Fifth Sunday of Easter
Lectionary: 52
Lectionary: 52
As the number of
disciples continued to grow,
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,
“It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.”
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community,
so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the apostles
who prayed and laid hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread,
and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly;
even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,
“It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.”
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community,
so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the apostles
who prayed and laid hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread,
and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly;
even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Responsorial Psalm PS 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R/ (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our
trust in you.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R/ Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R/ Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R/ Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R/ Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R/ Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R/ Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
Reading 2 1 PT 2:4-9
Beloved:
Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings
but chosen and precious in the sight of God,
and, like living stones,
let yourselves be built into a spiritual house
to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
For it says in Scripture:
Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone, chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.
Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone, and
A stone that will make people stumble,
and a rock that will make them fall.
They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.
You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people of his own,
so that you may announce the praises” of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings
but chosen and precious in the sight of God,
and, like living stones,
let yourselves be built into a spiritual house
to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
For it says in Scripture:
Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone, chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.
Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone, and
A stone that will make people stumble,
and a rock that will make them fall.
They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.
You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people of his own,
so that you may announce the praises” of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Gospel JN 14:1-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.”
Thomas said to him,
“Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him,
“Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.”
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.”
Thomas said to him,
“Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him,
“Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.”
Scripture Study
May
18, 2014 - 5th Sunday of Easter
FIRST READING: Acts 6:1-7. In these days when the
disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the
Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the
twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "It
is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of
the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote
ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And what they said
pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of
the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and
Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the
Apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
EXPLANATION: The infant Christian Church in Jerusalem was growing in numbers daily. The converts were helping one another not only spiritually but in the necessities of life as well. Those who had shared with those who had not. There was a daily distribution of food among the poorer people and this required some organization as the numbers multiplied. It was because of this that the order of the diaconate (deacons) was introduced by the Apostles.
Hellenists . . . Hebrews: Ever since the time of Alexander and earlier, many Jews lived outside of Palestine. There was scarcely a town of any size in the Greco-Roman empire which did not have a Jewish colony. Greek was the language in daily use among these exiles. Some of them returned to Palestine in later life, when they had saved enough to support themselves there. They were known among the native Jews as "Hellenists" because of their language (Greek), while those who had remained at home, spoke Hebrew (rather Aramaic), and called themselves "Hebrews."
Hellenists murmured: These returned exiles felt their widows and orphans (the needy among them) were not being fairly treated by the Apostles, who were all Hebrews, and their assistants in the daily distribution of food and other necessities. Therefore, they brought their complaints before the Apostles.
give . . . tables: As the Apostles were fully occupied day after day instructing the new converts, they had no time to regulate the fair distribution of charity.
pick . . . you: The Apostles saw the need for some wise, saintly men who would take charge of this important task of looking after the needy and of seeing to it that all were treated fairly. They left the election to the laity.
seven men: They elected seven "good men." The number seven has no symbolic meaning here; these were judged sufficient for the task. That all seven elected have Greek names would seem to suggest that these deacons were chosen from the Hellenists only; the Hebrews being already provided for.
Stephen: Among the seven elected, Stephen is placed first and described as "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit"---an outstanding Christian evidently, which later events were to prove.
prayed . . . on them: The people, the laity, elected the seven deacons (the name comes from the Greek word diakonein meaning "to serve" which was the office given them), but it was the Apostles who conferred the office, and the power to carry it out, on them.
prayed . . . hands: In the Old Testament power was delegated to others by the imposition of the hands of the holders on the heads of those who were chosen to receive the power (see Num. 8:10; 27:16-23; Dt. 34:9). The Apostles are following this same ritual. The first deacons are "ordained" by the imposition of hands and prayer.
numbers . . . Jerusalem: Luke notes again how the Jews of Jerusalem, natives and returned exiles alike, were flocking to join the Christian Church.
great . . . priests: There were hundreds of the Jewish priests who served in the temple in turns, usually one week at a time. Most of these were simple, devout men, who had little or nothing to do with the chief priests and Pharisees. On being convinced of the resurrection of Christ, especially by the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day, they came to believe that Christ was the promised Messiah and the Son of God. Hence, a great many of them joined Christ in his mystical body, the Church.
APPLICATION: The first eight chapters of the book we call the "Acts of the Apostles," describe the birth and the infant days of the Church in Jerusalem. It is an account which should inspire and console us. The little group of Apostles and disciples, who had lost all heart and hope on seeing Christ their leader crucified, regained confidence once they became convinced, during his forty days with them, of his resurrection. They waited ten days for the Holy Spirit whom Christ had promised them on his Ascension day. When they received the Holy Spirit they set out immediately to preach Christ, completely regardless of the consequences this would bring to them. Remember Jerusalem was still governed politically by pagan Romans who saw nothing but folly in the Christian religion. But, worse still, the religious leaders of the citizens of Jerusalem---the Jews---were still the very men who had Christ condemned to the cross, as an impostor and a blasphemer, because "he made himself the Son of God" (Jn. 19: 7).
It was not human courage that enabled the Apostles, in such surroundings, to preach Christ as Messiah, Son of God, and Savior of the human race. It was the Holy Spirit. And the result was worthy of the cause: within a few weeks, almost half the inhabitants of Jerusalem had become faithful followers of the crucified and risen Christ.
This surprising spread of the faith, something in itself humanly impossible in such or in any circumstances, should surely inspire us with gratitude and love for God's interest in us, and his goodness to us. We still have the same faith as the first Christians of Jerusalem---we are followers of the same Christ who lived and died for us, who rose from the dead and sent the Holy Spirit with his gifts and power on the Church which he had founded. That same power and those same gifts of God's love are with us still today in our Church, leading us kindly and gently to the end he has planned for us from all eternity.
Surely, we Christians have every reason to be grateful to God for having given us the faith. And we should show this gratitude, by our love of neighbor, as the first Christians did, and all true Christians down through the ages have done. We must share with the poor and the needy not only our temporal goods, but especially the divine gift of the true faith. There are many ways today in which we can do our part in spreading the gospel of Christ. That gospel has reached us because zealous Christians down the ages lived the faith and did their share to give it to others.
St. Stephen, one of the deacons mentioned in today's reading, gave his life gladly for Christ a few weeks after his ordination. Stephen's, martyrdom may have been a remote cause of preparing Saul's conversion---Saul never forgot the incident and his own part in it. Saul became St. Paul, the great Apostle of the Gentiles and one of the greatest glories of the infant Church.
