Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 293
Lectionary: 293
After Paul’s
escorts had taken him to Athens,
they came away with instructions for Silas and Timothy
to join him as soon as possible.
Then Paul stood up at the Areopagus and said:
“You Athenians, I see that in every respect
you are very religious.
For as I walked around looking carefully at your shrines,
I even discovered an altar inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’
What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you.
The God who made the world and all that is in it,
the Lord of heaven and earth,
does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands,
nor is he served by human hands because he needs anything.
Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.
He made from one the whole human race
to dwell on the entire surface of the earth,
and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions,
so that people might seek God,
even perhaps grope for him and find him,
though indeed he is not far from any one of us.
For ‘In him we live and move and have our being,’
as even some of your poets have said,
‘For we too are his offspring.’
Since therefore we are the offspring of God,
we ought not to think that the divinity is like an image
fashioned from gold, silver, or stone by human art and imagination.
God has overlooked the times of ignorance,
but now he demands that all people everywhere repent
because he has established a day on which he will ‘judge the world
with justice’ through a man he has appointed,
and he has provided confirmation for all
by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about resurrection of the dead,
some began to scoff, but others said,
“We should like to hear you on this some other time.”
And so Paul left them.
But some did join him, and became believers.
Among them were Dionysius,
a member of the Court of the Areopagus,
a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
After this he left Athens and went to Corinth.
they came away with instructions for Silas and Timothy
to join him as soon as possible.
Then Paul stood up at the Areopagus and said:
“You Athenians, I see that in every respect
you are very religious.
For as I walked around looking carefully at your shrines,
I even discovered an altar inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’
What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you.
The God who made the world and all that is in it,
the Lord of heaven and earth,
does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands,
nor is he served by human hands because he needs anything.
Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.
He made from one the whole human race
to dwell on the entire surface of the earth,
and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions,
so that people might seek God,
even perhaps grope for him and find him,
though indeed he is not far from any one of us.
For ‘In him we live and move and have our being,’
as even some of your poets have said,
‘For we too are his offspring.’
Since therefore we are the offspring of God,
we ought not to think that the divinity is like an image
fashioned from gold, silver, or stone by human art and imagination.
God has overlooked the times of ignorance,
but now he demands that all people everywhere repent
because he has established a day on which he will ‘judge the world
with justice’ through a man he has appointed,
and he has provided confirmation for all
by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about resurrection of the dead,
some began to scoff, but others said,
“We should like to hear you on this some other time.”
And so Paul left them.
But some did join him, and became believers.
Among them were Dionysius,
a member of the Court of the Areopagus,
a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
After this he left Athens and went to Corinth.
Responsorial Psalm PS 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all you his angels;
praise him, all you his hosts.
R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the kings of the earth and all peoples,
the princes and all the judges of the earth,
Young men too, and maidens,
old men and boys.
R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.
R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has lifted up the horn of his people;
Be this his praise from all his faithful ones,
from the children of Israel, the people close to him.
Alleluia.
R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all you his angels;
praise him, all you his hosts.
R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the kings of the earth and all peoples,
the princes and all the judges of the earth,
Young men too, and maidens,
old men and boys.
R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.
R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has lifted up the horn of his people;
Be this his praise from all his faithful ones,
from the children of Israel, the people close to him.
Alleluia.
R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel JN 16:12-15
Jesus said to his
disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you.”
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you.”
Meditation: The Holy Spirit will guide you into all
the truth
Are you hungry for truth? Jesus proclaimed that he is the Truth,
the Way, and the Life. Truth is not something we create nor is it our
discovery. It is the gift of God who is the possessor and giver of all truth.
Jesus tells his disciples that it is the role of the Holy Spirit to reveal what
is true. How can this be? Many skeptics of truth don't want to believe in an
absolute Truth. If truth is objective then it must be submitted to as
authoritative. Some fear the truth because they think it will inhibit their
freedom to act and think as they wish. Jesus told his disciples that the
truth will set you free (John 8:32). The truth liberates us from
doubts, illusions, and fears. Since God is the source of all truth, then the
closer we draw to him and listen to his word, the more we will grow in the
knowledge of God and of his great love and wisdom for us.
