Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 295
Lectionary: 295
One night while
Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision,
“Do not be afraid.
Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.
No one will attack and harm you,
for I have many people in this city.”
He settled there for a year and a half
and taught the word of God among them.
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,
the Jews rose up together against Paul
and brought him to the tribunal, saying,
“This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law.”
When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews,
“If it were a matter of some crime or malicious fraud,
I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews;
but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and titles
and your own law, see to it yourselves.
I do not wish to be a judge of such matters.”
And he drove them away from the tribunal.
They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official,
and beat him in full view of the tribunal.
But none of this was of concern to Gallio.
Paul remained for quite some time,
and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria,
together with Priscilla and Aquila.
At Cenchreae he had shaved his head because he had taken a vow.
“Do not be afraid.
Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.
No one will attack and harm you,
for I have many people in this city.”
He settled there for a year and a half
and taught the word of God among them.
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,
the Jews rose up together against Paul
and brought him to the tribunal, saying,
“This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law.”
When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews,
“If it were a matter of some crime or malicious fraud,
I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews;
but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and titles
and your own law, see to it yourselves.
I do not wish to be a judge of such matters.”
And he drove them away from the tribunal.
They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official,
and beat him in full view of the tribunal.
But none of this was of concern to Gallio.
Paul remained for quite some time,
and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria,
together with Priscilla and Aquila.
At Cenchreae he had shaved his head because he had taken a vow.
Responsorial PsalmPS 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (8a) God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He brings people under us;
nations under our feet.
He chooses for us our inheritance,
the glory of Jacob, whom he loves.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He brings people under us;
nations under our feet.
He chooses for us our inheritance,
the glory of Jacob, whom he loves.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
AlleluiaSEE LK 24:46, 26
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 16:20-23
Jesus said to his
disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn,
while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived;
but when she has given birth to a child,
she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy
that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”
“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn,
while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived;
but when she has given birth to a child,
she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy
that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”
Meditation: "Your
sorrow will turn into joy"
Why did Jesus tell his disciples that they would weep
and be sorrowful? Jesus was neither a pessimist nor a masochist, and he was
certainly more than a realist! The way to happiness and joy in the kingdom of
God is through the cross. Sin must be brought to the cross of Jesus Christ and
evil can only be completely mastered by the power of God's redeeming love.
Jesus told his disciples that it was more blessed to mourn for sin because it
would yield the fruit of peace, joy, and righteousness. Jesus knew that the
cross would be a stumbling block for those who refused to believe in him.
The cross for Jesus was not defeat but victory - victory over
sin, over the forces of evil in the world, and over the devil - the arch-enemy
of God and humankind. Through death on the cross Jesus won for us new life and
freedom over the power of sin, despair, and death. The Easter victory of Jesus
teaches us courage in the face of suffering and death. In the resurrection of
Christ our fears are laid to rest. His resurrection is total, final triumph,
and for us peace and joy at the end. We will have troubles in the present
reality. Through the eyes of faith, we know the final outcome - complete
victory over sin, suffering, and death in Jesus Christ. That is why we can pray
confidently now, knowing that the Father will give us everything we need to
live as his children and as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know the
Easter joy of Christ's victory over sin and death?
"Lord Jesus, we are an Easter people, and alleluia is our
song. May we radiate the joy of Easter and live in the reality of Christ's
victory over sin and death."
FRIDAY, MAY 15, JOHN 16:20-23
Easter Weekday
(Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 47)
Easter Weekday
(Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 47)
KEY VERSE: "But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice" (v 22).
TO READ: Before his passion and death, Jesus consoled his disciples who were distressed at the thought that he was about to be taken from them. Jesus compared their grief to that of a woman who travailed in labor. When the child was born, the woman was no longer in anguish, but rejoiced that a new life has been brought forth. The prophet Isaiah used this image of child-birth when speaking of the suffering of Israel before her restoration (Is 26:17-19). Paul said that "all creation was groaning and in labor pains" awaiting the fullness of redemption (Ro 8:22). Jesus' disciples were in tribulation because they were on the threshold of a new age. When they saw the Risen Lord, they would rejoice, and on that happy day, their joy would be complete (Jn 20:20). In this life there will always be unanswered questions and unresolved problems. In the age to come there will be fullness of knowledge in Christ.
