  He is also good if his shepherding is of high quality.  Today’s gospel highlights both these senses of good.

Jesus’ shepherding excels because, first of all, he will stay with his sheep when danger appears.  He will not, as he says of the hired hand, “leave(s) the sheep and run(s) away” in the presence of a wolf.  Reflecting on these words, priest-martyr Blessed Stanley Rother stayed with the persecuted people he served in Guatemala.  Also, Jesus shows his ability to shepherd by knowing his sheep.  Like a teacher knows which of her students need attention and which work better alone, Jesus knows each sheep.  Finally, Jesus is good in the sense that he gives his life for love of his sheep.  Goodness certainly characterizes someone so generous. Again, Stanley Rother serves as an example.  He was murdered by the military when he stood with his people.

We are the sheep that Jesus shepherds.  He loves us collectively and individually.  He provides the sacraments to move us along the road of sanctity.  He also speaks to us personally in our hearts.  We should not hesitate to call on him for help.

Friday, May 1, 2020

(Optional) Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker

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

Today much of the Church celebrates St. Joseph the Worker.  The feast reminds Christians of the dignity of human work.  Just as Joseph plied his trade to provide for his family so do billions of workers today.   The gospel suggests that Jesus too put food on the tables of his followers.

The gospel is unequivocal.  Jesus provides true food with his body and true drink with his blood.  These elements can hardly be considered ordinary food and drink.  They represent Jesus’ total sacrifice of self.  The also nourish one not just to live today but to thrive eternally.  The difference here is monumental.  It is like that of an entertainer saying, “I love you all” and a spouse saying to his bride on their wedding day, “I will love you until the day I die.”

We will see if the pandemic’s closure of churches results in a greater longing for the Eucharist.  Many people have commented how much they miss receiving Communion.  Hopefully, this longing will translate in regular reception of Communion when public masses resume.  May it all bring about a closer imitation of Jesus’ sacrifice of self for others.