The Spirit of truth
Jesus told his disciples that he would send them the Spirit of truth who will guide you into all the truth ..and declare to you the things that are to come (John 16:13). Jesus knew that his disciples could not fully understand everything he taught and revealed to them while he was physically present with them. He knew that they would need the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit after he returned to his Father in heaven. That is why he assured them that the Holy Spirit would take what he had spoken to them and guide them in a fuller understanding of his word.
Jesus told his disciples that he would send them the Spirit of truth who will guide you into all the truth ..and declare to you the things that are to come (John 16:13). Jesus knew that his disciples could not fully understand everything he taught and revealed to them while he was physically present with them. He knew that they would need the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit after he returned to his Father in heaven. That is why he assured them that the Holy Spirit would take what he had spoken to them and guide them in a fuller understanding of his word.
Augustine of Hippo explains the progressive work of the Spirit
in guiding the disciples in all the truth:
"Accordingly, when he says, 'He will teach you all truth'
or 'will guide you into all truth,' I do not think the fulfillment is possible
in anyone's mind in this present life. For who is there, while living in this
corruptible and soul-oppressing body (Wisdom 9:15), that can know all
truth when even the apostle says, 'We know in part'? But it is effected by the
Holy Spirit, of whom we have now received the promise (2 Corinthians 1:21),
that we shall attain also to the actual fullness of knowledge that the same
apostle references when he says, 'But then face to face' and 'Now I know in
part, but then shall I know even as also I am known' (1 Corinthians 13:12). He
is not talking about something he knows fully in this life but about something
that would still be in the future when he would attain that perfection. This is
what the Lord promised us through the love of the Spirit, when he said, 'He
will teach you all truth' or 'will guide you unto all truth.'" (TRACTATES
ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 96.4)
On the day of Pentecost after the Holy Spirit was poured out
upon the first disciples of Jesus, the apostles boldly began to carry out the
mission Jesus had entrusted to them - to proclaim the truth of the Gospel and
to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that
I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age (Matthew
28:19-20).
Today, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we, too,
proclaim the same ancient faith which the apostles taught - that Jesus
died, and was buried, and rose again on the third day, and will come again to
judge, raise the dead, and give everlasting life (from the Apostles
Creed). We not only share the same faith which was given to the apostles,
we also have the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. The Lord
Jesus gives each of us his Holy Spirit as our divine Teacher and Helper that we
may grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God. Do you listen attentively to
God's word and allow his Holy Spirit to give you understanding of God's truth
and will for your life?
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and guide
me in your way of life and truth. Free me from ignorance of your ways, and from
deception caused by sinful pride and rebellion. May I love you with all of my
strength, mind, and will and seek to please you in all things."
 Nothing But the Truth |
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John 16:12-15
Jesus said to his disciples: "I have much more to tell
you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he
will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak
what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will
glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he
will take from what is mine and declare it to you."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, as I begin this prayer I offer you my
whole self: my thoughts, desires, decisions, actions, hopes, fears,
weaknesses, failures and petty successes. I open my entire being to you,
aware that you know everything already. I’m certain of your mercy and of the purifying
power of your penetrating, loving gaze.
Petition: Lord, allow me to be sincerely and truthfully yours.
1. My Truth Before God: Jesus tells his apostles
he has many more things to tell them, but it seems that they are not yet
ready to accept the truth. They were not ready, for one thing, to acknowledge
the fact that in a few short hours all of them would flee before the prospect
of the Cross, leaving Christ quite alone. I, too, may find it hard to see, or
to accept, a realistic picture of my relationship with Christ or my state of
soul. I may justify myself or my indifference with any number of
psychological consolations. I might convince myself that I am not quite as
bad off as so-and-so. Perhaps I put up an excellent external show, living all
the motions, but with little true conviction and sincerity.
2. Cheap Deceptions: In our consumer-oriented world, first
impressions often seem to count more than the goodness or evil of a thing.
