Fourth Sunday of Easter
Lectionary: 51
Lectionary: 51
Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga
and reached Antioch in Pisidia.
On the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats.
Many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism
followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them
and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God.
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered
to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy
and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,
“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
but since you reject it
and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us,
I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation
to the ends of the earth.”
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this
and glorified the word of the Lord.
All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread
through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers
and the leading men of the city,
stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them,
and went to Iconium.
The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
and reached Antioch in Pisidia.
On the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats.
Many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism
followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them
and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God.
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered
to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy
and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,
“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
but since you reject it
and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us,
I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation
to the ends of the earth.”
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this
and glorified the word of the Lord.
All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread
through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers
and the leading men of the city,
stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them,
and went to Iconium.
The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Responsorial
Psalm PS 100:1-2, 3, 5
R.(3c) We are
his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R.We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is good:
his kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R.We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R.We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is good:
his kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R.We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Reading 2 REV 7:9, 14B-17
I, John, had a vision of a great multitude,
which no one could count,
from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb,
wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.
Then one of the elders said to me,
“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
they have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
“For this reason they stand before God’s throne
and worship him day and night in his temple.
The one who sits on the throne will shelter them.
They will not hunger or thirst anymore,
nor will the sun or any heat strike them.
For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne
will shepherd them
and lead them to springs of life-giving water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
which no one could count,
from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb,
wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.
Then one of the elders said to me,
“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
they have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
“For this reason they stand before God’s throne
and worship him day and night in his temple.
The one who sits on the throne will shelter them.
They will not hunger or thirst anymore,
nor will the sun or any heat strike them.
For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne
will shepherd them
and lead them to springs of life-giving water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
AlleluiaJN 10:14
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 10:27-30
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
Meditation:
"My sheep hear my voice"
How
secure is your faith and trust in God? Jesus speaks of the tremendous trust he
has in God his Father and the tremendous trust we ought to have in him because
he is our good shepherd (John 10:11). What is the significance of Jesus calling
himself the Good Shepherd? Shepherds were very common in the land of Jesus'
time. A shepherd could have hundreds or thousands of sheep under his care.
Sheep without a shepherd were vulnerable prey for predators, such as wolves and
thieves. If a sheep strayed from the fold it could easily get lost, fall into a
ravine, or become injured. Shepherds had to keep a constant watch over their
folds by day and by night. That is why shepherds had to literally live with
their sheep so they could lead them out to good pasture for grazing during the
day and bring them to a safe place at night for rest and shelter. Shepherds got
to know their sheep well and kept a careful count each evening. They also
called their sheep by name so the sheep could recognize the shepherd's voice
when he called them to follow him.
The
Good Shepherd and Guardian of our souls
God used the image of a shepherd to describe his covenant relationship and care for his chosen people who were called by his name (Psalm 80:1 and 100:3). God called David, who shepherded his father's flock in his youth, to be the anointed king and shepherd for his people Israel (Ezekiel 37:24). Jesus, God's anointed Messiah and King, born from the tribe of David, called himself the Good Shepherd of the people whom his Father had entrusted to his care (John 10:29).
God used the image of a shepherd to describe his covenant relationship and care for his chosen people who were called by his name (Psalm 80:1 and 100:3). God called David, who shepherded his father's flock in his youth, to be the anointed king and shepherd for his people Israel (Ezekiel 37:24). Jesus, God's anointed Messiah and King, born from the tribe of David, called himself the Good Shepherd of the people whom his Father had entrusted to his care (John 10:29).
Peter
the Apostle tells us that the Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd and
Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). He keeps a close and personal
watch over every one of his sheep - his followers (disciples) who belong to
him. He calls each of us personally by name to follow him. And he promises to
be our guardian and protector from the snares of our enemy, Satan, the father of
lies and a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). The Lord leads us each day
to good pastures - places where we can feed on his word and drink from the
well-springs of living water which is his Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39, John
4:14). If we feed on his word and drink from the living water of the Holy
Spirit, we will find the nourishment and strength we need to live each day for
his glory and honor. Do you recognize the voice of your Shepherd and Guardian
who calls to you each day?
"My
sheep follow me"
Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD), an early church father and theologian, contrasts those who listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and those who close their ears to his call.
Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD), an early church father and theologian, contrasts those who listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and those who close their ears to his call.
The
mark of Christ's sheep is their willingness to hear and obey, just as disobedience
is the mark of those who are not his. We take the word hear to imply obedience
to what has been said. People who hear God are known by him. No one is entirely
unknown by God, but to be known in this way is to become part of his family.
Therefore, when Christ says, 'I know mine,' he means I will receive them and
give them a permanent mystical relationship with myself. It might be said that
inasmuch as he has become man, he has made all human beings his relatives,
since all are members of the same race. We are all united to Christ in a
mystical relationship because of his incarnation. Yet those who do not preserve
the likeness of his holiness are alienated from him... 'My sheep follow me,'
says Christ. By a certain God-given grace, believers follow in the footsteps of
Christ. No longer subject to the shadows of the law, they obey the commands of
Christ and guided by his words rise through grace to his own dignity, for they
are called 'children of God' (Matthew 5:9). When Christ ascends into heaven, they
also follow him." (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
7.1)
The
Lord opens our ears to hear his word
The Lord speaks to us in a variety of ways, but especially through his word in the Sacred Scriptures. He will open the Scriptures for us if we approach his word with reverence and faith (Luke 24:32). How can we grow in listening to the voice of our Lord and Shepherd? If we ask he will open our ears to hear him speak to our hearts and minds.
The Lord speaks to us in a variety of ways, but especially through his word in the Sacred Scriptures. He will open the Scriptures for us if we approach his word with reverence and faith (Luke 24:32). How can we grow in listening to the voice of our Lord and Shepherd? If we ask he will open our ears to hear him speak to our hearts and minds.
"Morning
by morning he wakens, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The
Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not
backward" (Isaiah 50:4-5).
And
if we hunger for his word, he will give us understanding, wisdom, and guidance
for our lives.
"Your
word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path... I rejoice at your word like
one who finds great treasure" (Psalm 119:105, 162).
The
Lord Jesus wants to draw each of us close to himself. He wants us to be united
with him and the Father. That is why he teaches us to pray to our Father in
heaven and to ask for his kingdom to reign in our lives (Matthew 6:9-10). The
Lord Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts and homes (Revelation 2:20) and
waits for our response. Will you answer his call and welcome his presence with
you?
"Lord Jesus, you have the words of eternal life. Open my ears to hear your voice and to follow your ways. Give me understanding that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and wisdom for my life."
"Lord Jesus, you have the words of eternal life. Open my ears to hear your voice and to follow your ways. Give me understanding that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and wisdom for my life."
of
Alexandria, 150-215 A.D.
"The
faithful also have the help of Christ, and the devil is not able to snatch
them. Those who have an endless enjoyment of good things remain in Christ's
hand, no one thereafter snatching them away from the bliss that is given to
them. [No one can throw them] into punishment or torments. For it is not
possible that those who are in Christ's hand should be snatched away to be
punished because of the great might Christ has. For 'the hand' in the divine
Scripture signifies 'the power'” It cannot be doubted therefore that the hand
of Christ is unconquerable and mighty to all things." (excerpt from
the COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7.1)
4th Sunday of Easter – Cycle C
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Acts 13:14, 43-52
The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles form a single historical and literary unit. The gospel starts with the birth of Jesus and traces the salvation history of Israel, displaying the promises which had been made to her and ending with the fulfillment of those covenant promises in the sacrificial death of Jesus. Acts starts with the birth of the Church and displays the covenant promises which have been made to her. All members of the New Israel, the Church, share in the inheritance which is promised.
After the initial establishment of the Church in Jerusalem, it spread outward with Philip going to Samaria and Peter going to Lydia and Joppa and then to Antioch.
Saint Paul traveled more widely than the other disciples, undertaking three missionary journeys, each more extensive than the previous one, and then a final journey to Rome to join Peter.
Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s first missionary journey.
14 They [Paul and Barnabas] continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats.
This event takes place in the middle of Saint Paul’s first missionary journey.
