Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter -
Mass in the Morning
Lectionary: 302
Lectionary: 302
When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself,
with the soldier who was guarding him.
Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews.
When they had gathered he said to them, "My brothers,
although I had done nothing against our people
or our ancestral customs,
I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.
After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me,
because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty.
But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar,
even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.
This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you
and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel
that I wear these chains."
He remained for two full years in his lodgings.
He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance
and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
with the soldier who was guarding him.
Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews.
When they had gathered he said to them, "My brothers,
although I had done nothing against our people
or our ancestral customs,
I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.
After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me,
because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty.
But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar,
even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.
This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you
and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel
that I wear these chains."
He remained for two full years in his lodgings.
He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance
and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 11:4, 5 AND 7
R. (see 7b) The
just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD's throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold,
his searching glance is on mankind.
R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD searches the just and the wicked;
the lover of violence he hates.
For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face.
R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD's throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold,
his searching glance is on mankind.
R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD searches the just and the wicked;
the lover of violence he hates.
For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face.
R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
AlleluiaJN 16:7, 13
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;
he will guide you to all truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;
he will guide you to all truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray you?"
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"
Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me."
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.
But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?"
It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books
that would be written.
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray you?"
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"
Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me."
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.
But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?"
It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books
that would be written.
Meditation: The immensity of what Jesus
has done for us
Why do we often compare ourselves with others? Do we
envy those who seem more fortunate than ourselves? Why did Peter question Jesus
about John's future? Jesus had predicted that Peter was to suffer and die as a
martyr for his faith. What would John's fate be? Jesus seems to indicate that
John would live a long life - in fact he outlived all the other apostles.
Jesus says, "Follow me and you will have life in
abundance"
While Peter and John were both called as disciples of Jesus, each was given a particular task and mission to fulfill. When Peter questions John's role, Jesus responds, "What is that to you? Follow me!" Peter's given task was to "shepherd the sheep of Christ," and in the end to die as a martyr for the Lord Jesus. John's role was preeminently to witness to the risen Lord Jesus and to give his testimony to the Gospel account of Jesus' identity as the divine Son of God who became a man to save us from sin, Satan, and death (John 20:31). John lived to long age and wrote the Gospel as his testimony to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While Peter and John were both called as disciples of Jesus, each was given a particular task and mission to fulfill. When Peter questions John's role, Jesus responds, "What is that to you? Follow me!" Peter's given task was to "shepherd the sheep of Christ," and in the end to die as a martyr for the Lord Jesus. John's role was preeminently to witness to the risen Lord Jesus and to give his testimony to the Gospel account of Jesus' identity as the divine Son of God who became a man to save us from sin, Satan, and death (John 20:31). John lived to long age and wrote the Gospel as his testimony to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus does not cease to do great works of power and
love through his people today
John ends his Gospel with an astonishing remark: "Human books cannot exhaust the person and work of Jesus Christ." His power is inexhaustible, his grace is limitless, his wisdom unfathomable, his triumphs are innumerable, and his love is unquenchable. We can never say enough of the power, majesty and glory which belongs to Jesus Christ alone. Do you witness to others the joy of the Gospel message that Jesus died for us to bring us new life, freedom, love and power to live as his disciples?
John ends his Gospel with an astonishing remark: "Human books cannot exhaust the person and work of Jesus Christ." His power is inexhaustible, his grace is limitless, his wisdom unfathomable, his triumphs are innumerable, and his love is unquenchable. We can never say enough of the power, majesty and glory which belongs to Jesus Christ alone. Do you witness to others the joy of the Gospel message that Jesus died for us to bring us new life, freedom, love and power to live as his disciples?
"May the power of your love, Lord Christ, fiery
and sweet as honey, so absorb our hearts as to withdraw them from all that is
under heaven. Grant that we may be ready to die for love of your love, as you
died for love of our love." (Prayer
of Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226)
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Peter follows, John remains, by
Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"The Lord either said what he said to Peter about
his martyrdom, or he said it about the gospel of John. As regards the martyrdom
and this 'Follow me,' [he means] suffer for me, suffer what I did. Because
Christ was crucified, Peter too was crucified... while John experienced none of
this. That is what is meant by, 'It is thus that I wish him to remain.' Let him
fall asleep without wounds, without torment, and wait for me. You, Peter,
'Follow me,' suffer what I did. That’s one way these words can be explained...
