MAY 02, 2013 : MEMORIAL OF SAINT ATHANASIUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Lectionary: 288

Reading 1 ACTS 15:7-21

After much debate had taken place,

Peter got up and said to the Apostles and the presbyters,

“My brothers, you are well aware that from early days

God made his choice among you that through my mouth

the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe.

And God, who knows the heart,

bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit

just as he did us.

He made no distinction between us and them,

for by faith he purified their hearts.

Why, then, are you now putting God to the test

by placing on the shoulders of the disciples

a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?

On the contrary, we believe that we are saved

through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.”

The whole assembly fell silent,

and they listened

while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders

God had worked among the Gentiles through them.

After they had fallen silent, James responded,

“My brothers, listen to me.

Symeon has described how God first concerned himself

with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name.

The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written:

After this I shall return

and rebuild the fallen hut of David;

from its ruins I shall rebuild it

and raise it up again,

so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord,

even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked.

Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things,

known from of old.

It is my judgment, therefore,

that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God,

but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols,

unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood.

For Moses, for generations now,

has had those who proclaim him in every town,

as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”

Responsorial Psalm PS 96:1-2A, 2B-3, 10

R. (3) Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Announce his salvation, day after day.

Tell his glory among the nations;

among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king.

He has made the world firm, not to be moved;

he governs the peoples with equity.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Gospel JN 15:9-11

Jesus said to his disciples:

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.

Remain in my love.

If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,

just as I have kept my Father’s commandments

and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that

my joy might be in you and

your joy might be complete.”

www.usccb.org

Meditation: "Abide in my love"

Do you know the love that no earthly power nor death itself can destroy? The love of God the Father and his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ is a creative, life-giving love that produces immeasurable joy and lasting friendship for all who accept it. God loves the world so much because he created it to reflect his glory. And he created each one of us in his own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). He wants us to be united with himself in an inseparable bond of unity, peace, and joy that endures for all eternity. That is why the Father sent his Son, the Lord Jesus, into the world, not to condemn it, but to redeem it from the curse of sin and death (John 3:16-17). Paul the Apostle tells us that we can abound in joy and hope because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the gift of the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5).

Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, God offers pardon for all of our sins and failings, and he calls us to lay aside everything that might hold us back from loving him above all else. We owe him a debt of gratitude and love in return. We can never outgive God because he has loved us first and has given himself to us without measure. Our love for him is a response to his exceeding mercy and kindness towards us. In God's love alone can we find the fulness of abundant life, peace, and joy.

The Lord Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment – a new way of love that goes beyond giving only what is required or what we think others might deserve. What is the essence of Jesus' new commandment of love? It is love to the death – a purifying love that overcomes selfishness, fear, and pride. It is a total giving of oneself for the sake of others – a selfless and self-giving love that is oriented towards putting the welfare of others ahead of myself. There is no greater proof in love than the sacrifice of one's life for the sake of another. Jesus proved his love by giving his life for us on the cross of Calvary. Through the shedding of his blood for our sake, our sins are not only washed clean, but new life is poured out for us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. We prove our love for God and for one another when we embrace the way of the cross. What is the cross in my life? When my will crosses with God's will, then God's will must be done. Do you know the peace and joy of a life fully surrendered to God and consumed with his love?

"Lord Jesus, may I always grow in the joy and hope which your promises give me. Inflame my heart with love for you and your ways and with charity and compassion for my neighbor. May there be nothing in my life which keeps me from your love."

www.dailyscripture.net

My Love for the Church

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church

Father Patrick Langan, LC John 15: 9-11 Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father´s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." Introductory Prayer: Lord, thank you for granting me the opportunity to be with you. There are things in life, Lord, that attract me, but you attract me more. I hope in you, and I love you. Maybe I don’t really understand what it means to love, and maybe I don’t love the way I should, but I do love you. Petition: Lord, increase my love and appreciation for the Church and her leaders. 1. Christ and His Church: When Christ says, “Keep my commandments and remain in my love,” he is talking not only about the Ten Commandments but also about the Church. What is the Church? It is Christ’s extension through time. We cannot say, “Christ, yes; the Church, no,” because the Church is the mystical body of Christ; the two are inseparable as head and body. The Church, through its sacraments and its solid teachings, makes Christ present for me now, today. It is through this Church that I received the gift of faith. I want to remain in Christ. I want to remain enthusiastically in his Church. 2. God’s Chosen Ministers: You chose the Apostles to continue your work of redemption throughout the ages. Therefore, Lord, I want to love your priests and your bishops. I know how hard their job is. I see their perseverance. The Eucharist is available all over the world because of the fidelity of priests. Thank you for bishops and priests. Thank you for our parish. I want to support the parish with joy; giving of my time and my financial sacrifices. 3. The Pope: Lord, I want to love the Holy Father. He is the rock on which you chose to build your Church. Because he has kept the straight path, the world recognizes his moral authority. Lord, I want to learn more about what he is saying. Today with the Internet, it is so easy. It just takes a little interest and a little time. This is one way I can remain in your love. Thus, my joy will be complete. Conversation with Christ: When you came, Lord, you wanted to heal us through the sacraments, and you set up the Church to administer them. Because you are present in your Church, it has lasted two thousand years. Thank you for giving us this instrument of salvation. Resolution: I will read something Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI or Pope Francis has written. Much can be found on the Vatican website.