You may not be called on to have the honor of martyrdom, but you are called to be a saint, an honor which can be earned only by living a life of true love of God and neighbor.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 2: 4-9. Come to the Lord, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God's sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame." To you therefore who believe, he is precious, but for those who do not believe, "The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner," and "A stone that will make men stumble, a rock that will make them fall;" for they stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
EXPLANATION: See the second reading of the Second Sunday of Easter. St. Peter is here reminding the new converts to Christianity, that they must be holy, for they are the living stones out of which the now spiritual temple of God is formed. The cornerstone, the base and binding force of this temple, is the risen Christ. Because of him, and through him, they are able to offer sacrifices which are acceptable to God. Christ, the Son of God, is their High Priest; they are his assistants.
come to the Lord: They have already come to him when they accepted baptism, but they must remain united with him daily by their good deeds.
living . . . men: Christ was and is the true and only foundation on which men can unite with God. He was God-incarnate, uniting the divine with the human, but the leaders of the Jews rejected him.
in God's . . . precious: As proclaimed at his baptism in the Jordan, at the Transfiguration, and proved by the resurrection.
be yourselves built: Christians must follow and be the living material out of which the new temple of God, unlike the temple of Jerusalem, built out of ordinary dead stones, is being built. The same idea is in the metaphor of the vine and the branches, and the body built out of living members.
to be . . . priesthood: The temple of Jerusalem was served by the appointed priests. They offered sacrifices of animals and fruits of the field to God. Now Christians, through Christ and because of Christ, will offer spiritual sacrifices of daily good works and especially of the Eucharist, the re-offering of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary---sacrifices acceptable to God because Christ is the chief offerer.
I am . . . stone: St. Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16, where the prophet gives God's promise that he will fulfill his promise to David, that he will bring salvation to Zion, Jerusalem. He will build there a lasting temple. The cornerstone will be the Messiah.
to you therefore: To Christians, Christ will be the precious cornerstone, the very foundation of their spiritual temple, but to those who reject him he will be the occasion of their stumbling and falling.
disobey the word: They refuse to listen to Christ, and to see the prophecies God had given them down through the centuries, as fulfilled in Christ.
were destined to do: There is no question of predestination here, but simply that the pride and self-sufficiency of the Pharisees led them logically to the rejection of Christ.
But you . . . race: The followers of Christ, Gentiles and Jews, are the new chosen race.
a royal priesthood: The titles given to the Chosen People in the Old Testament, "a royal priesthood" are now given to the Church of the New Testament. Christians are all priests because they all take part through Christ's delegate in offering true sacrifice to God. In the Old Testament, the priests were taken from only one of the twelve tribes. They are "a holy nation," made up of all nations; "God's own people," because they are united with his divine Son in the new spiritual temple.
that you may declare: Their duty and privilege is to tell all men of the great and glorious gift God conferred on them, when he called them out of the darkness of paganism and Judaism into the marvelous light of the faith, in Christ.
APPLICATION: St. Peter's call to his contemporaries is as imperative for us today, as it was for the first Christians. We are called to be saints, in other words, our Christian vocation is a call to take our place in heaven when we end our earthly life. We all know this, but for far too many of us, it is more a subconscious than a conscious thought in our daily lives. While doing the same daily tasks, as the Christians who are striving to become saints, we waste precious months and maybe years, in which we could be storing up treasure in heaven, because we forget God and the purpose of our Christian vocation.
Listen to a simple parable: two young men at the age of twenty went to another country where wages were high, in order to earn enough to buy for themselves comfortable homes and businesses when they returned, after some years. One saved his earnings, sent home his monthly packet and had his house and business set up. The other, attracted by the pleasure and play of the foreign land, squandered his earnings and forgot the purpose which led him to that land. When both returned home, the squanderer and forgetful one realized his mistake, but to late.
St. Peter is speaking to each one of us today. We are called to be saints. We have the means of becoming saints, for Christ has made us his brothers and heirs of heaven. Our part is to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. These sacrifices consist of our daily actions, dedicated to God by our simple, morning offering. They are acceptable to God because we have been made his adopted children, through Christ becoming man. Away and above our daily actions, which God accepts, we have the weekly (or daily where possible) sacrifice of Christ, the Son of God himself, which we have the privilege of offering, together with Christ's human representative. Just as it was the first offering of himself on Calvary which made us capable of reaching heaven, it is the re-presentation of their initial sacrifices on our altars that blesses all our worldly or daily actions and makes them of value for our eternal life.
Let us never forget it, we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, God's own people." What more could God have done for us? And how little he asks in return!
Are we giving him even that little? Is our home a Christian home where the love of God and neighbor reign? Is true justice the guiding rule in our dealings with our fellowman? Can our non-Christian neighbors recognize us as God's own people?
If we can answer in the affirmative to these questions, we are building ourselves into a spiritual house. We are the true temple of God; we are on the direct road to our true home in heaven. If, unfortunately, we cannot say yes but a sad no to these questions, let us not despair---we are dealing with a Father, not a policeman. He is ever ready to welcome back the repentant sinner, remember the story of the lost sheep, and the prodigal son. If, hitherto, you have ignored the marvelous light of the faith to which God in his goodness has called you, look at it today, and resolve to live by it. It is the only light, the only answer to man's life on earth.
GOSPEL: John 14: 1-12. Jesus said to his disciples: "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him."
EXPLANATION: During the Last Supper, Jesus foretells his proximate departure (through death) from them. He is to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies by one of the Twelve. The eleven faithful ones are deeply saddened---they have not yet grasped that "he must suffer and so enter into his glory" (Lk. 24: 26). They had not yet realized that he was God, as well as man. So in today's verses, he consoles his Apostles by telling them that his going (his death) is necessary for their future, eternal happiness, but they will see him again when he will come to take them to himself.
believe . . . in me: If they have trust in God and in himself (he puts himself on an equal footing with the Father), and believe in the promises given them in the Old Testament by the prophets and in the New by himself, they will cease to be troubled at his departure.
In my Father's house: His death will open heaven---his Father's house---in which there are many rooms.
I go . . . for you: Heaven will be the eternal home of the Apostles and for multitudes of others. His death was the key to that eternal home.
I will come again: At each one's death, at the Parousia, meaning-the general judgment, and also in the Church when the coming of the Holy Spirit will set it on its way; as he told them before his Ascension: I am with you always, yes, to the end of time (Mt.28: 20).
Lord . . . know: Thomas probably speaks for all---they cannot grasp the idea that he should die, and their still Jewish idea of life after death was no consolation or light for them.
I am the way . . . life: Thomas's answer brought forth a statement from Jesus which can be said to summarize the gospel of St. John: Jesus, the Incarnate Son of God, is the one and only way to the Father and to eternal life. Without the coming of Christ in our human nature, we could not become adopted sons of God, and co-heirs with Christ of heaven. He is the truth: he is God's Word which is the word of truth itself (see 1: 9; 14: 17); he is the life (see Jn. 4: 10; 13; 10:10), the true everlasting life.
Philip . . . Father: Philip's request, "to show us the Father" tells how little he had learned of the true nature of Christ during his two or more years as his disciple.
He who . . . Father: During his public life, Christ had often declared his close association, in fact, his intimate association, with the Father, in almost identical words (see 7: 16; 8: 28; 10: 38: "the Father is in me and I in the Father"). He repeated these words verbatim now for Philip.
for the . . . works: If Philip would not take his word for it, the miracles "the works," he had performed should have proved it to him.