The intervening verses between 14 and 43 constitute an example of the kind of preaching which Saint Paul did after his conversion. The first century synagogue service consisted of prayer, readings from scripture, the singing of psalms, and a teaching (homily/sermon) about the meaning of the scripture. As we know from Acts 2:46 the apostles attended Jewish services and then celebrated the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word is patterned after the synagogue service and is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Saint Paul and his associates thought of themselves as Jews announcing the messianic salvation of Israel, and they abandoned the synagogues only when the Jews repudiated them.
We will read the intervening verses in order to establish the setting for today’s reading.
15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, “My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” 16 So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out of it 18 and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert. 19 When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 at the end of about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he provided judges up to Samuel (the) prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 Then he removed him and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’ 23 From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. 24 John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; 25 and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’ 26 AMy brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent. 27 The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath. 28 For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death, 29 and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are (now) his witnesses before the people. 32 We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our ancestors 33 he has brought to fulfillment for us, (their) children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my son; this day I have begotten you.’ 34 And that he raised him from the dead never to return to corruption he declared in this way, ‘I shall give you the benefits assured to David.’ 35 That is why he also says in another psalm, ‘You will not suffer your holy one to see corruption.’ 36 Now David, after he had served the will of God in his lifetime, fell asleep, was gathered to his ancestors, and did see corruption. 37 But the one whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 You must know, my brothers, that through him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, (and) in regard to everything from which you could not be justified under the law of Moses, 39 in him every believer is justified. 40 Be careful, then, that what was said in the prophets not come about: 41 ‘Look on, you scoffers, be amazed and disappear. For I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe even if someone tells you.’” 42 As they were leaving, they invited them to speak on these subjects the following sabbath. 43 After the congregation had dispersed,
And now back to the reading.
[M]any Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism
Gentiles who, won by Jewish missionary efforts, had submitted to circumcision.
followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. 44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
Contrast the widespread enthusiasm of the populace at large with the jealousy of the Jews. Antioch was primarily a Gentile city.
45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Paul’s first address was to the Jews who had invited him back the following week. When he returns, his following is no longer only Jews.
46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
To the Jews.
but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me (Luke 10:16).
we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
This quotation is of the Septuagint version of Isaiah 49:6 and is part of a servant song. This associates Paul as a missionary with the Servant of Yahweh, his preaching of the Word is to be an illumination for the Gentiles.
48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory.
The beatitudes: “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Matthew 5:11). One of the rewards of discipleship is persecution (Mark 10:30). The message of Christ is getting through.
51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
“If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town” (Matthew 10:14). Shaking the dust expresses complete dissociation. “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23).
52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.
2nd Reading - Revelation 7:9, 14-17
Last week we heard Saint John describing his vision of the heavenly liturgy where he saw the Lamb of God in the Holy of Holies in His perpetual offering to God, the heavenly offering of Jesus Himself which we join at every Mass. Today we join Saint John as he again views this heavenly liturgy and describes the Church in heaven (what we call the Church Triumphant) as it glorifies God.
9 [ ] I [John] had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
Like the crowd described last week, this is an innumerably large crowd from all nations. This huge crowd contrasts with the 144,000 from the people of Israel described in verses 1-8. The 144,000 may represent a select group within this large body, those of the Old Covenant (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel). This may also be an allusion to the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:5).
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes
A symbol of the glorified body of the righteous dead.
and holding palm branches in their hands.
A sign of victory and of the thanksgiving of the elect (1 Maccabees 13:51; 2 Maccabees 10:7).
[Then one of the elders] 14b said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
The crisis which involves persecution for the faithful; the time of which Jesus warned when He spoke to the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19) – a tribulation that He stated would take place during the then-existing generation (Matthew 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32).
they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The transformation of a person from soiled (sinful) to clean (holy) is closely related to the death of Jesus understood as a sacrifice. Repentance, conversion, and baptism begin the transformation of a human being, perseverance had led to their reward. What follows is a poetic description of salvation.
15 “For this reason they stand before God’s throne
The greatest blessing is to be in God’s presence.
and worship him day and night in his temple.
Symbolizes closeness to God; ceaselessly celebrating a celestial liturgy (see 1 Chronicles 9:33; 23:30; Psalm 134:1). The whole of God’s holy people shares in His worship.