Opinion polls appear to set the standard for right and wrong, and a false
idea of tolerance is a highly held ideal. Truth can be seen as bluntly
offensive, and so it is repackaged in a more appealing way. However, none of
these attempts by the “spirit of the world” can ever succeed in the end, just
as no amount of darkness can ever stop the smallest beam of light. The Holy
Spirit is at work in the world declaring the truth loud and clear in the
depths of the human soul. Only the truth -- which comes from Christ -- has
the power to bring true peace and joy to the human heart when all illusions
are shown up as such.
3. Living in the Truth: As Christians we must be
on guard against the spirit of insincerity. No one who lives outside the
truth can claim to be a disciple of Christ. Little falsehoods in our lives
are utterly destructive to the action of the “Spirit of Truth” in our souls.
Our Savior never spoke out so strong style="color: #990000"ly
against anything as he did against the pretended righteousness of the leaders
of his time. How many things have I done recently just to be praised by
others? How many good things have I done which are known to God alone? Am I
capable of standing firm to my convictions in the face of misunderstanding or
ridicule?
Conversation with Christ: Jesus, the example of
your life and death is one of complete honesty. Empower me through the
“Spirit of Truth” to be sincere in all that I do before God and others.
Resolution: I will ask forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation at
the first available opportunity for any insincerity in my life.
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EASTER WEEKDAY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, JOHN 16:12-15
(Acts 17:15, 22 -- 18:1; Psalm 148)
(Acts 17:15, 22 -- 18:1; Psalm 148)
KEY VERSE: "But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth" (v 13).
READING: Jesus had so much to tell his disciples before his passion and death, but he promised them that the Holy Spirit would continue to enlighten their minds after his departure. Those things that confused and perplexed them would be clarified by the Spirit who would be their constant companion and would guide them to all truth. “Revelation” is the name for bringing God's truth to people. The divine revelation of the Father and Son through the Spirit was transmitted by the apostles and the evangelists through their teaching, example, institutions and writings. This "Apostolic Tradition" has been preserved by the Spirit in the doctrine, worship and sacraments of the Church. Divine revelation did not cease with the death of the apostles. The Spirit continues to interpret Christ's eternal message of love and truth for each generation.
REFLECTING: Do I hand on the faith that I have received to others?
PRAYING: Risen Lord, help the Church to grow in knowledge and wisdom of God's truth.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
Faith vs. Hope
Faith refers to our living out what we believe; it’s our daily
steps. Hope is the reason we run. We must fix our eyes on Jesus if we want to
win this race. We must continually remind ourselves of the glory that awaits us
in heaven.
Heaven and earth are filled with your glory
Paul in Hebrews speaks of people ‘feeling their way to God ...
and finding him’.
This is a homely way to capture our interaction with the Holy
Spirit—like touching, in twilight, a familiar chair, or groping for the light
switch. Jesus speaks in similar vein: ‘You are not ready yet ... the Spirit
will recall what I have told you.’ This is a gradual unfolding, God revealing
his purpose for us in the present need. This is the ‘one step enough for me’ of
Cardinal Newman—faith’s best nourishment. For most of us, seeing the long vista
would be too much to cope with. The Spirit helps our ‘hidden self to grow
strong’. Secure in this, we can feel our way, recognising God in the bits and
pieces of everyday life. Jesus says: ‘It is I’. An Irish proverb suggests: ‘The
help of God is nearer than the door.’
May
28
Venerable Pierre Toussaint
(1766-1853)
Venerable Pierre Toussaint
(1766-1853)
Born in
modern-day Haiti and brought to New York City as a slave, Pierre died a free
man, a renowned hairdresser and one of New York City’s most well-known
Catholics.
Pierre Bérard, a plantation owner, made Toussaint a house slave and allowed his grandmother to teach her grandson how to read and write. In his early 20s, Pierre, his younger sister, his aunt and two other house slaves accompanied their master’s son to New York City because of political unrest at home. Apprenticed to a local hairdresser, Pierre learned the trade quickly and eventually worked very successfully in the homes of rich women in New York City.