He who . . . me: He promises the power of miracles to those who will really admit that he was what he claimed to be---the Son of God made man.
greater . . . Father: These greater works were to be the miraculous spread of Christ's message, the Christian faith after the Ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit. Christ, during his public mission, had relatively few followers and fewer still who really believed in his claims. But the completion of his mission on earth, in his resurrection and glorification, had to take place before his claims and his doctrines were accepted.
APPLICATION: We may well wonder at the slowness of the Apostles in seeing in Christ nothing more than a man---a great man, a man with power from God, yes, but still a mere man. That he was the Messiah, they were convinced, but their idea of the Messiah was wrong. They thought he would free Israel from foreign domination (Lk. 24: 21), and set up a new kingdom of God---a prosperous, earthly kingdom with God guaranteeing peace and plenty for all. If, therefore, he allowed his enemies to put him to death, all their hopes would be dashed to the ground. Hence, the mention of his impending death at the Last Supper filled them with dismay and despair.
But we must not judge them too harshly. Christ had indeed often claimed to be God, but his words fell on deaf ears. It was only after his resurrection that they began to understand that he had spoken literally---it was only then they believed he was indeed the Son of God, in human nature.
For us today, the Incarnation is still a mystery, but it is not the "how" that should trouble us, we know that with God all things are possible. It is rather the "why" that should cause us amazement. Why should God go to that length for our sake---mere creatures, and sinful, ungrateful creatures at that? The infinite goodness and the infinite love of God are the answer, but still an answer which is mysterious to us. For we, with our limited capacity for love, can form no idea of infinite love.
God created us "in his own image and likeness" (a very limited likeness, granted) and intended, because of the spiritual faculties he gave us, which enable us to see and enjoy truth and beauty, to give us a share in his eternal life and glory. To do this, the Incarnation of the second Person of the Holy Trinity was God's plan. There must have been other ways of doing this, but God, we can be sure, chose the best way. Even with our limited intelligence, we ourselves can see what a perfect way this was for proving to us the infinite love, goodness and compassion of our Creator.
Sin entered the world of man, as God had foreseen, but notwithstanding this ingratitude on our part, God's Son came in our lowly, human nature and suffered, even though sinless, all the effects of men's sins. He suffered in our name, and because he was God, his sufferings in his human nature made infinite atonement for the sins of all mankind.
His Incarnation had made us his brothers and co-heirs to heaven. His death on the cross wiped out, and gave us the means of wiping out, our sins, so that we would be capable of possessing our inheritance.
Knowing the story of the Incarnation therefore, we know of the love and kindness of God toward us. We need not ask, with Philip, "show us the Father," we have seen him in his riches and wisdom and knowledge of God "How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable are his ways!" (Rom. 11: 33).
"What return can I make to the Lord?" All the mortifications and good works of all the holy men and women that ever lived, or will live, would not be adequate a return to God for the miracle of love he has shown toward us. But he accepts the widow's mite, the little acts of love, the little proofs of gratitude, the willing acceptance of the crosses he sends us, to purify us. In one word, all he asks in return is that we try to live our Christian life day after day, ever thanking him for the gift of Christ and the Christian faith.-a174
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
EXPLANATION: The infant Christian Church in Jerusalem was growing in numbers daily. The converts were helping one another not only spiritually but in the necessities of life as well. Those who had shared with those who had not. There was a daily distribution of food among the poorer people and this required some organization as the numbers multiplied. It was because of this that the order of the diaconate (deacons) was introduced by the Apostles.
Hellenists . . . Hebrews: Ever since the time of Alexander and earlier, many Jews lived outside of Palestine. There was scarcely a town of any size in the Greco-Roman empire which did not have a Jewish colony. Greek was the language in daily use among these exiles. Some of them returned to Palestine in later life, when they had saved enough to support themselves there. They were known among the native Jews as "Hellenists" because of their language (Greek), while those who had remained at home, spoke Hebrew (rather Aramaic), and called themselves "Hebrews."
Hellenists murmured: These returned exiles felt their widows and orphans (the needy among them) were not being fairly treated by the Apostles, who were all Hebrews, and their assistants in the daily distribution of food and other necessities. Therefore, they brought their complaints before the Apostles.
give . . . tables: As the Apostles were fully occupied day after day instructing the new converts, they had no time to regulate the fair distribution of charity.
pick . . . you: The Apostles saw the need for some wise, saintly men who would take charge of this important task of looking after the needy and of seeing to it that all were treated fairly. They left the election to the laity.
seven men: They elected seven "good men." The number seven has no symbolic meaning here; these were judged sufficient for the task. That all seven elected have Greek names would seem to suggest that these deacons were chosen from the Hellenists only; the Hebrews being already provided for.
Stephen: Among the seven elected, Stephen is placed first and described as "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit"---an outstanding Christian evidently, which later events were to prove.
prayed . . . on them: The people, the laity, elected the seven deacons (the name comes from the Greek word diakonein meaning "to serve" which was the office given them), but it was the Apostles who conferred the office, and the power to carry it out, on them.
prayed . . . hands: In the Old Testament power was delegated to others by the imposition of the hands of the holders on the heads of those who were chosen to receive the power (see Num. 8:10; 27:16-23; Dt. 34:9). The Apostles are following this same ritual. The first deacons are "ordained" by the imposition of hands and prayer.
numbers . . . Jerusalem: Luke notes again how the Jews of Jerusalem, natives and returned exiles alike, were flocking to join the Christian Church.
great . . . priests: There were hundreds of the Jewish priests who served in the temple in turns, usually one week at a time. Most of these were simple, devout men, who had little or nothing to do with the chief priests and Pharisees. On being convinced of the resurrection of Christ, especially by the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day, they came to believe that Christ was the promised Messiah and the Son of God. Hence, a great many of them joined Christ in his mystical body, the Church.
APPLICATION: The first eight chapters of the book we call the "Acts of the Apostles," describe the birth and the infant days of the Church in Jerusalem. It is an account which should inspire and console us. The little group of Apostles and disciples, who had lost all heart and hope on seeing Christ their leader crucified, regained confidence once they became convinced, during his forty days with them, of his resurrection. They waited ten days for the Holy Spirit whom Christ had promised them on his Ascension day. When they received the Holy Spirit they set out immediately to preach Christ, completely regardless of the consequences this would bring to them. Remember Jerusalem was still governed politically by pagan Romans who saw nothing but folly in the Christian religion. But, worse still, the religious leaders of the citizens of Jerusalem---the Jews---were still the very men who had Christ condemned to the cross, as an impostor and a blasphemer, because "he made himself the Son of God" (Jn. 19: 7).
It was not human courage that enabled the Apostles, in such surroundings, to preach Christ as Messiah, Son of God, and Savior of the human race. It was the Holy Spirit. And the result was worthy of the cause: within a few weeks, almost half the inhabitants of Jerusalem had become faithful followers of the crucified and risen Christ.