The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. 17 For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Psalm 23; 80:2; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:11-16.
and lead them
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Exodus 15:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalm 5:9; 86:11; Wisdom 9:11.
to springs of life-giving water,
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Jeremiah 2:13; Psalm 35:10.
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Isaiah 25:8
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Acts 13:14, 43-52
The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles form a single historical and literary unit. The gospel starts with the birth of Jesus and traces the salvation history of Israel, displaying the promises which had been made to her and ending with the fulfillment of those covenant promises in the sacrificial death of Jesus. Acts starts with the birth of the Church and displays the covenant promises which have been made to her. All members of the New Israel, the Church, share in the inheritance which is promised.
After the initial establishment of the Church in Jerusalem, it spread outward with Philip going to Samaria and Peter going to Lydia and Joppa and then to Antioch.
Saint Paul traveled more widely than the other disciples, undertaking three missionary journeys, each more extensive than the previous one, and then a final journey to Rome to join Peter.
Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s first missionary journey.
14 They [Paul and Barnabas] continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats.
This event takes place in the middle of Saint Paul’s first missionary journey.
The intervening verses between 14 and 43 constitute an example of the kind of preaching which Saint Paul did after his conversion. The first century synagogue service consisted of prayer, readings from scripture, the singing of psalms, and a teaching (homily/sermon) about the meaning of the scripture. As we know from Acts 2:46 the apostles attended Jewish services and then celebrated the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word is patterned after the synagogue service and is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Saint Paul and his associates thought of themselves as Jews announcing the messianic salvation of Israel, and they abandoned the synagogues only when the Jews repudiated them.
We will read the intervening verses in order to establish the setting for today’s reading.
15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, “My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” 16 So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out of it 18 and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert. 19 When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 at the end of about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he provided judges up to Samuel (the) prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 Then he removed him and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’ 23 From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. 24 John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; 25 and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’ 26 AMy brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent. 27 The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath. 28 For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death, 29 and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are (now) his witnesses before the people. 32 We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our ancestors 33 he has brought to fulfillment for us, (their) children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my son; this day I have begotten you.’ 34 And that he raised him from the dead never to return to corruption he declared in this way, ‘I shall give you the benefits assured to David.’ 35 That is why he also says in another psalm, ‘You will not suffer your holy one to see corruption.’ 36 Now David, after he had served the will of God in his lifetime, fell asleep, was gathered to his ancestors, and did see corruption. 37 But the one whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 You must know, my brothers, that through him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, (and) in regard to everything from which you could not be justified under the law of Moses, 39 in him every believer is justified. 40 Be careful, then, that what was said in the prophets not come about: 41 ‘Look on, you scoffers, be amazed and disappear. For I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe even if someone tells you.’” 42 As they were leaving, they invited them to speak on these subjects the following sabbath. 43 After the congregation had dispersed,
And now back to the reading.
[M]any Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism
Gentiles who, won by Jewish missionary efforts, had submitted to circumcision.
followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. 44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
Contrast the widespread enthusiasm of the populace at large with the jealousy of the Jews. Antioch was primarily a Gentile city.
45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Paul’s first address was to the Jews who had invited him back the following week. When he returns, his following is no longer only Jews.
46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
To the Jews.
but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me (Luke 10:16).
we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
This quotation is of the Septuagint version of Isaiah 49:6 and is part of a servant song. This associates Paul as a missionary with the Servant of Yahweh, his preaching of the Word is to be an illumination for the Gentiles.
48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory.
The beatitudes: “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Matthew 5:11). One of the rewards of discipleship is persecution (Mark 10:30). The message of Christ is getting through.
51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
“If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town” (Matthew 10:14). Shaking the dust expresses complete dissociation. “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23).
52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.
2nd Reading - Revelation 7:9, 14-17
Last week we heard Saint John describing his vision of the heavenly liturgy where he saw the Lamb of God in the Holy of Holies in His perpetual offering to God, the heavenly offering of Jesus Himself which we join at every Mass. Today we join Saint John as he again views this heavenly liturgy and describes the Church in heaven (what we call the Church Triumphant) as it glorifies God.
9 [ ] I [John] had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
Like the crowd described last week, this is an innumerably large crowd from all nations. This huge crowd contrasts with the 144,000 from the people of Israel described in verses 1-8. The 144,000 may represent a select group within this large body, those of the Old Covenant (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel). This may also be an allusion to the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:5).