TO REFLECT: Who do I need to comfort today?
TO RESPOND: Risen Lord, help the Church to focus upon your glory in times of sorrow.
Optional Memorial of Isidore the Farmer
Isidore was a pious farmer, married to Mary de la Cabeza. When their son young died, they were convinced it was the will of God that they not have children, and they lived together celibately, doing good works the rest of their lives. Accused by fellow workers of shirking his duties by attending Mass each day and taking time out for prayers, Isidore claimed he had no choice but to follow the highest Master, the Lord. One tale said that when his master came to chastise him for skipping work for church, he found angels plowing the fields in place of Isidore. Miracles and cures were reported at his grave, in which his body remains incorrupt.
Isidore was a pious farmer, married to Mary de la Cabeza. When their son young died, they were convinced it was the will of God that they not have children, and they lived together celibately, doing good works the rest of their lives. Accused by fellow workers of shirking his duties by attending Mass each day and taking time out for prayers, Isidore claimed he had no choice but to follow the highest Master, the Lord. One tale said that when his master came to chastise him for skipping work for church, he found angels plowing the fields in place of Isidore. Miracles and cures were reported at his grave, in which his body remains incorrupt.
Friday 15 May 2015
Day of Penance.
Acts 18: 9-18. God is king of all the earth—Ps 46(47):2-7. John 16:20-23.
Acts 18: 9-18. God is king of all the earth—Ps 46(47):2-7. John 16:20-23.
Readings
‘I will see you again,
and your hearts will rejoice.’
As we move towards the
end of autumn and approach winter we accept that mild days will become colder.
As Scripture says, ‘There is a time for everything under the sun.’Of course, we
love the times when all is going well. When we enter a season where there seems
to be no joy then it is important to remember those good times of the past!
These are the days or years when we have to move in blind faith. Mother Teresa
claimed that she did just this for many years.
In today’s readings,
both Paul and the apostles were called to new seasons. They had to leave the
‘good times’ and step forward believing that their previous joy would return in
the future.
Whatever we are
experiencing at the present moment, let us remember ‘there is a reason for
the season’!
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
|
Genuine Love
|
Where love is genuine, it has got to be shown, not with words, but
with the reality and daily acts of our life…. When love is based on gratitude
at knowing oneself loved and forgiven, the soul will never be at a loss as to
how to express such love, through every word, thought, and deed, but especially
through a habitual silence that just wants to admire and adore. —Erasmo
Leiva-Merikakas
May
15
St. Isidore the Farmer
(1070-1130)
St. Isidore the Farmer
(1070-1130)
Isidore has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In
particular he is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the United States National
Rural Life Conference.
When he
was barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de
Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate
outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple
and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza. They had one
son, who died as a child.
Isidore
had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and
spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas.
All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His devotion,
one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes complained
that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long.
He was
known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore’s supplying
them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of
animals.
He died
May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622 with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis
Xavier, Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain
as “the five saints.”
Comment:
Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).
Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).
Quote:
“God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.... See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food’” (Genesis 1:28a, 29–30a).
“God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.... See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food’” (Genesis 1:28a, 29–30a).
Patron Saint of:
Farmers
Laborers
Farmers
Laborers
LECTIO DIVINA:
JOHN 16,20-23A
Lectio:
Friday, May 15, 2015
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1)
OPENING PRAYER
Lord God, merciful Father,
it is hard for us to accept pain,
for we know that you have made us
for happiness and joy.
When suffering challenges us
with a provocative "why me?"
help us to discover the depth
of our inner freedom and love
and of all the faith and loyalty
of which we are capable,
together with, and by the power of,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
it is hard for us to accept pain,
for we know that you have made us
for happiness and joy.