This surprising spread of the faith, something in itself humanly impossible in such or in any circumstances, should surely inspire us with gratitude and love for God's interest in us, and his goodness to us. We still have the same faith as the first Christians of Jerusalem---we are followers of the same Christ who lived and died for us, who rose from the dead and sent the Holy Spirit with his gifts and power on the Church which he had founded. That same power and those same gifts of God's love are with us still today in our Church, leading us kindly and gently to the end he has planned for us from all eternity.
Surely, we Christians have every reason to be grateful to God for having given us the faith. And we should show this gratitude, by our love of neighbor, as the first Christians did, and all true Christians down through the ages have done. We must share with the poor and the needy not only our temporal goods, but especially the divine gift of the true faith. There are many ways today in which we can do our part in spreading the gospel of Christ. That gospel has reached us because zealous Christians down the ages lived the faith and did their share to give it to others.
St. Stephen, one of the deacons mentioned in today's reading, gave his life gladly for Christ a few weeks after his ordination. Stephen's, martyrdom may have been a remote cause of preparing Saul's conversion---Saul never forgot the incident and his own part in it. Saul became St. Paul, the great Apostle of the Gentiles and one of the greatest glories of the infant Church.
You may not be called on to have the honor of martyrdom, but you are called to be a saint, an honor which can be earned only by living a life of true love of God and neighbor.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 2: 4-9. Come to the Lord, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God's sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame." To you therefore who believe, he is precious, but for those who do not believe, "The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner," and "A stone that will make men stumble, a rock that will make them fall;" for they stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
EXPLANATION: See the second reading of the Second Sunday of Easter. St. Peter is here reminding the new converts to Christianity, that they must be holy, for they are the living stones out of which the now spiritual temple of God is formed. The cornerstone, the base and binding force of this temple, is the risen Christ. Because of him, and through him, they are able to offer sacrifices which are acceptable to God. Christ, the Son of God, is their High Priest; they are his assistants.
come to the Lord: They have already come to him when they accepted baptism, but they must remain united with him daily by their good deeds.
living . . . men: Christ was and is the true and only foundation on which men can unite with God. He was God-incarnate, uniting the divine with the human, but the leaders of the Jews rejected him.
in God's . . . precious: As proclaimed at his baptism in the Jordan, at the Transfiguration, and proved by the resurrection.
be yourselves built: Christians must follow and be the living material out of which the new temple of God, unlike the temple of Jerusalem, built out of ordinary dead stones, is being built. The same idea is in the metaphor of the vine and the branches, and the body built out of living members.
to be . . . priesthood: The temple of Jerusalem was served by the appointed priests. They offered sacrifices of animals and fruits of the field to God. Now Christians, through Christ and because of Christ, will offer spiritual sacrifices of daily good works and especially of the Eucharist, the re-offering of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary---sacrifices acceptable to God because Christ is the chief offerer.
I am . . . stone: St. Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16, where the prophet gives God's promise that he will fulfill his promise to David, that he will bring salvation to Zion, Jerusalem. He will build there a lasting temple. The cornerstone will be the Messiah.
to you therefore: To Christians, Christ will be the precious cornerstone, the very foundation of their spiritual temple, but to those who reject him he will be the occasion of their stumbling and falling.
disobey the word: They refuse to listen to Christ, and to see the prophecies God had given them down through the centuries, as fulfilled in Christ.
were destined to do: There is no question of predestination here, but simply that the pride and self-sufficiency of the Pharisees led them logically to the rejection of Christ.
But you . . . race: The followers of Christ, Gentiles and Jews, are the new chosen race.
a royal priesthood: The titles given to the Chosen People in the Old Testament, "a royal priesthood" are now given to the Church of the New Testament. Christians are all priests because they all take part through Christ's delegate in offering true sacrifice to God. In the Old Testament, the priests were taken from only one of the twelve tribes. They are "a holy nation," made up of all nations; "God's own people," because they are united with his divine Son in the new spiritual temple.
that you may declare: Their duty and privilege is to tell all men of the great and glorious gift God conferred on them, when he called them out of the darkness of paganism and Judaism into the marvelous light of the faith, in Christ.
APPLICATION: St. Peter's call to his contemporaries is as imperative for us today, as it was for the first Christians. We are called to be saints, in other words, our Christian vocation is a call to take our place in heaven when we end our earthly life. We all know this, but for far too many of us, it is more a subconscious than a conscious thought in our daily lives. While doing the same daily tasks, as the Christians who are striving to become saints, we waste precious months and maybe years, in which we could be storing up treasure in heaven, because we forget God and the purpose of our Christian vocation.
Listen to a simple parable: two young men at the age of twenty went to another country where wages were high, in order to earn enough to buy for themselves comfortable homes and businesses when they returned, after some years. One saved his earnings, sent home his monthly packet and had his house and business set up. The other, attracted by the pleasure and play of the foreign land, squandered his earnings and forgot the purpose which led him to that land. When both returned home, the squanderer and forgetful one realized his mistake, but to late.
St. Peter is speaking to each one of us today. We are called to be saints. We have the means of becoming saints, for Christ has made us his brothers and heirs of heaven. Our part is to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. These sacrifices consist of our daily actions, dedicated to God by our simple, morning offering. They are acceptable to God because we have been made his adopted children, through Christ becoming man. Away and above our daily actions, which God accepts, we have the weekly (or daily where possible) sacrifice of Christ, the Son of God himself, which we have the privilege of offering, together with Christ's human representative. Just as it was the first offering of himself on Calvary which made us capable of reaching heaven, it is the re-presentation of their initial sacrifices on our altars that blesses all our worldly or daily actions and makes them of value for our eternal life.
Let us never forget it, we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, God's own people." What more could God have done for us? And how little he asks in return!
Are we giving him even that little? Is our home a Christian home where the love of God and neighbor reign? Is true justice the guiding rule in our dealings with our fellowman? Can our non-Christian neighbors recognize us as God's own people?
If we can answer in the affirmative to these questions, we are building ourselves into a spiritual house. We are the true temple of God; we are on the direct road to our true home in heaven. If, unfortunately, we cannot say yes but a sad no to these questions, let us not despair---we are dealing with a Father, not a policeman. He is ever ready to welcome back the repentant sinner, remember the story of the lost sheep, and the prodigal son. If, hitherto, you have ignored the marvelous light of the faith to which God in his goodness has called you, look at it today, and resolve to live by it. It is the only light, the only answer to man's life on earth.
GOSPEL: John 14: 1-12. Jesus said to his disciples: "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him."
EXPLANATION: During the Last Supper, Jesus foretells his proximate departure (through death) from them. He is to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies by one of the Twelve. The eleven faithful ones are deeply saddened---they have not yet grasped that "he must suffer and so enter into his glory" (Lk. 24: 26). They had not yet realized that he was God, as well as man. So in today's verses, he consoles his Apostles by telling them that his going (his death) is necessary for their future, eternal happiness, but they will see him again when he will come to take them to himself.
believe . . . in me: If they have trust in God and in himself (he puts himself on an equal footing with the Father), and believe in the promises given them in the Old Testament by the prophets and in the New by himself, they will cease to be troubled at his departure.