"As regards the Gospel of John, though, this is what I think is meant: that Peter wrote about the Lord, others too wrote; but their writing was more concerned with the Lord’s humanity... But while there is something about the divinity of Christ in Peter's letters, in John's gospel it is very much to the fore... He soared above the clouds and soared above the stars, soared above the angels, soared above every creature and arrived at the Word through which all things were made." (excerpt from Sermon 253.5.5)
"As regards the Gospel of John, though, this is what I think is meant: that Peter wrote about the Lord, others too wrote; but their writing was more concerned with the Lord’s humanity... But while there is something about the divinity of Christ in Peter's letters, in John's gospel it is very much to the fore... He soared above the clouds and soared above the stars, soared above the angels, soared above every creature and arrived at the Word through which all things were made." (excerpt from Sermon 253.5.5)
SATURDAY, MAY
19, JOHN 21:20-25
Easter Weekday
(Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11)
Easter Weekday
(Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11)
KEY VERSE: "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?" (v.23).
TO KNOW: Jesus warned Peter what sort of death awaited him as shepherd of the flock. He then offered Peter another opportunity to follow him (v.19). As they walked along, John, the beloved disciple, followed them. Peter wanted to know about the apostle's fate. Jesus told Peter that it was not his business to know God's plan for someone else. Peter's only concern should be following Jesus. John the evangelist concluded his Gospel by testifying to the truth he had written. Although the whole world could not contain all that might be said about Jesus, we must be content, like Peter, with those things God wishes to reveal to us. Our job is to follow the Lord with our hearts, minds and wills in step with him.
TO LOVE: In what way am I being asked to follow Jesus today?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, help me to trust in God's plan for my life.
NOTE: According to the apocryphal Acts of Peter, the apostle did not feel he was worthy to die as his Master; therefore, he was crucified head down. Tradition also locates Peter's burial place as directly beneath the high altar where the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome was later built.
ARMED FORCES DAY
Armed Forces Day honors all branches of the armed forces of the United States. In the USA, it is celebrated on the third Saturday of May with military exercises on land, at sea, and in the air. Military installations are usually open to the public on Armed Forces Day. President Harry S. Truman proclaimed Armed Forces Day, and it was first celebrated in May 1950. It replaced three separate celebrations for the Air Force, Army, and Navy. James V. Forrestal, the first secretary of defense, helped unite the armed services under the Department of Defense after World War II ended in 1945.
SHAVU'OT BEGINS AT SUNSET
Shavu'ot, the Feast of the Weeks, is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Shavuot tells the story of the yearly harvest when all Jews made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. They brought an offering of the first fruit of the harvest as a gesture of thanksgiving. Shavu'ot also commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites on Mount Sinai. While the Passover freed the Jews physically from slavery, the giving of the Torah redeemed them spiritually from bondage to idolatry. Shavuot means "weeks", as it is held seven weeks after Passover. Shavu'ot is also known as Pentecost, because it falls on the 50th day after Passover. The Christian holiday of Pentecost occurs 50 days after Easter.
Saturday 19 May
2018
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31. Psalm 10(11):4-5, 7. John 21:20-25.
The just will gaze on your face, O Lord—Psalm 10(11):4-5, 7.
The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
The theme running through today’s readings is that one should
stand one’s ground and leave vindication to God.
We don’t judge people for being unbelievers. We don’t claim to
be superior to others because we believe in God. We don’t claim that our
exercise of freedom of conscience is superior to theirs. Instead we approach
God with total faith and trust, and with real determination to do God’s will as
we perceive it.
We may be only moderately successful in this; but that doesn’t matter.
What matters is that we persist in our efforts to love and serve the living
God. Everything else remains in the hands of God, where it should be.
Saint Theophilus of Corte
Saint of the Day for May 19
(October 30, 1676 – June 17, 1740)
 |
| Statue de Saint Théophile de Corte | photo by Pierre Bona |
Saint Theophilus of Corte’s Story
If we expect saints to do marvelous things continually and to
leave us many memorable quotes, we are bound to be disappointed with Saint
Theophilus. The mystery of God’s grace in a person’s life, however, has a
beauty all its own.
Theophilus was born in Corsica of rich and noble parents. As a
young man, he entered the Franciscans and soon showed his love for solitude and
prayer. After admirably completing his studies, he was ordained and assigned to
a retreat house near Subiaco. Inspired by the austere life of the Franciscans
there, he founded other such houses in Corsica and Tuscany. Over the years, he
became famous for his preaching as well as his missionary efforts.
Though he was always somewhat sickly, Theophilus generously
served the needs of God’s people in the confessional, in the sickroom, and at
the graveside. Worn out by his labors, he died on June 17, 1740. He was
canonized in 1930.
Reflection
There is a certain dynamism in all the saints that prompts them
to find ever more selfless ways of responding to God’s grace. As time went on,
Theophilus gave more and more single-hearted service to God and to God’s sons
and daughters. Honoring the saints will make no sense unless we are thus drawn
to live as generously as they did. Their holiness can never substitute for our
own.
LECTIO DIVINA: JOHN 21:20-25
Lectio Divina:
Saturday, May 19, 2018
1) OPENING PRAYER
Lord our God,
like Mary, the women and the apostles
on the day before the first Pentecost,
we are gathered in prayer.
