Thursday, May 14, 2020

Feast of Saint Matthias, apostle

(Acts 1:15-17.20-26; John 15:9-17)

Of St. Matthias very little is known.  His name appears only in today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles.  Yet he represents a critical development in the story of salvation.

It was not by accident that Jesus chose twelve disciples to be his apostles.  From the beginning God the Father had given him the project of rebuilding the twelve tribes of Israel.  They were to constitute the leadership of a holy nation dedicated to bringing the world together in love.  When Judas Iscariot proved unworthy of the task, he needed replacement.  Acts indicates that the choice was not made arbitrarily.  The two candidates proposed for the position met definite criteria.  They were part of Jesus’ ministry from the beginning and also were witnesses to his resurrection.  The actual choice was left to the Holy Spirit.

We should note that the development of the Church -- and the world for that matter -- does not take place by chance.  It is not like evolution, as many scientists see it, following a purposeless course of random selection.  Rather, God is guiding it to an end of universal love d peace – His kingdom.  Amid trials like the Covid-19 pandemic, we are challenged to believe in such benign providence.  But this is the message that Jesus came to teach us.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

(Optional) Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

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

The Hebrew custom of circumcision identifies Jewish men.  Of course, it is not intended to be a sign readily visible.  It seems more a verifiable trait that all Jewish men share.  The Jewish Christians who preach circumcision in today’s first reading think it essential for Christians as well.  After all, if Christ came to establish a new Israel—they probably reason -- there must be continuity with the old.

But Paul and others see a richer sign of continuity in active love.  Jesus has brought the Mosaic doctrine of caring for others to perfection.  When he speaks of pruning the vine in today’s gospel, he means expelling those who do not love as they ought.  Without them the loving works of faithful Christians will not be obscured.  The world can then easily see the Church bearing much fruit.

Today many Catholics celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Fatima.  In her apparitions to three peasant children she encouraged the praying of the rosary.  For sure, prayer on behalf of others is a work of love.  Let us join such pious acts with deeds of kindness and generosity.  In this way the world will again see the Church bearing much fruit.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

It is no secret that anxiety is on the rise.  People of all ages worry increasingly about future problems.  Children wonder if global warming will make the world uninhabitable.  Teens worry about being accepted to the college of their choice.  Adults question if their jobs will be exported to other countries.  Certainly Covid-19 is exacerbating this very troubled condition.  Jesus’ words in today’s gospel are meant to relieve these fears. 

He promises his disciples peace but not the variety the world offers.  The world tranquilizes anxiety with drugs, sex, and other forms of excitement.  Jesus, on the other hand, brings peace by accompanying those who fear.  Paul in today’s first reading serves as an example.  He can get up after being nearly murdered because Jesus is with him.

Jesus comes to us especially in the sacraments.  They are his “presence in absence.”  When a priest anoints us, it is Jesus who strengthens us to bear with the illness.  Similarly, when we receive Holy Communion, it is Jesus who nourishes our souls.  With Jesus, who endured the cross and conquered death, at our side nothing can do us lasting harm.

Monday, May 11, 2020

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

What of the world?  Are the people who comprise it evil?  Do they brag, steal, and lie, at least when others are not looking?  Evidently John’s gospel thinks so.  It says today because the world does not keep Jesus’ word, he will not reveal himself to it. 

The first reading illustrates the world’s depravity.  The people begin to fuss over Paul and Barnabas when they see these disciples cure an invalid.  They begin to worship the two -- no doubt seeking more miracles -- but refuse to listen to them. 

John tends to draw too much contrast between the world and Jesus’ disciples.  People are seldom preponderantly bad, and disciples sin often enough.  We have to heed the Spirit Advocate whom Christ has sent to correct our errant ways.  Then we should do what we can to improve the world.

Friday, May 8, 2020

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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

In the Gospel according to John, Jesus describes himself with many illustrative metaphors.  He says, “’I am the light of the world’”; “’I am the bread of life; “’I am the good shepherd,’” and so forth.  These images shake our way of thinking to help us realize that Jesus is more than human.  He touches every dimension of our existence.  He is the light that illumines our minds, the bread that increases our strength, and the shepherd who changes our destiny.  In today’s gospel Jesus proclaims, “’I am the way, the truth, and the life.’”  How is he “the way”?  What does he mean by calling himself “the truth” and “the life”?

Jesus is “the way” to God, his Father.  In the Gospel of Matthew he says the way to salvation is narrow and traversed by few.  And so it is difficult to follow Jesus’ path of selfless love.  But he is “the way” as well because he provides all the help that is needed in the sacraments.  He corrects our errant tendencies in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  He fortifies our drooping spirits in the Eucharist. 

Jesus is “the way” because he is “the truth” and “the life.”  He is “the truth” in two senses.  First, he reveals the Father’s love for the world and how the Father expects the world to respond.  Second, as God, Jesus is the foundation of all truth.  When scientists find a remedy for the Corona-19 virus, we will say, “thank God,” because God is the source of all truth.

When Jesus calls himself “the life,” he means something more than biological life.  He has “life in abundance” or “eternal life” in mind.  This is life full of joy, peace, and love.  It is the life of a saint like John XXIII.  The good pope, whom many today still remember, would not allow the worries of his office take away his smile.  We strive to live this life now and look forward to it in the resurrection of the dead.