Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 283
Lectionary: 283
When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue:
"My 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.
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.
For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence,
they asked Pilate to have him put to death,
and when they had accomplished all that was written about him,
they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb.
But God raised him from the dead,
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.
We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you
that what God promised our fathers
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."
"My 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.
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.
For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence,
they asked Pilate to have him put to death,
and when they had accomplished all that was written about him,
they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb.
But God raised him from the dead,
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.
We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you
that what God promised our fathers
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."
Responsorial
PsalmPS 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11AB
R.(7bc) You
are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
"I myself have set up my king
on Zion, my holy mountain."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:
The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you."
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
"Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You shall rule them with an iron rod;
you shall shatter them like an earthen dish."
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
And now, O kings, give heed;
take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;
with trembling rejoice.
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
"I myself have set up my king
on Zion, my holy mountain."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:
The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you."
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
"Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You shall rule them with an iron rod;
you shall shatter them like an earthen dish."
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
And now, O kings, give heed;
take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;
with trembling rejoice.
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
AlleluiaJN 14:6
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father's house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way."
Thomas said to him,
"Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me."
"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father's house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way."
Thomas said to him,
"Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me."
Meditation: Do not let your hearts be troubled!
Do you allow any troubles to rob you of God's peace? As much as
we try to avoid it, we all inevitably encounter trouble and difficulties. Jesus
knew his disciples would have to face trials and persecution after he left them
to return to his Father in heaven. Adversity can make us lose hope and become
discouraged, or it can press us closer to God and to his promises for us.
"It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with
you, he will not fail you or forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed"
(Deuteronomy 31:8).
A place for you in my Father's house
Just as God, who appeared as a Pillar of Cloud by day and a Pillar of Fire by night, went ahead of Moses and the Israelites to lead them safely through the wilderness to the promised land, Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead through his ascension into heaven to prepare a place for them in his Father's house - a place of lasting peace, friendship, and happiness with God. God's house is never closed nor over-crowded - there is plenty of room for everyone who believes in God and in his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest fear in this present life - whether it be the separation and loss of a loved one or the threat to one's own life - is put to rest by Jesus' promise that we will live forever with him and the eternal Father. There we will be joined with a great company of saints and angels who will be our friends forever as well.
Just as God, who appeared as a Pillar of Cloud by day and a Pillar of Fire by night, went ahead of Moses and the Israelites to lead them safely through the wilderness to the promised land, Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead through his ascension into heaven to prepare a place for them in his Father's house - a place of lasting peace, friendship, and happiness with God. God's house is never closed nor over-crowded - there is plenty of room for everyone who believes in God and in his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest fear in this present life - whether it be the separation and loss of a loved one or the threat to one's own life - is put to rest by Jesus' promise that we will live forever with him and the eternal Father. There we will be joined with a great company of saints and angels who will be our friends forever as well.
Do you know the way to the Father's house in heaven? Jesus expected
his disciples to know where his life was headed - to dwell in everlasting glory
with his Father in heaven. And he expected that his disciples would recognize
that this was their ultimate destination as well. Thomas, who was both a
doubter and a realist, spoke for all the disciples when he said, "we
neither know where you are going nor how we shall get there on our own?"
Thomas was a very practical "down to earth" kind of person who wanted
to see the map and landmarks showing the exact path that would lead the way to
the desired haven. Jesus assured Thomas that he would not only give him
everything he needed to complete the journey, he would be Thomas' personal
guide as well.
Traveling alone in unfamiliar or uncharted places can be
unnerving and bewildering without a companion or guide. And some places are
impossible to pass through without the right person who knows the way and who
can guarantee a safe passage. Several years ago I was invited by Christian
friends to visit their community in Lebanon. They were in the middle of a civil
war that would last for 15 years (1975-1990). Months and years of hardship,
exposure to danger, and the uncertainty of the war's outcome, as well as being
physically cutoff from outside contact with friends, was weighing heavily. I
was eager to visit to offer some support. Since I had never traveled there
before, nor spoke the local language, I knew that I was helpless without a
trustworthy guide. Fortunately a close Christian friend from Lebanon met me
half-way on my journey and personally guided me through some unfamiliar
territory, including check-points, road-blocks, physical danger, and some
social, religious, and political hurdles as well. My guide got me safely to my
destination. I literally owed my life to his safe-keeping. The Lord Jesus
promised his followers that he would be their personal guide and friend who
would lead them to the source of lasting peace, enduring friendship, and
abundant life.