www.regnumchristi.org

THURSDAY, MAY 2

JOHN 15:9-11
(Acts 15:7-21; Psalm 96)
KEY VERSE: "If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love" (v 10).
READING: In Jesus' time, a son was expected to become an apprentice to his Father in his trade. Jesus learned by watching Joseph at work. A father taught his son because he loved him. In the same way,Jesus' whole life was directed toward doing the Father's will; he only did what he saw the Father doing (Jn 5:19). Just as Jesus could do nothing apart from the Father, neither could his disciples do anything if they were separated from him (15:5). Those disciples who lived in accord with the Father and the Son would find that obedience to God's commands was not a joyless task, but an expression of love. They would discover that their joy was made complete by living as Jesus did, in a loving response to their Father's will.
REFLECTING: Do I find joy in my work? Do I do it for the Lord?
PRAYING: Risen Lord, teach your Church to joyfully obey our Father.

Memorial of Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church

Athanasius was born in Alexandria, Egypt, towards the end of the third century, and from his youth he was pious, learned, and deeply versed in the sacred writings. While still a deacon, he was chosen by Alexander, his bishop, to go with him to the Council of Nicea, A.D. 325. There Athanasius defended the Church against the Arian heresy, which denied the Divinity of Christ. When Alexander was dying, he recommended Athanasius to be his successor as Patriarch of Alexandria, and he served in that office for forty-six years bearing the brunt of the Arian assault, often alone and undefended. Arianism taught that Christ was a mere creation of the Father, a creature, and not part of God. Athanasius formulated the doctrine of homoousianism, which said that Christ was ofthe "same substance" as the Father. Athanasius fought for the acceptance of the Nicene Creed, in which we pray that Jesus was "consubstantial with the Father." When the dispute over Arianism spilled over from theology to politics, Athanasius was exiled five times, and spent more than a third of his episcopate in exile. He was a biographer of St. Anthony the Abbot, a Confessor of the faith and Doctor of the Church.

www.daily-word-of-life.com

 Proclaim his marvellous deeds to all the nations

‘I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.’
Lots of people would pay a fortune for the secret to ‘complete joy’. It’s a good thing that in today’s reading Jesus gives it away for free! From its very beginning Christianity has been about the proclamation of joy. ‘Behold I bring you good news of great joy’, announced the angels at Jesus’ birth. Joy is at the heart of God’s plan for human beings. Joy is at the heart of Jesus himself.

Pope Benedict said a while back: ‘The world needs to recover the joy of faith.’ But joyfulness is a learned skill. It is also a daily decision, one that lifts us up above our circumstances. When we celebrate each day, we are exercising our ability to see and feel God’s goodness in all things.
www.churchresources.info
May 2
St. Athanasius
(295?-373)

Athanasius led a tumultuous but dedicated life of service to the Church. He was the great champion of the faith against the widespread heresy of Arianism, the teaching by Arius that Jesus was not truly divine. The vigor of his writings earned him the title of doctor of the Church.

Born of a Christian family in Alexandria, Egypt, and given a classical education, Athanasius became secretary to Alexander, the bishop of Alexandria, entered the priesthood and was eventually named bishop himself. His predecessor, Alexander, had been an outspoken critic of a new movement growing in the East—Arianism.
When Athanasius assumed his role as bishop of Alexandria, he continued the fight against Arianism. At first it seemed that the battle would be easily won and that Arianism would be condemned. Such, however, did not prove to be the case. The Council of Tyre was called and for several reasons that are still unclear, the Emperor Constantine exiled Athanasius to northern Gaul. This was to be the first in a series of travels and exiles reminiscent of the life of St. Paul.
After Constantine died, his son restored Athanasius as bishop. This lasted only a year, however, for he was deposed once again by a coalition of Arian bishops. Athanasius took his case to Rome, and Pope Julius I called a synod to review the case and other related matters.
Five times Athanasius was exiled for his defense of the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. During one period of his life, he enjoyed 10 years of relative peace—reading, writing and promoting the Christian life along the lines of the monastic ideal to which he was greatly devoted. His dogmatic and historical writings are almost all polemic, directed against every aspect of Arianism.
Among his ascetical writings, his Life of St. Anthony (January 17) achieved astonishing popularity and contributed greatly to the establishment of monastic life throughout the Western Christian world.

Comment:

Athanasius suffered many trials while he was bishop of Alexandria. He was given the grace to remain strong against what probably seemed at times to be insurmountable opposition. Athanasius lived his office as bishop completely. He defended the true faith for his flock, regardless of the cost to himself. In today’s world we are experiencing this same call to remain true to our faith, no matter what.