When suffering challenges us
with a provocative "why me?"
help us to discover the depth
of our inner freedom and love
and of all the faith and loyalty
of which we are capable,
together with, and by the power of,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
2)
GOSPEL READING - JOHN 16,20-23A
Jesus said: 'In all truth I tell you, you will be weeping and
wailing while the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow
will turn to joy.
A woman in childbirth suffers, because her time has come; but
when she has given birth to the child she forgets the suffering in her joy that
a human being has been born into the world. So it is with you: you are sad now,
but I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no
one shall take from you.'
3)
REFLECTION
• During these days between the Ascension and Pentecost, the
Gospels of the day are taken from chapters 16 to 21 of the Gospel of Saint
John, and form part of the Gospel called: “Book of Consolation or of the
Revelation acting in the Community” (Jn 13, 1 to 21, 31). This Book is divided
as follows: the farewell to the friends (Jn 13, 1a to 14, 31); witness of Jesus
and prayer to the Father (Jn 15, 1 to 17, 28); the accomplished work (Jn 18, 1
to 20, 31). The environment of sadness and of expectation. Sadness, because
Jesus leaves and the nostalgia invades the heart. Expectation, because the hour
is arriving of receiving the promised gift, that of the Consoler who will make
all sadness disappear and will once again bring the joy of the friendly
presence of Jesus in the midst of the community.
• John 16, 20: The sadness will be transformed into joy. Jesus
says: “In all truth I tell you: you will be weeping and wailing while the world
will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy”. The
frequent reference to sadness and suffering express the environment of the
communities at the end of the first century in Asia Minor (today, Turkey), for
which John wrote his Gospel. They lived in a difficult situation of persecution
and oppression which caused sadness. The Apostles had taught that Jesus would
have returned afterwards, but the “parusia”, the glorious return of Jesus had
not arrived and persecution increased. Many were impatient: “Until when?” (cfr.
2 Th 2, 1-5; 2 P 3, 8-9). Besides, a person bears a situation of suffering and
of persecution when he/she knows that suffering is the way and the condition to
attain perfect joy. And thus, even having death before the eyes, the person
bears and faces suffering and pain. This is why the Gospel makes this beautiful
comparison with the pangs of childbirth.
• John 16, 21: The comparison with pangs of childbirth. All
understand this comparison, especially mothers: “The woman in childbirth
suffers because her time has come; but when she has given birth to the child
she forgets the suffering in her joy that a human being has been born into the
world”. The suffering and sadness caused by persecution, even without offering
any horizon of improvement, are not the stertor of death, but rather the pangs
of childbirth. Mothers know all this by experience. The pain is terrible, but
they bear it, because they know that the pain, the suffering is a source of new
life. Thus, is the suffering of the persecution of Christians, and thus, any
suffering should be lived, that is, in the light of the experience of the Death
and Resurrection of Jesus.
• John 16, 22-23a: Eternal joy. Jesus explains the comparison:
“So it is with you: you are sad now, but I shall see you again, and your hearts
will be full of joy and that joy no one shall take from you”. When that day
comes, you will not ask me any questions. This is the certainty that gives
courage to the tired and persecuted communities of Asia Minor and which makes
one exult with joy in the midst of suffering and pain. As the poet says: “It
hurts, but I sing!” Or as the mystic Saint John of the Cross says: “In a dark
night, with an inflamed yearning for love, oh happy venture, I went out without
being noticed, in my house all slept!” The expression on that day indicates the
definitive coming of the Kingdom which brings with it its clarity. In the light
of God, there will no longer be need to ask anything. The light of God is the
full and total response to all the questions which could arise within the human
heart.
4)
FOR PERSONAL CONFRONTATION
• Sadness and joy. They exist together in life. How do these
exist in your life?
• Pangs of childbirth. This experience is found in the origin of
life of each one of us. My mother suffered the pain with hope, and this is why
I am alive. Stop and think about this mystery of life.
5)
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Clap your hands, all peoples,
acclaim God with shouts of joy.
For Yahweh, the Most High, is glorious,
the great king over all the earth. (Ps 47,1-2)
acclaim God with shouts of joy.
For Yahweh, the Most High, is glorious,
the great king over all the earth. (Ps 47,1-2)
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