Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Lectionary: 274
Lectionary: 274
Stephen said to the
people, the elders, and the scribes:
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears,
you always oppose the Holy Spirit;
you are just like your ancestors.
Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute?
They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one,
whose betrayers and murderers you have now become.
You received the law as transmitted by angels,
but you did not observe it.”
When they heard this, they were infuriated,
and they ground their teeth at him.
But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit,
looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God
and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
But they cried out in a loud voice,
covered their ears, and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
The witnesses laid down their cloaks
at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out,
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice,
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”;
and when he said this, he fell asleep.
Now Saul was consenting to his execution.
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears,
you always oppose the Holy Spirit;
you are just like your ancestors.
Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute?
They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one,
whose betrayers and murderers you have now become.
You received the law as transmitted by angels,
but you did not observe it.”
When they heard this, they were infuriated,
and they ground their teeth at him.
But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit,
looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God
and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
But they cried out in a loud voice,
covered their ears, and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
The witnesses laid down their cloaks
at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out,
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice,
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”;
and when he said this, he fell asleep.
Now Saul was consenting to his execution.
R. (6a) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
My trust is in the LORD;
I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence
from the plottings of men.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
My trust is in the LORD;
I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence
from the plottings of men.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the bread of life, says the Lord;
whoever comes to me will never hunger.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the bread of life, says the Lord;
whoever comes to me will never hunger.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The crowd said to
Jesus:
“What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
What can you do?
Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:
He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”
So Jesus said to them,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world.”
So they said to Jesus,
“Sir, give us this bread always.”
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
“What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
What can you do?
Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:
He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”
So Jesus said to them,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world.”
So they said to Jesus,
“Sir, give us this bread always.”
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
Meditation: "I am the bread of life"
Do you hunger for the bread of life? The Jews had
always regarded the manna in the wilderness as the bread of God (Psalm
78:24, Exodus 16:15). There was a strong Rabbinic belief that when the Messiah
came he would give manna from heaven. This was the supreme work of Moses. Now
the Jewish leaders were demanding that Jesus produce manna from heaven as proof
to his claim to be the Messiah. Jesus responds by telling them that it was not
Moses who gave the manna, but God. And the manna given to Moses and the people
was not the real bread from heaven, but only a symbol of the bread to come.
Jesus then makes the claim which only God can make: I am
the bread of life. The bread which Jesus offers is none else than the
very life of God. This is the true bread which can truly satisfy the hunger in
our hearts. The manna from heaven prefigured the superabundance of the unique
bread of the Eucharist or Lord's Supper which Jesus gave to his disciples on
the eve of his sacrifice. The manna in the wilderness sustained the Israelites
on their journey to the Promised Land. It could not produce eternal life for
the Israelites. The bread which Jesus offers his disciples sustains us not only
on our journey to the heavenly paradise, it gives us the abundant supernatural
life of God which sustains us both now and for all eternity. When we receive
from the Lord's table we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers
in his body and blood and partakers of his divine life. Ignatius of Antioch
(35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides the medicine of
immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever
in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural food is healing for
both body and soul and strength for our journey heavenward. Do you hunger for
God and for the food which produces everlasting life?
"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the bread of life.
You alone can satisfy the hunger in my heart. May I always find in you, the
true bread from heaven, the source of life and nourishment I need to sustain me
on my journey to the promised land of heaven."
 The Unbearable Sign |
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April 21, 2015.
Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
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By Father Daniel Ray, LC
John 6: 30-35
The crowd said to Jesus, "What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.´" So Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." So they said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you are present here and now as I turn to you in prayer. I trust and have confidence in your desire to give me every grace I need to receive today. Thank you for your love, thank you for your immense generosity toward me. I give you my life and my love in return. Petition: Lord, increase my faith in you and in your Eucharistic presence. 1. God Sets the Table: For the Israelites in the time of Exodus, the manna from heaven was a saving gift. It descended daily from heaven so that they would not starve on the journey, but be sustained and strengthened to be able to reach the Promised Land. The passage through the desert was arduous and long, but every morning there was enough manna to collect and sustain them well for that day. The true bread from heaven that the Father gives us—Christ in the Eucharist—does just the same for our souls: It nourishes us that we might not starve here, where spiritual food is scarce. It sustains and strengthens us, so we will be able to reach our eternal promised land. 2. In the Church we are Truly Fed: Those with no hunger need no bread, so they do not ask for it. Those who are hungry make or buy the bread they need. However, every man hungers in his soul for a bread that he cannot produce on his own and that no one can make for him. His only recourse to receive this sustenance is humbly to ask the only one capable of giving it; he must come before the Lord with open hands and an open heart. “Sir, give us this bread always.” It is a bread both from eternity and for eternity. It satisfies our deepest hunger. But the “bread from heaven” is no bread made by human hands. Christ can give himself only to those who recognize their need for him and who ask, “Lord, give us this bread always.” 3. Beyond Our Wildest Dreams: Could anyone have dreamt that God would descend among us as a man? Could anyone have imagined that he would descend further still to be our bread? Is there anything left that he would not do for us? To receive this unimaginable gift of his bread requires two things: “Whoever comes to me…” and “Whoever believes in me….” Coming to Christ requires moving—getting up from where we are, going to where he is, letting go of whatever our hands clench, and turning our palms up to be filled with his gifts. To believe in Christ is to place our faith and confidence in him. It is to take him at his word and to accept in awe the truth of his real presence in the Eucharist. Conversation with Christ: Lord, your real presence in the Eucharist is something I need to believe more with my heart. I do believe that with your bread I will never hunger and that with faith in you I will never thirst. Help me to grow in faith in your Real Presence. I know you will lead me to love you more through this precious gift of yourself. Resolution: I will stop by a Catholic church to spend a few moments with Christ in the Eucharist, speaking with him, asking for a stronger faith in him. |
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, JOHN 6:30-35
Easter Weekday
(Acts 7:51 ̶ 8:1a; Psalm 31)
Easter Weekday
(Acts 7:51 ̶ 8:1a; Psalm 31)
KEY VERSE: "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst" (v 35).
TO READ: Even though the people had witnessed Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves in the wilderness, they demanded another "sign" such as Moses gave their ancestors, the "manna" in the desert (Ex 16:15). By seeking signs, they were looking for perishable food and were missing the true nourishment that God had given them. The people were focusing on their physical hunger. They must look to Jesus, the authentic sign of God's providential care. It was God, not Moses, who provided the "bread from heaven" (v 32). Jesus is the "bread of Life" (v 35) who gives eternal salvation for all who believe in him.
TO REFLECT: How can I help others understand Jesus' presence in the Eucharist?
TO RESPOND: Risen Lord, you are the bread that feeds my soul for life everlasting.
Optional
Memorial of Anselm, bishop and doctor of the Church
Alselm was a Benedictine monk and became the
abbot of the community. He was made Archbishop of Canterbury, was a theological
writer, counselor to Pope Gregory VII, Pope Urban II, and William the
Conqueror. Alselm opposed slavery and obtained English legislation prohibiting the
sale of human beings. He fought King William Rufus' encroachment on
ecclesiastical rights, advocated the independence of the Church, and was
exiled. Alselm resolved theological doubts of the Greek bishops at the Council
of Bari in 1098. He strongly supported a celibate clergy. King Henry I invited
him to return to England, but they disputed over investitures, and Anselm was
exiled again to return in 1106. One of the great philosophers and theologians
of the middle ages, Anselm was made a Doctor of the Church in 1720 by Pope
Clement XI.
Tuesday 21 April 2015
St Anselm.
Acts 7:51-8:1. Into your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit—Ps 30(31):3-4, 6-8, 17, 21. John 6:30-35.