In my Father's house: His death will open heaven---his Father's house---in which there are many rooms.
I go . . . for you: Heaven will be the eternal home of the Apostles and for multitudes of others. His death was the key to that eternal home.
I will come again: At each one's death, at the Parousia, meaning-the general judgment, and also in the Church when the coming of the Holy Spirit will set it on its way; as he told them before his Ascension: I am with you always, yes, to the end of time (Mt.28: 20).
Lord . . . know: Thomas probably speaks for all---they cannot grasp the idea that he should die, and their still Jewish idea of life after death was no consolation or light for them.
I am the way . . . life: Thomas's answer brought forth a statement from Jesus which can be said to summarize the gospel of St. John: Jesus, the Incarnate Son of God, is the one and only way to the Father and to eternal life. Without the coming of Christ in our human nature, we could not become adopted sons of God, and co-heirs with Christ of heaven. He is the truth: he is God's Word which is the word of truth itself (see 1: 9; 14: 17); he is the life (see Jn. 4: 10; 13; 10:10), the true everlasting life.
Philip . . . Father: Philip's request, "to show us the Father" tells how little he had learned of the true nature of Christ during his two or more years as his disciple.
He who . . . Father: During his public life, Christ had often declared his close association, in fact, his intimate association, with the Father, in almost identical words (see 7: 16; 8: 28; 10: 38: "the Father is in me and I in the Father"). He repeated these words verbatim now for Philip.
for the . . . works: If Philip would not take his word for it, the miracles "the works," he had performed should have proved it to him.
He who . . . me: He promises the power of miracles to those who will really admit that he was what he claimed to be---the Son of God made man.
greater . . . Father: These greater works were to be the miraculous spread of Christ's message, the Christian faith after the Ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit. Christ, during his public mission, had relatively few followers and fewer still who really believed in his claims. But the completion of his mission on earth, in his resurrection and glorification, had to take place before his claims and his doctrines were accepted.
APPLICATION: We may well wonder at the slowness of the Apostles in seeing in Christ nothing more than a man---a great man, a man with power from God, yes, but still a mere man. That he was the Messiah, they were convinced, but their idea of the Messiah was wrong. They thought he would free Israel from foreign domination (Lk. 24: 21), and set up a new kingdom of God---a prosperous, earthly kingdom with God guaranteeing peace and plenty for all. If, therefore, he allowed his enemies to put him to death, all their hopes would be dashed to the ground. Hence, the mention of his impending death at the Last Supper filled them with dismay and despair.
But we must not judge them too harshly. Christ had indeed often claimed to be God, but his words fell on deaf ears. It was only after his resurrection that they began to understand that he had spoken literally---it was only then they believed he was indeed the Son of God, in human nature.
For us today, the Incarnation is still a mystery, but it is not the "how" that should trouble us, we know that with God all things are possible. It is rather the "why" that should cause us amazement. Why should God go to that length for our sake---mere creatures, and sinful, ungrateful creatures at that? The infinite goodness and the infinite love of God are the answer, but still an answer which is mysterious to us. For we, with our limited capacity for love, can form no idea of infinite love.
God created us "in his own image and likeness" (a very limited likeness, granted) and intended, because of the spiritual faculties he gave us, which enable us to see and enjoy truth and beauty, to give us a share in his eternal life and glory. To do this, the Incarnation of the second Person of the Holy Trinity was God's plan. There must have been other ways of doing this, but God, we can be sure, chose the best way. Even with our limited intelligence, we ourselves can see what a perfect way this was for proving to us the infinite love, goodness and compassion of our Creator.
Sin entered the world of man, as God had foreseen, but notwithstanding this ingratitude on our part, God's Son came in our lowly, human nature and suffered, even though sinless, all the effects of men's sins. He suffered in our name, and because he was God, his sufferings in his human nature made infinite atonement for the sins of all mankind.
His Incarnation had made us his brothers and co-heirs to heaven. His death on the cross wiped out, and gave us the means of wiping out, our sins, so that we would be capable of possessing our inheritance.
Knowing the story of the Incarnation therefore, we know of the love and kindness of God toward us. We need not ask, with Philip, "show us the Father," we have seen him in his riches and wisdom and knowledge of God "How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable are his ways!" (Rom. 11: 33).
"What return can I make to the Lord?" All the mortifications and good works of all the holy men and women that ever lived, or will live, would not be adequate a return to God for the miracle of love he has shown toward us. But he accepts the widow's mite, the little acts of love, the little proofs of gratitude, the willing acceptance of the crosses he sends us, to purify us. In one word, all he asks in return is that we try to live our Christian life day after day, ever thanking him for the gift of Christ and the Christian faith.-a174
Meditation: "Lord, show us the
Father"
Do
you allow any troubles to rob you of God's gift of peace? As much as we try to
avoid it, we inevitably encounter challenges and trials that can shake our
confidence and our trust in God. Jesus knew that his disciples would be put to
the test when their Master was taken from them during his suffering and passion
- his arrest, trial, and rejection by the leaders of his own people, and
crucifixion by the Romans. Jesus encouraged his disciples to put their faith
and hope in God the Father and also in himself.
When
adversity or trouble comes your way, does it make you lose hope or give into
fear and despair, or does it press you closer to the Lord Jesus and to the
strength and help he offers you? When the people of Israel became discouraged
and grew weary during their 40 years in the wilderness, the Lord assured them
that he would personally bring them safely into the promised land.
"It is the LORD who goes before
you; he will be with you, he will not fail you or forsake you; do not fear or
be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8).
This land of promise was a sign that prefigured
and pointed to the true heavenly homeland which God offers to all who accept
his gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus, through
his victory on the cross and his resurrection, has opened the way for each one
of us to live in peace and friendship with our heavenly Father.
A
place for you in my Father's house
During Jesus' last supper meal with his apostles, he spokely in plain words to them about his approaching departure. He tells them that he is returning to his Father to prepare a place for them in the Father's house. Jesus not only goes to secure for his disciples a place of refuge, peace, and security, he secures for them the best the Father has to offer - intimate communion, friendship, and joy with the Father at his table (Luke 12:37, Matthew 8:11) and place of rest and refreshment.
During Jesus' last supper meal with his apostles, he spokely in plain words to them about his approaching departure. He tells them that he is returning to his Father to prepare a place for them in the Father's house. Jesus not only goes to secure for his disciples a place of refuge, peace, and security, he secures for them the best the Father has to offer - intimate communion, friendship, and joy with the Father at his table (Luke 12:37, Matthew 8:11) and place of rest and refreshment.