When his master died, Pierre was determined to support his master’s widow, himself and the other house slaves. He was freed shortly before the widow’s death in 1807.
Pierre Bérard, a plantation owner, made Toussaint a house slave and allowed his grandmother to teach her grandson how to read and write. In his early 20s, Pierre, his younger sister, his aunt and two other house slaves accompanied their master’s son to New York City because of political unrest at home. Apprenticed to a local hairdresser, Pierre learned the trade quickly and eventually worked very successfully in the homes of rich women in New York City.
When his master died, Pierre was determined to support his master’s widow, himself and the other house slaves. He was freed shortly before the widow’s death in 1807.
Four
years later he married Marie Rose Juliette, whose freedom he had purchased.
They later adopted Euphémie, his orphaned niece. Both preceded him in death. He
attended daily Mass at St. Peter’s Church on Barclay Street, the same parish
that St. Elizabeth Seton attended.
Pierre donated to various charities, generously assisting blacks and whites in need. He and his wife opened their home to orphans and educated them. The couple also nursed abandoned people who were suffering from yellow fever. Urged to retire and enjoy the wealth he had accumulated, Pierre responded, “I have enough for myself, but if I stop working I have not enough for others.”
He was originally buried outside St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, where he was once refused entrance because of his race. His sanctity and the popular devotion to him caused his body to be moved to St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.
Pierre Toussaint was declared Venerable in 1996.
Pierre donated to various charities, generously assisting blacks and whites in need. He and his wife opened their home to orphans and educated them. The couple also nursed abandoned people who were suffering from yellow fever. Urged to retire and enjoy the wealth he had accumulated, Pierre responded, “I have enough for myself, but if I stop working I have not enough for others.”
He was originally buried outside St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, where he was once refused entrance because of his race. His sanctity and the popular devotion to him caused his body to be moved to St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.
Pierre Toussaint was declared Venerable in 1996.
Comment:
Pierre was internally free long before he was legally free. Refusing to become bitter, he daily chose to cooperate with God’s grace, eventually becoming a compelling sign of God’s wildly generous love.
Pierre was internally free long before he was legally free. Refusing to become bitter, he daily chose to cooperate with God’s grace, eventually becoming a compelling sign of God’s wildly generous love.
Quote:
Emma Cary, one of Pierre’s customers, said: “His life was so perfect, and he explained the teaching of the Church with a simplicity so intelligent and courageous that everyone honored him as a Catholic. He would explain the devotion to the Mother of God with the utmost clearness, or show the union of the natural and supernatural gifts in the priest.”
Emma Cary, one of Pierre’s customers, said: “His life was so perfect, and he explained the teaching of the Church with a simplicity so intelligent and courageous that everyone honored him as a Catholic. He would explain the devotion to the Mother of God with the utmost clearness, or show the union of the natural and supernatural gifts in the priest.”
LECTIO DIVINA:
JOHN 16,12-15
Lectio:
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
1) OPENING PRAYER
Lord God, our Father,
you are not far away from any of us,
for in you we live and move and exist
and you live in us
through your Holy Spirit.
Be indeed with us, Lord,
send us your Holy Spirit of truth
and through him deepen our understanding
of the life and message of your Son,
that we may accept the full truth
and live by it consistently.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
you are not far away from any of us,
for in you we live and move and exist
and you live in us
through your Holy Spirit.
Be indeed with us, Lord,
send us your Holy Spirit of truth
and through him deepen our understanding
of the life and message of your Son,
that we may accept the full truth
and live by it consistently.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
2) GOSPEL READING - JOHN 16,12-15
Jesus said to his disciples: "I still have many things to
say to you but they would be too much for you to bear now. However, when the
Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not
be speaking of his own accord, but will say only what he has been told; and he
will reveal to you the things to come. He will glorify me, since all he reveals
to you will be taken from what is mine. Everything the Father has is mine; that
is why I said: all he reveals to you will be taken from what is mine."