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes
A symbol of the glorified body of the righteous dead.
and holding palm branches in their hands.
A sign of victory and of the thanksgiving of the elect (1 Maccabees 13:51; 2 Maccabees 10:7).
[Then one of the elders] 14b said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
The crisis which involves persecution for the faithful; the time of which Jesus warned when He spoke to the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19) – a tribulation that He stated would take place during the then-existing generation (Matthew 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32).
they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The transformation of a person from soiled (sinful) to clean (holy) is closely related to the death of Jesus understood as a sacrifice. Repentance, conversion, and baptism begin the transformation of a human being, perseverance had led to their reward. What follows is a poetic description of salvation.
15 “For this reason they stand before God’s throne
The greatest blessing is to be in God’s presence.
and worship him day and night in his temple.
Symbolizes closeness to God; ceaselessly celebrating a celestial liturgy (see 1 Chronicles 9:33; 23:30; Psalm 134:1). The whole of God’s holy people shares in His worship.
The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. 17 For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Psalm 23; 80:2; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:11-16.
and lead them
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Exodus 15:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalm 5:9; 86:11; Wisdom 9:11.
to springs of life-giving water,
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Jeremiah 2:13; Psalm 35:10.
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Isaiah 25:8
Gospel - John 10:27-30
This Sunday is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” In ancient times in Palestine, sheep and goats were raised for wool and milk, and usually not for meat. The sheep were somewhat like our pets to the shepherd. He could call them with a distinctive whistle or voice and they would come for him and him only. The shepherd provided everything for the sheep: food, water, protection, assurance. The sheep were not herded or driven, they were led. The shepherd would start out and call them, and they followed.
The setting for today’s reading is the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah) and Jesus is within the temple precincts (Solomon’s porch) and is addressing the people of Jerusalem. The people have asked Him to speak plainly and answer the question “Are you the Messiah?”. Jesus then answered “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my
Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.” 27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life,
The pasturage to which He leads His sheep.
and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.
Because He is the true shepherd to whom the sheep have been given by the Father as we hear in the next verse.
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
It is impossible that Jesus should lose the sheep that have been given to Him by the Father since the Father’s omnipotence is the guarantee of the gift.
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
The Father and Son are one in mind, will, and action. Jesus does not say merely that He and the Father are “at one” but that they are “one thing”. This is one of Jesus’ hard sayings which provokes the wrath of the Jews as we hear in the next verse “The Jews again (the first time was in John 8:59) picked up rocks to stone Him.”
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS http://www.scborromeo.org
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
SUNDAY, MAY 12, JOHN 10:27-30
(Acts 13:14, 43-52; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 14b-17)
SUNDAY, MAY 12, JOHN 10:27-30
(Acts 13:14, 43-52; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 14b-17)
KEY VERSE: "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (v.27).
TO KNOW: The theme of God as the shepherd of Israel is found throughout scripture (e.g., Genesis 48:15; Psalm 23, 28:9, 80:2; Hosea 4:16). The king must also be a good shepherd of the people (See Isaiah 44:28 and Jeremiah 2:8, 10:21). In John 10 Jesus declared himself to be the "good shepherd" (Jn 10:11; see also Matthew 26:31 and Hebrews 13:20), an image evoking Ezekiel's portrayal of God as the shepherd of Israel (Ez 34). When Jesus was confronted by those who demanded to know if he equated himself with the Messiah of God, he told them that they did not acknowledge the works that he did as coming from God because they did not belong to his flock. Those who belonged to Jesus heard his voice and followed him. Jesus is a good shepherd who keeps careful watch over his flock; they shall never perish because he has given them eternal life. The Father gave these faithful ones to Jesus as a precious gift. No one can snatch them from his hand because he and the Father are one.
TO LOVE: Do I help care for Christ's flock or scatter them through my words and actions?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, keep me safe in your fold.