Jesus
promised his disciples - and each one of us - that he would return again to
personally bring us to the Father's house. Are you ready to follow the Lord
Jesus wherever he wishes to lead you now and in the future? And do you trust
him to bring you safely to your home with the Father in his kingdom? Paul the
Apostle reminds us that nothing in this world can compare with the glory of
feasting with the Father in his house. "I consider that the sufferings of
this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed
to us" (Romans 8:18). Is your hope securely placed in Jesus and his
promise to raise you up in glory with him?
I
am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
The disciples were surprised that Jesus was going to his Father's house and would return to take them with him. And they were even more surprised when Jesus said he expected them to know the way to the Father's house. Jesus' answer to there question, "show us the way", was both a reminder that his disciples should trust their Master and Teacher to show them the way, and a challenge for them to recognize that Jesus had intimate knowledge of God and where God came from. Jesus made a statement that invoked the very name which God had revealed to Moses, "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14), and he made three claims which only God could make. He stated unequivocally to his disciples: "I am theWay, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6)
The disciples were surprised that Jesus was going to his Father's house and would return to take them with him. And they were even more surprised when Jesus said he expected them to know the way to the Father's house. Jesus' answer to there question, "show us the way", was both a reminder that his disciples should trust their Master and Teacher to show them the way, and a challenge for them to recognize that Jesus had intimate knowledge of God and where God came from. Jesus made a statement that invoked the very name which God had revealed to Moses, "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14), and he made three claims which only God could make. He stated unequivocally to his disciples: "I am theWay, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6)
Jesus
proclaims: I am the Way (John 14:6). He alone knows the way to
the Father because he has been with the Father from the beginning - before time
and creation ever existed. The Lord Jesus gives us more than a road map and
guide book. He personally is the way to the Father's kingdom, and we cannot
miss it if we follow him. He accompanies us on our daily journey and watches
over us as the good shepherd who leads and sustains us each and every step of
the way. Are you in step with the Lord and do you trust in his guiding hand for
your life?
Jesus
proclaims that he is the Truth (John 14:6). Many can say,
"I have taught you the truth." Only Jesus can say, I am the
Truth. He posseses in himself the fulness of truth. Jesus claims to be one
with the Father and to speak the truth which proceeds from the Father. Jesus
promised his disciples that if they continued in his word, they would learn the
truth and the truth would set them free" (John 8:31). The truth
which Jesus proclaims has power to set us free from ignorance, deception, and
sin. The words which Jesus speaks are true because there is no lie or falsehood
in him. Moral truth requires more than mere words or ideas because the person
who speaks them must be true - true in thought, speech, deed, example, and
action. Jesus embodies the truth in his person.
Jesus
proclaims that he is the Life (John 14:6). He not only shows
us the path of life (Psalm 16:11); he gives the kind of life which
only God can give - abundant life that lasts forever. Is there any trouble,
fear, or distracton that keeps you from the perfect peace and joy of a life
surrendered to Jesus Christ?
Knowing
God personally
One of the greatest truths of the Christian faith is that we can know the living God. Our knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God, but we can know God personally. The essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions, is the knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. To see Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father, is to see what God is like. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God - a God who cares intensely and who yearns over men and women, loving them to the point of laying down his life for them upon the Cross. Jesus is the revelation of God - a God who loves us completely, unconditionally, and perfectly for our good. Jesus also promises that God the Father will hear our prayers when we pray in his name. That is why Jesus taught his followers to pray with confidence, Our Father who art in heaven... give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:9). Do you pray to your Father in heaven with joy and confidence in his love and care for you?
One of the greatest truths of the Christian faith is that we can know the living God. Our knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God, but we can know God personally. The essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions, is the knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. To see Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father, is to see what God is like. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God - a God who cares intensely and who yearns over men and women, loving them to the point of laying down his life for them upon the Cross. Jesus is the revelation of God - a God who loves us completely, unconditionally, and perfectly for our good. Jesus also promises that God the Father will hear our prayers when we pray in his name. That is why Jesus taught his followers to pray with confidence, Our Father who art in heaven... give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:9). Do you pray to your Father in heaven with joy and confidence in his love and care for you?
Doing
the works that Jesus did
Jesus told his disciples that they would do the same works which he had done - and even greater works! While Jesus was physically present to his disciples in Galilee and Jerusalem, he was subject to the physical limitations of time, space, and circumstances. Now as the Risen Savior who is glorifed and seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, the Lord Jesus makes his presence and power known to every place on earth through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who lives and works through all the members of the body of Christ on earth.
Jesus told his disciples that they would do the same works which he had done - and even greater works! While Jesus was physically present to his disciples in Galilee and Jerusalem, he was subject to the physical limitations of time, space, and circumstances. Now as the Risen Savior who is glorifed and seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, the Lord Jesus makes his presence and power known to every place on earth through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who lives and works through all the members of the body of Christ on earth.
Theresa
of Avila (1515-1582) wrote: “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands,
no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks
compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the
hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no
body now on earth but yours.”
Wherever
we go the Lord Jesus wants us to bring the good news and blessings of his
kingdom to as many people as we can. The Lord Jesus calls us the salt of the
earth. He wants us to bring the flavor of his goodness and holiness into every
area of society we are engaged in. Christ calls us the light of the world. He
wants us to make him known and loved by helping people to see the radiance of
his love and truth and the beauty of his kingdom. That is why Jesus continues
to commission his followers throughout every age to “make disciples of all
nations”(John 17:18, Matthew 28:19).
"Lord
Jesus, you fill us with the joy of your saving presence and you give us the
hope of everlasting life with the Father in Heaven. Show me the Father that I
may know and glorify him more fully."
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, MAY 18, JOHN
14:1-12
(Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33; 1 Peter 2:4-9)
(Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33; 1 Peter 2:4-9)
KEY VERSE: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (v 6).
READING: When Judas went off to betray Jesus, he left the light and went out into the night (Jn 13:30). Then Jesus spoke to his faithful disciples. As he prepared to depart from this world, he consoled his grieving disciples and strengthened their faith in him. Jesus insisted on the necessity of faith, telling them to "believe in God," and also "believe in me." He told them to have confidence in his promise that they would dwell eternally with him. Jesus was the bridge-way to God; he revealed the truth of God; and he gave them the abundant life of God. Jesus likened heaven to a huge mansion in which there were many rooms. He told them that he was going to prepare a place for them, and that he would return to take them with him, the promise of his future return as the Lord of the world (the parousia = coming). Jesus would continue to intercede on behalf of those who had faith in him. He would empower them to do even greater works in his name.
REFLECTING: How can I show others the way, truth and life of Jesus' words?
PRAYING: Risen Lord, show me the way to the Father so that I may live eternally in his truth.
MINUTE
MEDITATIONS
You are Precious!
When not accepted by others, even by yourself sometimes, He is the
one who always accepts you. Only believe—you are precious to Him. Bring all
your suffering to His feet—only open your heart to be loved by Him as you are.