Acts 7:51-8:1. Into your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit—Ps 30(31):3-4, 6-8, 17, 21. John 6:30-35.
‘Lord, do not hold this sin
against them.’
Stephen echoes the powerful
words from Jesus, as they both face their persecutors and their cruel deaths.
It is likely that Stephen’s words caused a reaction in Saul’s spirit as he
stood and watched—a first step in his transformation into a powerful and
inspired follower of Jesus and in the spreading of the Good News to the world.
What a revelation in our
world today if each of us could adopt the same response to hurts, real or
imagined. Jesus’ message of ‘love your neighbour’ would become a flashpoint of
reconciliation and oneness that was his plea for the world. As we approach
Anzac Day, it would be good to contemplate this and promise to follow his
example.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
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Self-Forgiveness
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There is one more important person you must forgive: yourself.
Many times we think we’ve sinned so badly that God can’t let us off the hook so
simply. But His mercy is simple, and it is open to all hearts that turn to Him.
April
21
St. Anselm
(1033-1109)
St. Anselm
(1033-1109)
Indifferent toward religion as a young man, Anselm became one of
the Church's greatest theologians and leaders. He received the title
"Father of Scholasticism" for his attempt to analyze and illumine the
truths of faith through the aid of reason.
At 15,
Anselm wanted to enter a monastery, but was refused acceptance because of his
father's opposition. Twelve years later, after careless disinterest in religion
and years of worldly living, he finally fulfilled his desire to be a monk. He
entered the monastery of Bec in Normandy, three years later was elected prior
and 15 years later was unanimously chosen abbot.
Considered
an original and independent thinker, Anselm was admired for his patience,
gentleness and teaching skill. Under his leadership, the abbey of Bec became a
monastic school, influential in philosophical and theological studies.
During
these years, at the community's request, Anselm began publishing his
theological works, comparable to those of St. Augustine (August 28). His
best-known work is the book Cur Deus Homo ("Why God
Became Man").
At 60,
against his will, Anselm was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in 1093. His
appointment was opposed at first by England's King William Rufus and later
accepted. Rufus persistently refused to cooperate with efforts to reform the
Church.
Anselm
finally went into voluntary exile until Rufus died in 1100. He was then
recalled to England by Rufus's brother and successor, Henry I. Disagreeing
fearlessly with Henry over the king's insistence on investing England's
bishops, Anselm spent another three years in exile in Rome.
His care
and concern extended to the very poorest people; he opposed the slave trade.
Anselm obtained from the national council at Westminster the passage of a
resolution prohibiting the sale of human beings.
Comment:
Anselm, like every true follower of Christ, had to carry his cross, especially in the form of opposition and conflict with those in political control. Though personally a mild and gentle man and a lover of peace, he would not back off from conflict and persecution when principles were at stake.
Anselm, like every true follower of Christ, had to carry his cross, especially in the form of opposition and conflict with those in political control. Though personally a mild and gentle man and a lover of peace, he would not back off from conflict and persecution when principles were at stake.
Quote:
"No one will have any other desire in heaven than what God wills; and the desire of one will be the desire of all; and the desire of all and of each one will also be the desire of God" (St. Anselm, Letter 112).
"No one will have any other desire in heaven than what God wills; and the desire of one will be the desire of all; and the desire of all and of each one will also be the desire of God" (St. Anselm, Letter 112).
LECTIO DIVINA:
JOHN 6,30-35
Lectio:
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Easter Time
1)
OPENING PRAYER
Lord our God, generous Father,
you have given us your Son Jesus
that we may relive with him and like him
his passion and his resurrection.Through Jesus, give us the courage
to place ourselves into your hands
in the trials of life and in death,
that one day we may see your glory
and at your right hand your Son Jesus Christ,
who lives with you for ever.
you have given us your Son Jesus
that we may relive with him and like him
his passion and his resurrection.Through Jesus, give us the courage
to place ourselves into your hands
in the trials of life and in death,
that one day we may see your glory
and at your right hand your Son Jesus Christ,
who lives with you for ever.