NOTE: The Fourth Sunday of Easter is referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday. In John 21:15-18, Jesus makes Peter the chief shepherd of the flock. This day was designated in 1964 as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life. Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, invited all the faithful to “cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ, Master and Pastor of His people, imitating Mary who guarded the divine mysteries in her heart and contemplated them assiduously." The Church's sanctity depends essentially on her union with Christ and her openness to the mystery of grace at work in the hearts of all members of his flock.
MOTHER'S DAY
Mother's Day in the United States was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe as a day dedicated to peace, but Howe died without gaining formal recognition for her vision. In 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, inspired by her own mother in caring for soldiers and their families during the Civil War, was successful in her campaign for a national day of recognition for all mothers to be celebrated on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May. Many countries celebrate Mother's Day at different times throughout the year.
"Arise women of the day! Arise whether our baptism be that of water or of fears! Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience ... We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure others ... From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says: Disarm! Disarm!" Julia Ward Howe, Author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Sunday 12 May 2019
4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER.
Acts 13:14, 43-52. Psalm 99(100):1-3, 5. Apocalypse 7:9, 14-17.
John 10:27-30.
We are his people, the sheep of his flock – Psalm 99(100):1-3,
5.
‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles.’
Even after their initial violent rejection from Antioch, Paul
and Barnabas returned again until they had fulfilled the work that God had
given them – to take the message of salvation to the Gentiles. In spite of
their persecution, the disciples were ‘filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.’
Revelation speaks to us of the glory of God and the power of
God’s kingdom. We too can be transformed by our receiving God’s presence as a
gift for our lives, as did the apostles. Each night it is good to review our
day, seeking the signs of grace we have been given by his loving presence and
our graciousness towards others we have encountered. So we too become the
source of grace to many who are in need of a lifting of their spirits. This
prayer will help us take our place with grateful hearts in the joyful chorus of
praise.
Saint Leopold Mandic
Saint of the Day for May 12
(May 12, 1866 – July 30, 1942)
 |
| Statue of Leopold Mandic | St. Jacob Church in Međugorje, Bosnia | photo by gnuckx |
Saint Leopold Mandic’s story
Western Christians who are working for greater dialogue with
Orthodox Christians may be reaping the fruits of Father Leopold’s prayers.
A native of Croatia, Leopold joined the Capuchin Franciscans and
was ordained several years later in spite of several health problems. He could
not speak loudly enough to preach publicly. For many years he also suffered
from severe arthritis, poor eyesight, and a stomach ailment.
For several years Leopold taught patrology, the study of the
Church Fathers, to the clerics of his province, but he is best known for his
work in the confessional, where he sometimes spent 13-15 hours a day. Several
bishops sought out his spiritual advice.
Leopold’s dream was to go to the Orthodox Christians and work
for the reunion of Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy. His health never permitted
it. Leopold often renewed his vow to go to the Eastern Christians; the cause of
unity was constantly in his prayers.
At a time when Pope Pius XII said that the greatest sin of our
time is “to have lost all sense of sin,” Leopold had a profound sense of sin
and an even firmer sense of God’s grace awaiting human cooperation.
Leopold, who lived most of his life in Padua, died on July 30,
1942, and was canonized in 1982.
Reflection
Saint Francis advised his followers to “pursue what they must
desire above all things, to have the Spirit of the Lord and His holy manner of
working” (Rule of 1223, Chapter 10)—words that Leopold lived out.
When the Capuchin minister general wrote his friars on the occasion of Leopold’s
beatification, he said that this friar’s life showed “the priority of that
which is essential.”
Lectio
Divina: 4th Sunday of Easter (C)
Lectio Divina
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Jesus the Good Shepherd:
His sheep know Him
John 10:27-30
His sheep know Him
John 10:27-30
1. LECTIO
a) Opening prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, to our hearts and kindle in them the fire of
Your love, give us the grace to read and re-read this page of the Gospel, to
actively, lovingly and operatively remember it in our life. We wish to get
close to the mystery of the person of Jesus contained in this image of the
shepherd.