He will do the rest. —Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.’It’s all very well for you to talk like that, Lord, but my heart is troubled. It is troubled about the state of war among nations, the enormous destruction that seems moments away from us. It is troubled by anxiety about my own family. It is troubled wondering about my future and where I am going. Lord, these are times when I need hope, when all seems to be so uncertain. And yet these are times in which hope has its meaning. ‘Trust in God’, you say. I try, Lord. If only I could feel closer to you, it would be easier. I need your presence, calling me to be with you. I know that in dark times you too continued to hope, to trust in the Father’s love and will. Lord, now is the age for hope: help me to bring the good news of the Father’s promise and abiding love into the darkness of despair.
May
18
St. John I
(d. 526)
St. John I
(d. 526)
Pope John I inherited
the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled for
30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though he treated the empire’s
Catholics with toleration. His policy changed at about the time the young John
was elected pope.
When the eastern emperor began imposing severe
measures on the Arians of his area, the western emperor forced John to head a
delegation to the East to soften the measures against the heretics. Little is
known of the manner or outcome of the negotiations—designed to secure continued
toleration of Catholics in the West.
When John returned to Rome, he found that the
emperor had begun to suspect his friendship with his eastern rival.
On his way home, John was imprisoned when he
reached Ravenna because the emperor suspected a conspiracy against his throne.
Shortly after his imprisonment, John died, apparently from the treatment he had
received.
Comment:
We cannot choose the issues for which we have to suffer and perhaps die. John I suffered because of a power-conscious emperor. Jesus suffered because of the suspicions of those who were threatened by his freedom, openness and powerlessness. “If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated me before you” (John 15:18).
We cannot choose the issues for which we have to suffer and perhaps die. John I suffered because of a power-conscious emperor. Jesus suffered because of the suspicions of those who were threatened by his freedom, openness and powerlessness. “If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated me before you” (John 15:18).
Quote:
“Martyrdom makes disciples like their Master, who willingly accepted death for the salvation of the world, and through it they are made like him by the shedding of blood. Therefore, the Church considers it the highest gift and supreme test of love. And while it is given to few, all however must be prepared to confess Christ before humanity and to follow him along the way of the cross amid the persecutions which the Church never lacks” (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 42, Austin Flannery translation).
“Martyrdom makes disciples like their Master, who willingly accepted death for the salvation of the world, and through it they are made like him by the shedding of blood. Therefore, the Church considers it the highest gift and supreme test of love. And while it is given to few, all however must be prepared to confess Christ before humanity and to follow him along the way of the cross amid the persecutions which the Church never lacks” (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 42, Austin Flannery translation).
LECTIO DIVINA:
5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER (A)
Lectio:
Sunday, May 18, 2014
I am the way, the truth and the life
An answer to the constant questions of the human heart
John 14: 1-12
An answer to the constant questions of the human heart
John 14: 1-12
1.
OPENING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures
with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In
the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the
presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2.
READING
a) A key to guide the reading:
As you read, try to listen as though you were present at the
last meeting of Jesus with his disciples. Listen to his words as though they
were addressed to you, today, at this moment.
b) A division of chapter 14 to help with the reading:
John 14: 1-4: Let nothing disturb you!
John 14: 5-7: Thomas’ question and Jesus’ reply
John 14: 8-21: Philip’s question and Jesus’ reply
John 14: 22-31: Judas Thaddaeus’ question and Jesus’ reply.
John 14: 5-7: Thomas’ question and Jesus’ reply
John 14: 8-21: Philip’s question and Jesus’ reply
John 14: 22-31: Judas Thaddaeus’ question and Jesus’ reply.
c) The text:
1-4: Do not let your
hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house
there are many places to live in; otherwise I would have told you. I
am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you
a place, I shall return to take you to myself, so that you may be with me where
I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.
5-7: Thomas said, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus said: I am the Way; I am Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.
8-12: Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and then we shall be satisfied.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 'Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father"? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? What I say to you I do not speak of my own accord: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his works. You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe it on the evidence of these works. In all truth I tell you, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, and will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father.
5-7: Thomas said, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus said: I am the Way; I am Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.
8-12: Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and then we shall be satisfied.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 'Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father"? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? What I say to you I do not speak of my own accord: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his works. You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe it on the evidence of these works. In all truth I tell you, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, and will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father.
3.
A MOMENT OF PRAYERFUL SILENCE
so that the Word of God may enter into us and enlighten our
life.
4.
SOME QUESTIONS
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) Which word of Jesus most touched my heart? Why?
b) What traces of the face of God the Father, revealed by Jesus, appear in these twelve verses?
c) What do these verses reveal about the relationship of Jesus with the Father?
d) What do these verses tell us about our relationship with the Father?
e) What are the "greater works", which, according to Jesus, we shall be able to accomplish?
f) Jesus said, "In my Father’s house there are many places to live in". What do these words mean for us today?
g) Which problems and desires are implied in the questions of Thomas and Philip?
b) What traces of the face of God the Father, revealed by Jesus, appear in these twelve verses?
c) What do these verses reveal about the relationship of Jesus with the Father?
d) What do these verses tell us about our relationship with the Father?
e) What are the "greater works", which, according to Jesus, we shall be able to accomplish?
f) Jesus said, "In my Father’s house there are many places to live in". What do these words mean for us today?
g) Which problems and desires are implied in the questions of Thomas and Philip?
5.
A KEY TO THE READING
for those who wish to go deeper into the text.
a) John’s Gospel: a cloth woven from three threads:
* The word text means cloth. Hence,
John’s Gospel is like a beautiful cloth woven from three very different and yet
very similar threads. These three threads harmonise so well that we sometimes
get confused and are not aware that we are passing from one thread to another.
a) The first thread: is the facts of Jesus’ life that happened in the year 30 as remembered by eyewitnesses, those who lived with Jesus and saw the things he did and heard the words he taught. This is the historical Jesus, preserved in the witness of the Beloved Disciple (1 Jn 1:1).
b) The second thread: is the facts and problems of the life of the community in the second half of the first century. Beginning with faith in Jesus and convinced of the presence of the Risen One among them, the communities enlightened these facts and problems by means of the words and signs of Jesus. Thus, for instance, the conflicts they had with the Pharisees, greatly influenced the storyand the reporting of the discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees.
c) The third thread: is the Evangelist’s comments. In some passages, it is difficult for us to discern when Jesus stops talking and when the Evangelist begins his comments (Jn 2:22; 3:16-21; 7:39; 12:37-43; 20:30-31).
a) The first thread: is the facts of Jesus’ life that happened in the year 30 as remembered by eyewitnesses, those who lived with Jesus and saw the things he did and heard the words he taught. This is the historical Jesus, preserved in the witness of the Beloved Disciple (1 Jn 1:1).
b) The second thread: is the facts and problems of the life of the community in the second half of the first century. Beginning with faith in Jesus and convinced of the presence of the Risen One among them, the communities enlightened these facts and problems by means of the words and signs of Jesus. Thus, for instance, the conflicts they had with the Pharisees, greatly influenced the storyand the reporting of the discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees.
c) The third thread: is the Evangelist’s comments. In some passages, it is difficult for us to discern when Jesus stops talking and when the Evangelist begins his comments (Jn 2:22; 3:16-21; 7:39; 12:37-43; 20:30-31).