Let the Holy Spirit descend also upon us,
that we may become enthusiastic believers
and faithful witnesses to the Person
and the good news of Jesus.
May our way of living bear witness
that Jesus is our light and life,
now and forever.
like Mary, the women and the apostles
on the day before the first Pentecost,
we are gathered in prayer.
Let the Holy Spirit descend also upon us,
that we may become enthusiastic believers
and faithful witnesses to the Person
and the good news of Jesus.
May our way of living bear witness
that Jesus is our light and life,
now and forever.
2) GOSPEL READING - JOHN
21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple
following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during
the supper and had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray
you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about
him?" Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours? You follow me." So the word spread among the
brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he
would not die, just "What if I want him to remain until I come? What
concern is it of yours?" It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also
many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described
individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would
be written.
3) REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel begins with Peter’s
question: “Lord, what about him?” Jesus begins to speak with Peter.
• John 21:20-21: Peter’s question
concerning John’s destiny. At this moment, Peter turned back and saw the
disciple whom Jesus loved and asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus had
just indicated Peter’s destiny, and now Peter wants to know from Jesus what
is this other disciple’s destiny. It is a matter of curiosity which does not
deserve a proper response from Jesus.
• John 21:22: The mysterious response of
Jesus. Jesus says, “If I want him to stay behind until I come, what does it
matter to you? You are to follow Me.” A mysterious utterance which ends again
with the same affirmation as before: Follow me! Jesus seems to want to bridle
Peter’s curiosity. Just as each one of us has his/her own history, in the same
way each one of us has his/her own way of following Jesus. Nobody is the exact
copy of another person. Each one of us should be creative in following Jesus.
This also recalls the laborers in the vineyard (Mt 20:1-15). Each of us also
has our own history and relationship with Jesus which is personal and directed
by Him if we accept it.
• John 21:23: The Evangelist clarifies
the meaning of Jesus’ response. Ancient tradition identifies the Beloved
Disciple with the Apostle John and says that he died when he was almost one
hundred years old. Putting together John’s old age with Jesus’ mysterious
response, the Evangelist clarifies things saying, “The rumor then went out
among the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet, Jesus had not said to
Peter, ‘He will not die,’ but, ‘ If I want him to stay behind until I come;
what does that matter to you?’” Perhaps, it is a warning to be attentive to the
interpretation of the words of Jesus and not base one’s beliefs on any rumor.
Peter’s questions, and the assumptions
of the other disciples, could be an example of the sins of pride (hyperēphania),
sadness or envy (lypē), and dejection or acedia (akēdia) in terms
of the concepts of the fourth century monk Evagrius Ponticus, among others.
Rather than rejoicing at the favorable treatment they thought John had, Peter
wanted to know the details. Then the rumors and the gossip went out.
• John 21:24: Witness of the value of
the Gospel. Chapter 21 is an added appendix when the final redaction of the
Gospel was made. Chapter 20 ends with this statement: “There were many other
signs that Jesus worked in the sight of His disciples, but they are not
recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is
the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through
His name.” (Jn 20:30-31). The Book was ready but there were many other facts
about Jesus. This is why, on the occasion of the definitive edition of the
Gospel, some of these “many facts” about Jesus were chosen and added, very
probably to clarify better the new problems at the end of the first century. We
do not know who wrote the definitive redaction with the appendix, but we know
it was someone in the community who could be trusted, because he writes, “This
is the disciple who vouches for these things and has written them down and we
know that his testimony is true.”
• John 21:25: The mystery of Jesus is
inexhaustible. A beautiful thought to conclude the Gospel of John: “There was
much more that Jesus did; if it were written down in detail, I do not suppose
the world itself would hold all the books that would be written.” It seems an
exaggeration, but it is the truth. Never will anyone be capable of writing all
the things that Jesus has done and continues to do in the life of people who
follow Jesus!
4) FOR PERSONAL CONSIDERATION
• Is there something in your life which
Jesus has done and which could be added to this book which will never be
written?
• Peter is very concerned about the
other disciple rather than live his own “Follow Me” at that moment. Does this
also happen to you?
• Several Church Doctors and Fathers
talk about overcoming vices such as envy and pride with virtues. Many of their
ways of life are an answer to “Follow Me”. How well informed are you about
these and how might they be put to use personally in answering His call?
• One’s whole life is a relationship
with Jesus. This is true for others as well. When there is gossip about another
person, do you think Jesus says “What concern is it of yours?” at those moments
too?
5) CONCLUDING PRAYER
Yahweh in His holy temple!
Yahweh, His throne is in heaven;
His eyes watch over the world,
His gaze scrutinizes the children of Adam. (Ps 11:4)
Yahweh, His throne is in heaven;
His eyes watch over the world,
His gaze scrutinizes the children of Adam. (Ps 11:4)
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