For this, we humbly ask You to open the eyes of our mind and
heart in order to be able to know the power of Your Resurrection. Enlighten our
mind, oh Spirit of light, so that we may understand the words of Jesus, the
Good Shepherd; warm our heart so as to be aware that these words are not far
from us, that they are the key of our present experience. Come, oh Holy Spirit,
because without You the Gospel will be dead words; with You the Gospel is the
spirit of life. Give us, oh Father, the Holy Spirit; we ask this together with
Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother and with Elias, Your prophet in the
name of Your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
b) Reading of the text:
Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they
follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can
take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than
all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are
one.”
c) Moments of prayerful silence:
Silence protects the fire of the word which has entered into us
through the listening of the Word. It helps to preserve the interior fire of
God. Stop for a few moments in the silence, listening to be able to participate
in the creative and re-creative power of the divine Word.
2. MEDITATIO
a) Key to the reading:
The passage of the Liturgy of this Sunday is taken from chapter
10 of St. John, a discourse of Jesus during the Jewish Feast of the dedication
of the Temple of Jerusalem which was celebrated at the end of December (during
which the re-consecration of the Temple, which had been violated by the
Syrian-Hellenists, was commemorated, the work of Judas Maccabee in 164 B.C.).
The word of Jesus concerning the relation between the shepherd (Christ) and the
sheep (the Church) belongs to a true and proper debate between Jesus and the
Jews. They ask Jesus a clear question and demand a response, just as concrete
and public: “If You are the Christ, tell us the plain truth” (10:24). John, at
other times in the Gospel, presents the Jews who intend to get a clear
affirmation from Jesus concerning His identity (2:18; 5:16; 8:25). In the
Synoptics, a similar question is presented during the process before the Chief
Priests (Mt 26:63; Mk 14:61; Lk 22:67). Jesus’ answer is presented in two
stages (vv. 25-31 and 32-39). Let us consider briefly the context of the first
stage where our liturgical text is inserted. The Jews have not understood the
parable of the shepherd (Jn 10:1-21) and now they ask Jesus for a clearer
revelation of His identity. In itself, the reason for their unbelief is not
from a lack of clarity, but in their refusal to belong to His flock, to
His sheep. An analogous expression of Jesus may throw light on this as we read
in Mk 4:11: “To you I have made known the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but
the others who are on the outside, hear all things by means of parables”. The
words of Jesus are light only for those who live within the community, for
those who decide to remain outside these words are an enigma which disconcerts.
To the unbelief of the Jews, Jesus opposes the behavior of those who belong to
Him and whom the Father has given to Him.
Jesus’ language is not immediately evident for us. Comparing the
believers to a flock leaves us perplexed. We are mostly strangers to the life
of farmers and shepherds and it is not easy to understand what the flock would
represent for a people who are shepherds. The people to whom Jesus addresses
the parable, on the other hand, were precisely shepherds. It is evident that
the parable is understood from the point of view of the man who shares almost
everything with his flock. He knows his sheep: he sees the quality of each one
and every defect; the sheep also experience his guidance: they respond to his
voice and to his indications.
i) The sheep of Jesus listen to His voice: it is
a question not only of an external listening (3:5; 5:37) but also of an attentive
listening (5:28; 10:3) up to an obedient listening (10:16, 27; 18:37; 5:25). In
the discourse of the shepherd this listening expresses the trust and the union
that the sheep have with the shepherd (10:4). The adjectives “my, mine” does
not only indicate the simple possession of the sheep, but makes evident that
the sheep belong to Him, and they belong in so far as He is the owner (10:12).
ii) Here, then, an intimate communication is
established between Jesus and the sheep: “and I know them” (10:27). It is not a
question of intellectual knowledge. In the biblical sense “to know someone”
means, above all, to have a personal relationship with a person, to live in
some way in communion with that person. A knowledge which does not exclude the
human features of sympathy, love, communion of nature.
iii) In virtue of this knowledge of love the
Shepherd invites His own to follow Him. Listening to the Shepherd involves also
a discernment, because among the many different possible voices, the sheep
choose that which corresponds to a concrete person (Jesus). Following this
discernment, the response is active, personal and becomes obedience. This
results from the listening. Therefore, between the listening and following the
Shepherd is the knowledge of Jesus.
The knowledge which the sheep have of Jesus opens up an
itinerary which leads to love: “I give them eternal life”. For the Evangelist,
life is the gift of communion with God. While in the Synoptics “life” or
“eternal life” is related to the future, in John’s Gospel it indicates an
actual possession. This aspect is frequently repeated in John’s narration: “He
who believes in the Son possesses eternal life” (3:36); “I am telling you the
truth: whoever hears My words and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life”
(5:24; 6:47).