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
The disciples were surprised that Jesus was going to his Father's house and would return to take them with him. And they were even more surprised when Jesus said he expected them to know the way to the Father's house. Jesus' answer to there question, "show us the way", was both a reminder that his disciples should trust their Master and Teacher to show them the way, and a challenge for them to recognize that Jesus had intimate knowledge of God and where God came from. Jesus made a statement that invoked the very name which God had revealed to Moses, "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14), and he made three claims which only God could make. He stated unequivocally to his disciples: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6)
The disciples were surprised that Jesus was going to his Father's house and would return to take them with him. And they were even more surprised when Jesus said he expected them to know the way to the Father's house. Jesus' answer to there question, "show us the way", was both a reminder that his disciples should trust their Master and Teacher to show them the way, and a challenge for them to recognize that Jesus had intimate knowledge of God and where God came from. Jesus made a statement that invoked the very name which God had revealed to Moses, "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14), and he made three claims which only God could make. He stated unequivocally to his disciples: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6)
Jesus proclaims: I am the Way (John 14:6). He
alone knows the way to the Father because he has been with the Father from the
beginning - before time and creation ever existed. The Lord Jesus gives us more
than a road map and guide book. He personally is the way to the Father's
kingdom, and we cannot miss it if we follow him. He accompanies us on our daily
journey and watches over us as the good shepherd who leads and sustains us each
and every step of the way. Are you in step with the Lord and do you trust in
his guiding hand for your life?
Jesus proclaims that he is the Truth (John
14:6). Many can say, "I have taught you the truth." Only Jesus can
say, I am the Truth. He possesses in himself the fulness of truth.
Jesus claims to be one with the Father and to speak the truth which proceeds
from the Father. Jesus promised his disciples that if they continued in his
word, they would learn the truth and the truth would set them free"
(John 8:31). The truth which Jesus proclaims has power to set us free from
ignorance, deception, and sin. The words which Jesus speaks are true because
there is no lie or falsehood in him. Moral truth requires more than mere words
or ideas because the person who speaks them must be true - true in thought,
speech, deed, example, and action. Jesus embodies the truth in his person.
Jesus proclaims that he is the Life (John
14:6). He not only shows us the path of life (Psalm 16:11); he
gives the kind of life which only God can give - abundant life that lasts
forever. Is there any trouble, fear, or distraction that keeps you from the
perfect peace and joy of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ?
"Lord Jesus, you fill us with the joy of your saving
presence and you give us the hope of everlasting life with the Father in
Heaven. Show me the Father that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love
and truth."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Walk
by faith in the truth, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Persevere now in walking by faith in the truth, that you
may succeed in coming at a definite and due time to the sight of the same
truth. For as the apostle says, 'While staying here in the body, we are away
from the Lord. For we are walking by faith, not by sight' (2 Corinthians
5:6-7). We are led to the direct sight and vision of the Father by Christian
faith. That is why the Lord says, 'No one comes to the Father except through
me.'" (excerpt from SERMON 12.5)
FRIDAY, MAY 17, JOHN 14:1-6
Easter Weekday
(Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2)
Easter Weekday
(Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2)
KEY VERSE: "I am the way and the truth and the life" (v.6).
TO KNOW: As Jesus approached his impending death, he prepared his disciples for the work that he would hand over to them. He told them that it was necessary for him to go so that he could prepare a place for them. Jesus assured them that they would know the way to the place where he was going. His anxious disciples were troubled by Jesus' words, and Thomas plaintively asked, "How can we know the way?" (v.5). Jesus assured them that he was the "way" to God's "truth," which he revealed by his words and deeds. He was the bridge to the Father and to "life" eternal. Jesus likened heaven to a huge mansion in which there were many rooms. He promised his faithful followers that he would "return" and take them to live with him there (Greek, Parousia, the second coming).
TO LOVE: Is my life a light to show others the way to God's truth?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, guide me to the Father by your eternal truth.
Friday 17 May 2019
DAY OF PENANCE.
Acts 13:26-33. Psalm 2:6-11. John 14:1-6.
You are my Son; this day I have begotten you – Psalm
2:6-11.
‘I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life …’
‘We do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’
Thomas’ question to Jesus seems quite reasonable and logical. Jesus, we learn,
is the way. He doesn’t simply lead the way, like some kind of tour guide, he is
the way. The guide and the experience all in one. To journey with and through a
person, the Son of God, and to meet God through that experience, is an
overwhelming thought.
Today, like yesterday, I am distracted by easier, glossier ways
to live my life. At every turn I’m considering advice on self-improvement, on
achieving good health and longevity, on success. And these roads to health,
wealth and happiness seem sufficient to travel on most of the time. But to walk
with Jesus through this life journey? The life map suddenly becomes more of a
mystery and thus much more interesting
Saint Paschal Baylon
Saint of the Day for May 17
(May 24, 1540 – May 15, 1592)
Saint Paschal Baylon’s story
In Paschal’s lifetime the Spanish empire in the New World was at
the height of its power, though France and England were soon to reduce its
influence. The 16th century has been called the Golden Age of the Church in
Spain, for it gave birth to Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila,
John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, Francis Solano, and Salvator of Horta.