Quote:

The hardships Athanasius suffered in exile, hiding, fleeing from place to place remind us that Paul said his ministry took him: “[O]n frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, through hunger and thirst, through frequent fastings, through cold and exposure. And apart from these things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:26-28).

www.americancatholic.org

LECTIO: JOHN 15,9-11

 

Lectio: 

 Thursday, May 2, 2013  

Easter Time

1) Opening prayer

Lord our God,
you want your Church
to be open to all persons and all nations,
for your Son was available to all
and you love all people.
God, give us open minds
and open hearts.
Save us from our narrow prejudices
and stop us from trying to create people
in our own image and likeness.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.

2) Gospel Reading - John 15,9-11

Jesus said to his disciples: "I have loved you just as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete.

3) Reflection

• The reflection around the parable of the vine includes from verses 1 to 17. Today we will mediate on verses 9 to 11; Day after tomorrow, the Gospel skips verses 12 to 17 and begins with verse 18, which speaks about another theme. This is why, today, we include in a brief comment verses 12 to 17, because in them blossoms the flower and the parable of the vine shows all its beauty.
• Today’s Gospel is formed only of three verses which continue on yesterday’s Gospel and give more light to be able to apply the comparison of the vine to the life of the community. The community is like a vine. It goes through difficult moments. It is the time of the pruning, a necessary moment in order to be able to bear more fruit.
• John 15, 9-11: Remain in my love, source of perfect joy. Jesus remains in the love of the Father, by observing the commandments which he receives from him. We remain in the love of Jesus by observing the commandments which he has left for us. And we should observe them in the same way in which he observed the commandments of the Father: “If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love”. It is in this union of the love of the Father and of Jesus that the source of true joy is found: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy be complete”.
• John 15, 12-13: Love one another as I have loved you. The commandment of Jesus is only one: “To love one another, as he has loved us!” (Jn 15, 12). Jesus goes beyond the Old Testament. The ancient criterion was: “You will love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev 18, 19). The new criterion is: “That you love one another, as I have loved you.” Here he says the phrase which we sing even until now: “Nobody has greater love than this: to give one’s life for one’s friends!”
• John 15, 14-15: Friends and not servants. “You are my friends if you do what I command you”, that is, the practice of love up to the total gift of self! Immediately after, Jesus adds a very high ideal for the life of the disciples. He says: “I shall no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father!” Jesus had no more secrets for his disciples. He has told us everything he heard from the Father! This is the splendid ideal of life in community: to attain a total transparency, to the point of not having any secrets among ourselves and of being able to have total trust in one another, to be able to share the experience of God and of life that we have, and in this way enrich one another reciprocally. The first Christians succeeded in attaining this ideal during several years. They were “one only heart and one soul” (Acts 4, 32; 1, 14: 2, 42. 46).
• John 15, 16-17: Jesus has chosen us. We have not chosen Jesus. He has chosen us, he has called us and has entrusted us the mission to go and bear fruit, fruit which will last. We need him, but he also needs us and our work in order to be able to continue to do today what he did for the people of Galilee. The last recommendation: “My command to you is to love one another!”
• The symbol of the vine in the Bible. The people of the Bible cultivated the vine and produced good wine. The harvest of the grapes was a feast with songs and dances. And this gave origin to the song of the vine, used by the prophet Isaiah. He compares the people of Israel to the vine (Is 5, 1-7; 27, 2-5; Ps 80, 9, 19). Before him, the prophet Hosea had already compared Israel to an exuberant vine, the more fruit that it produced, the more it multiplied its idolatries (Ho 10, 1). This theme was used by Jeremiah, who compares Israel to a bastard vine (Jer 2, 21), from which the branches were uprooted (Jer 5, 10; 6, 9). Jeremiah uses these symbols because he himself had a vine which had been trampled on and devastated by the invaders (Jer 12, 10). During the slavery of Babylonia, Ezekiel used the symbol of the vine to denounce the infidelity of the people of Israel. He told three parables on the vine: 1) the vine which is burnt and is good for nothing (Ez 15, 1-8); 2) the false vine planted and protected by two waters, symbols of the kings of Babylonia and of Egypt, enemies of Israel. (Ez 17, 1-10). 3) The vine destroyed by the oriental wind, image of the slavery of Babylonia (Ez 19, 10-14). The comparison of the vine was used by Jesus in several parables: the labourers of the vineyard (Mt 21, 1-16); the two sons who have to work in the vineyard (Mt 21, 32-33); the parable of the wicked tenants, who did not pay the landowner, beat the servants and killed the son of the landowner (Mt 21, 33-45); the barren fig tree planted in the vineyard (Lk 13, 6-9); the vine and its branches (Jn 15, 1-17).

4) Personal questions

• We are friends and not servants. How do I consider this in my relationship with persons?
• To love as Jesus has loved us. How does this ideal of love grow in me?

5) Concluding Prayer

Proclaim his salvation day after day,
declare his glory among the nations,
his marvels to every people! (Ps 96,2-3)

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