3) REFLECTION
• In these weeks of Easter Time, the Gospels
of each day are almost always taken from chapters 12 to 17 of the Gospel of
John. That reveals something regarding the origin and the destination of these
chapters. They show not only what happened before the Passion and the death of
Jesus, but also and above all, the living out of faith of the first communities
after the resurrection. They express the Paschal faith which animated them.
• John 16, 12: I still have many things to say to you. The
Gospel today begins with this phrase: “I still have many things to say to you
but they would be too much for you to bear now”. In these words of Jesus there
are two things: the environment of the farewell, which characterized the Last
Supper, and the concern of Jesus, the older brother, for his younger brothers,
who within a brief time will remain without his presence. The time left was
very short. Within a short time, Jesus will be arrested. The work begun was not
yet complete. The disciples were just at the beginning of their apprenticeship.
Three years are a very short time to change life and to begin to live and to
think in a new image of God. Their formation was not yet finished. Much was
still lacking and Jesus had still many things to teach them and to transmit to
them, but he knows his disciples. They are not among the most intelligent. They
would not be capable to know now all the consequences and implications of
discipleship. They would become discouraged. They would not be able to bear
this.
• John 16, 13-15: The Holy Spirit will come to their help.
“However, when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you to the complete
truth, since he will not be speaking of his own accord, but will say only what
he has been told; and he will reveal to you the things to come. He will glorify
me, since all he reveals to you will be taken from what is mine”. This
affirmation of Jesus shows the experience of the first communities. In the measure
in which they sought to imitate Jesus, trying to interpret and apply his Word
to the various circumstances of their life, they experienced the presence and
the light of the Spirit. And this happens even today in the communities which
try to incarnate the Word of Jesus in their life. The root of this experience
is the words of Jesus: “Everything the Father has is mine that is why I said:
all he reveals to you will be taken from what is mine”.
• The action of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John. John uses
many images and symbols to signify the action of the Holy Spirit. Like in
creation (Gen 1, 1), the Spirit also descends on Jesus, “in the form of a dove,
come from Heaven” (Jn 1, 32). It is the beginning of the new creation! Jesus
speaks the words of God and communicates the Sprit without reserve to us (Jn 3,
34). His words are Spirit and Life (Jn 6, 63). When Jesus bids farewell, he
said that he would have sent another Paraclete, Consoler, another defender, who
will remain with us. It is the Holy Spirit (Jn 14, 16-17). By his Passion,
death and Resurrection, Jesus won for us the gift of the Holy Spirit. By
Baptism all of us have received this same Spirit of Jesus (Jn 1, 33). When he
appeared to the apostles, he breathed on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit!”
(Jn 20, 22). The Spirit is like the water which springs from within the persons
who believe in Jesus (Jn 7, 37-39; 4, 14). The first effect of the action of
the Spirit in us is reconciliation: “If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are
forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained”. (Jn 20, 23). The
Spirit which Jesus communicates to us has multiple actions: consoles and
spreads (Jn 14, 16), he communicates truth (Jn 14, 17; 16, 13), makes us
remember what Jesus taught (Jn 14, 26); will give witness of Jesus (Jo 15, 26);
manifests the glory of Jesus (Jn 16, 14); will convince the world concerning
sin, justice (Jn 16, 8). The Spirit is given to us so that we can understand
the complete meaning of the words of Jesus (Jn 14, 26); 16, 12-13). Encouraged
by the Spirit of Jesus we can adore God in any place (Jn 4, 23-24). Here lies
the liberty of the Spirit of which Saint Paul speaks: “Where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Co 3, 17).
4) PERSONAL QUESTIONS
• How do I live my adherence to Jesus: alone or in community?
• Has my participation in the community led me, sometimes, to
experience the light and the force of the Holy Spirit?
5) CONCLUDING PRAYER
The name of the Lord is sublime,
his splendour transcends earth and heaven.
For he heightens the strength of his people,
to the praise of all his faithful,
the people close to him. (Ps 148,13-14)
his splendour transcends earth and heaven.
For he heightens the strength of his people,
to the praise of all his faithful,
the people close to him. (Ps 148,13-14)
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