The relation of love of Jesus becomes concrete also by the
experience of protection which man experiences: it is said that the sheep “will
never be lost”. Perhaps this is a reference to eternal damnation, to which is
added that “no one will snatch them”. These expressions suggest the role of the
hand of God and of Christ who prevent the hearts of persons to be snatched by
other negative forces. In the bible, the hand, in some contexts, is a metaphor
which indicates the force of God who protects (Deut 33:3: Ps 31:6). In others,
the verb “to snatch” (harpázö) suggests the idea that the community
of disciples will not be exempt from the attacks of evil and of temptations.
But the expression “no one will snatch them” indicates that the presence of
Christ assures the community of the certainty of an unflinching stability which
allows them to overcome every temptation of fear.
b) Some questions:
To orientate our meditative reflection and thoughts:
i) The first attitude which the Word of Jesus
makes evident is that one has “to listen”. This verb in Biblical language is
rich and relevant: it implies joyous adherence to the content of what is
listened to, obedience to the person who speaks, the choice of life of the one
who addresses us. Are you a person immersed in listening to God? Are there
spaces and moments in your daily life which you dedicate, in a particular way,
to listening to the Word of God?
ii) The dialogue or intimate and profound
communication between Christ and you has been defined by the Gospel in today’s
liturgy by a great biblical verb, “to know”. This involves the whole being of a
person: the mind, the heart, the will. Is your consciousness of Christ firm at
a theoretical-abstract level or do you allow yourself to be transformed and
guided by His voice on the journey of your life?
iii) The one who has listened and known God “follows” Christ as
the only guide of his/her life. Is your following daily, is it continuous, even
when on the horizon one foresees the threat or nightmare of other voices or
ideologies which try to snatch us from communion with God?
iv) In the meditation of today’s Gospel two other
verbs emerged: we will never be “lost, damned” and nobody will be able to
“snatch” us from the presence of Christ who protects our life. This is the foundation
and motivation of our daily assurance. This idea is expressed in such a
luminous way by Paul: “For I am certain that nothing can separate us from the
love of God: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers
or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the
world below – there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to
separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus, our Lord”
(Rm 8:38-39). When, between the believer and the person of Jesus is
established, a relation made by calls and listening, then life proceeds assured
of attaining spiritual maturity and success. The true foundation of this
assurance lies in discovering, every day, the divine identity of this Shepherd
who is the assurance of our life. Do you experience this security and this
serenity when you feel threatened by evil?
v) The words of Jesus “I give them eternal life”
assure you that the end of your journey as believer, is not dark and uncertain.
For you, does eternal life refer to the number of years that you can live or
instead does it recall your communion of life with God Himself? Is the
experience of the company of God in your life a reason for joy?
3. ORATIO
a) Psalm 100, 2; 3; 5
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God!
It is He that made us, and we are His;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures for ever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
Come into His presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God!
It is He that made us, and we are His;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures for ever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
b) Final Prayer:
Lord, we ask You to manifest Yourself to each one of us as the
Good Shepherd, who by the force of the Paschal Mystery reconstitutes, animates
Your own, with Your delicate presence, with all the force of Your Spirit. We
ask You to open our eyes, so as to be able to know how You guide us, support
our will to follow You any place where You want to lead us. Grant us the grace
of not being snatched from Your hands and of not being in the power of evil
which threatens us, from the divisions which hide or lurk within our heart.
You, oh Christ, be the Shepherd, our guide, our example, our comfort, our
brother. Amen!
4. CONTEMPLATIO
Contemplate the Word of the Good Shepherd in your life. The
preceding stages of the Lectio Divina, important in themselves, become
practical, if connected to lived experience. The path of the “Lectio” cannot be
considered ended if it does not succeed in making of the Word a school of life
for you. Such a goal is attained when you experience the fruits of the Spirit. These
are: interior peace which flourishes in joy and in the relish for the Word; the
capacity to discern between what is essential and work of God and what is
futile and work of the evil; the courage of choice and of concrete action,
according to the values of the Biblical page that you have read and meditated
on.
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