2)
GOSPEL READING - JOHN 6,30-35
So they said, 'What sign will you yourself do, the sight of
which will make us believe in you? What work will you do? Our fathers ate manna
in the desert; as scripture says: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'
Jesus answered them: In all truth I tell you, it was not Moses
who gave you the bread from heaven, it is my Father who gives you the bread
from heaven, the true bread; for the bread of God is the bread which comes down
from heaven and gives life to the world.
'Sir,' they said, 'give us that bread always.' Jesus answered
them: I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever hunger; no one
who believes in me will ever thirst.
3)
REFLECTION
• The Discourse of the Bread of Life is not a text to be
discussed and dissected, but rather it should be meditated and pondered. This
is why, even if it is not fully understood, we should not be concerned. This
text of the Bread of Life demands a whole life to meditate on it and deepen it.
Such a text, people have to read it, meditate it, pray it, think about it, read
it again, repeat it and ponder it, as one does with a good sweet in the mouth.
We turn it and turn it in the mouth until it is finished. The one, who reads
the Fourth Gospel superficially, may have the impression that John always
repeats the same thing. Reading it more attentively, one becomes aware that it
is not a question of repetition. The author of the fourth Gospel has his own
way of repeating the same theme, but always at a higher and more profound
level. It seems to be like a winding staircase. By turning one reaches the same
place, but always at a higher level or a more profound one.
• John 6, 30-33: What sign will you yourself do, the sign which
will make us believe in you? People had asked: What should we do to carry out
the work of God? Jesus responds: “The work of God is to believe in the one who
has sent”, that is to believe in Jesus. This is why people formulate the new
question: “Which sign do you do so that we can see and can believe? Which work
do you do?” This means that they did not understand the multiplication of the
loaves as a sign from God to legitimize Jesus before the people, as the one
sent by God! They continue to argue: In the past our fathers ate the manna
which Moses gave them! They called it “bread from Heaven” (Ws 16, 20), that is,
“bread of God”. Moses continues to be the great leader in whom to believe. If
Jesus wants the people to believe in him, he should work a greater sign than
Moses. “What work do you do?”
• Jesus responds that the bread given by Moses was not the true
bread from heaven. Coming from on high, yes, but it was not the bread of God,
because it did not guarantee life to any one. All of them died in the desert
(Jn 6, 49). The true bread of heaven, the bread of God, is the one which
conquers death and gives life! It is the one which descends from Heaven and
gives life to the world. It is Jesus himself! Jesus tries to help the people to
liberate themselves from the way of thinking of the past. For him, fidelity to
the past does not mean to close up oneself in the ancient things and not accept
renewal. Fidelity to the past means to accept the novelty which comes as the
fruit of the seed which was planted in the past.
• John 6, 34-35: Lord, gives us always of that bread! Jesus
answers clearly: “I am the bread of life!” To eat the bread of heaven is the
same as to believe in Jesus and accept to follow the road that he teaches us,
that is: “My food is to do the will of the one who has sent me and to complete
his work!” (Jn 4, 34). This is the true food which nourishes the person, which
transforms life and gives new life. This last verse of today’s Gospel (Jn 6,
35) will be taken back as the first verse of tomorrow’s Gospel (Jn 6, 35-40)
4)
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
• Hungry for bread, hungry for God. Which of these two
predominates in me?
• Jesus says: “I am the bread of life”. He takes away hunger and
thirst. Which of these experiences do I have in my life?
5)
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Lord turn your ear to me, make haste.
Be for me a rock-fastness,
a fortified citadel to save me.
You are my rock, my rampart;
true to your name, lead me and guide me! (Ps 31,1-2)
Be for me a rock-fastness,
a fortified citadel to save me.
You are my rock, my rampart;
true to your name, lead me and guide me! (Ps 31,1-2)
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