* In the five chapters, which describe Jesus’ farewell (Jn 13 to
17), we can see these three threads: Jesus speaking, the communities speaking
and the Evangelist speaking. In these chapters the three threads are interwoven
in such a way that they present a whole of great beauty and inspiration, where
it is difficult to distinguish which is which.
b) Chapters 13 to 17 of John’s Gospel:
* The long conversation (Jn 13:1 to 17:26) between Jesus and his
disciples at the last supper, on the eve of his apprehension and death, is the
Testament he left us. In it Jesus expresses his last desire concerning life in
community for his disciples. It was a friendly conversation, which the Disciple
remembered well. The Evangelist wishes to convey that Jesus desired to prolong
to the utmost that final meeting of friends, a moment of great intimacy. The
same happens today. There are various kinds of conversations. There is the
superficial conversation that leaves everything up in the air and reveals
emptiness in the persons involved. Then there is the deep conversation that
touches the heart. All of us, at some time, experience these moments of
friendly sharing which expand our hearts and strengthen us in times of
difficulty. This kind of conversation helps us to grow in trust and to overcome
fear.
* These five chapters (Jn 13 to 17) are also an example of the
way the communities of the Beloved Disciple catechised. The questions of the
three disciples, Thomas (Jn 14:5), Philip (Jn 14:8) and Judas Thaddaeus (Jn
14:22), were also the questions of the communities of the late first century.
Jesus’ replies to the three were like a mirror where the communities found an
answer to their doubts and difficulties. Thus, chapter 14 was (and still is) a
catechesis that teaches the communities how to live without the physical
presence of Jesus.
c) Chapter 14: 1-12: An answer to the constant questions of the
human heart:
John 14:1-4: The
communities asked: "How can we live in community with so many
different opinions?" Jesus replies with an exhortation, "Do not let
your hearts be troubled! There are many rooms in my Father’s house!" The
insistence on encouraging words that would help to overcome the troubles and
divergences, means that there must have been different tendencies among the
communities, each claiming to be truer than the other. Jesus says, "There
are many rooms in my Father’s house!" It is not necessary for all to think
alike. What matters is that all accept Jesus as the revelation of the Father
and that, for love of him, all take on an attitude of service and love. Love
and service are the concrete, which binds together the many bricks of the wall
and makes the diverse communities into one Church of brothers and sisters.
John 14:5-7: Thomas
asks, "Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know
the way?" Jesus replies, "I am the way, the life and the truth!"
Three important words. Without the way we cannot walk. Without the truth we
cannot be certain. Without life, there is only death! Jesus explains that he is
the waybecause "No one can come to the Father except
through me!" He is the door through which the sheep enter and leave (Jn
10:9). Jesus is the truth because seeing him we see the
image of the Father. "If you know me, you know my Father too!" Jesus
is the life because if we walk in his footsteps we
shall be united to the Father and shall have life in us.
John 14:8-11: Philip
asks, "Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and then we shall be
satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Anyone who has seen me has seen the
Father.’" Philip expressed the desire of many in John’s communities and
continues to be the desire of all of us: what must I do to see the Father of
whom Jesus speaks so much? Jesus’ answer is very beautiful, "Have I been
with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Anyone who has
seen me has seen the Father." We must not think that God is far away, distant
and unknown. Anyone who desires to know how and who God the Father is, has only
to look at Jesus. He has revealed the Father in the words and signs of his
life! "I am in the Father and the Father is in me." Through his
manner of being, Jesus revealed a new face of God that drew people to him.
Through his obedience, he was completely identified with the Father. At all
times he did that which the Father told him to do (Jn 5:30; 8:28-29.38). That
is why everything in Jesus is the revelation of the Father! The signs and works
he did are the work of the Father! In the same way, we, by our manner of living
and living together, must be a revelation of Jesus. To have seen us should be
to have seen and recognised in us a part of Jesus.
What we need to meditate here is "How do I reflect Jesus?" Am I like Peter who would not accept a servant and suffering Jesus and wanted a Jesus according to his wishes? (Mk 8:32-33). Am I like those who can only say "Lord! Lord!" (Mt 7:21). Am I like those who only wish for a celestial and glorious Christ and forget that Jesus of Nazareth walked with the poor, welcomed the marginalized, healed the sick, reinstated those excluded and who, because of his commitment to the people and the Father, was persecuted and crucified.
What we need to meditate here is "How do I reflect Jesus?" Am I like Peter who would not accept a servant and suffering Jesus and wanted a Jesus according to his wishes? (Mk 8:32-33). Am I like those who can only say "Lord! Lord!" (Mt 7:21). Am I like those who only wish for a celestial and glorious Christ and forget that Jesus of Nazareth walked with the poor, welcomed the marginalized, healed the sick, reinstated those excluded and who, because of his commitment to the people and the Father, was persecuted and crucified.
John 14: 12: Jesus’
promise. Jesus says that an intimate relationship with the Father is not
his privilege alone, but is possible for all of us who believe in him. Through
him, we can do the same things he did for the people of his time. He will
intercede for us. Whatsoever we ask of him, he will ask of the Father and will
obtain for us, provided it is in order to serve (Jn 14:13)
6.
PSALM 43 (42)
"Your light and your truth will guide me on my way"
As a hart longs for flowing streams,
so longs my soul for thee, O God.(Picture)
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:
how I went with the throng,
and led them in procession to the house of God,
with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving,
a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help
and my God.
My soul is cast down within me,
therefore I remember thee from the land of Jordan
and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts;
all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me.
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love;
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:
"Why hast thou forgotten me?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As with a deadly wound in my body,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me continually,
"Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
so longs my soul for thee, O God.(Picture)
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:
how I went with the throng,
and led them in procession to the house of God,
with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving,
a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help
and my God.
My soul is cast down within me,
therefore I remember thee from the land of Jordan
and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts;
all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me.
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love;
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:
"Why hast thou forgotten me?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As with a deadly wound in my body,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me continually,
"Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
Vindicate me, O God,
and defend my cause against an ungodly people;
from deceitful and unjust men deliver me!
For thou art the God in whom I take refuge;
why hast thou cast me off?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Oh send out thy light and thy truth;
let them lead me,
let them bring me to thy holy hill and to thy dwelling!
Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy;
and I will praise thee with the lyre, O God, my God.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
and defend my cause against an ungodly people;
from deceitful and unjust men deliver me!
For thou art the God in whom I take refuge;
why hast thou cast me off?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Oh send out thy light and thy truth;
let them lead me,
let them bring me to thy holy hill and to thy dwelling!
Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy;
and I will praise thee with the lyre, O God, my God.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
7.
FINAL PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the
Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to
practice that which your Word has revealed to us. May we, like Mary, your
mother, not only listen to but also practise the Word. You who live and reign
with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
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