Paschal’s Spanish parents were poor and pious. Between the ages
of seven and 24 he worked as a shepherd and began a life of mortification. He
was able to pray on the job and was especially attentive to the church bell,
which rang at the Elevation during Mass. Paschal had a very honest streak in
him. He once offered to pay owners of crops for any damage his animals caused!
In 1564, Paschal joined the Friars Minor and gave himself
wholeheartedly to a life of penance. Though he was urged to study for the
priesthood, he chose to be a brother. At various times he served as porter,
cook, gardener, and official beggar.
Paschal was careful to observe the vow of poverty. He would
never waste any food or anything given for the use of the friars. When he was
porter and took care of the poor coming to the door, he developed a reputation
for great generosity. The friars sometimes tried to moderate his liberality!
Paschal spent his spare moments praying before the Blessed
Sacrament. In time, many people sought his wise counsel. People flocked to
his tomb immediately after his burial; miracles were reported promptly. Paschal
was canonized in 1690 and was named patron of eucharistic congresses and
societies in 1897.
Reflection
Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament occupied much of Saint Francis’ energy. Most of his letters were to promote
devotion to the Eucharist. Paschal shared that concern. An hour in prayer
before our Lord in the Eucharist could teach all of us a great deal. Some holy
and busy Catholics today find that their work is enriched by those minutes
regularly spent in prayer and meditation.
Saint Paschal Baylon is the Patron Saint of:
Eucharistic Congresses and Societies
Shepherds
Shepherds
Lectio Divina: John 14:1-6
Lectio Divina
Friday, May 17, 2019
Easter Time
1) Opening prayer
Lord our God,
your Son Jesus Christ is to us
the way that leads to You and to one another,
the truth that is good news of love and hope,
the life which He sacrificed to give it.
Help us to show the way to Him
and to go His way to one another,
to speak the truth that is encouraging and credible,
to give life by sharing happiness,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
your Son Jesus Christ is to us
the way that leads to You and to one another,
the truth that is good news of love and hope,
the life which He sacrificed to give it.
Help us to show the way to Him
and to go His way to one another,
to speak the truth that is encouraging and credible,
to give life by sharing happiness,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2) Gospel Reading - John 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be
troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house
there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I
am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may
be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not
know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am
the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
me.”
3) Reflection
• These five chapters (Jn 13-17) are a beautiful example of how
the communities of the Beloved Disciple at the end of the first century in Asia
Minor, which today is Turkey, carried on the catechesis. For example, in
chapter 14, the questions of the three disciples, Thomas (Jn 14:5), Philip (Jn
14:8) and Judas Thaddeus (Jn 14:22) were also the questions and problems within
the communities. The answers of Jesus to the three of them are like a mirror in
which the communities found a response to their doubts and difficulties. To
better understand the environment in which the catechesis was carried out, it
is possible to do the following. During and after the reading of the text, it
is good to close the eyes and pretend that we are in the room in the midst of
the disciples, participating in the encounter with Jesus. While we listen, it
is necessary to pay attention to the way which Jesus prepares His friends to
separate themselves and reveals to them His friendship, communicating to them
security and support.
• John 14:1-2: Do not let your hearts be troubled. The text
begins with an exhortation: “Do not let your hearts be troubled!” And
immediately He adds: “In my Father’s house there are many places to live in!”
The insistence on continuing to use encouraging words to overcome troubles and
differences is a sign that there were many disagreements among the communities.
One would say to the other: “Our way of living the faith is better than yours.
We are saved! You live in error: If you want to go to heaven, you have to
convert yourselves and live like we do!” Jesus says: “In My Father’s house
there are many places!” It is not necessary that everybody thinks the same way.
The important thing is that all accept Jesus, the revelation of the Father, and
that out of love for Him, they have attitudes of understanding, service and
love. Love and service are the basis which unite the bricks and help the
diverse communities to become a Church of brothers and sisters.
• John 14:3-4: The farewell of Jesus. Jesus says that He is
going to prepare a place and that afterwards He will return to take us with Him
to the Father’s house. He wants us to be with Him forever. The return which
Jesus speaks about is the coming of the Spirit that He sends and who acts in
us, in such a way that we can live as He lived (Jn 14:16-17.26; 16:13-14).
John's community feared a delay in His future return and his Gospel is filled
with reminders of the Spirit. Jesus ends by saying: “You know the way to the
place where I am going!” Anyone who knows Jesus knows the way, because the way
is the life that He lived and which led Him through death together to the
Father.
• John 14:5-6: Thomas asks which is the way. Thomas says: “Lord,
we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answers:
“I am the Way, I am Truth and Life! No one can come to the Father except
through Me”. Three important words. Without the way we cannot go. Without the
truth one cannot make a good choice. Without life, there is only death! Jesus
explains the sense. He is the Way, because “No one can come to the Father
except through Me”. And He is the gate through which the sheep enter and go out
(Jn 10:9). Jesus is the truth, because looking at Him, we see the image of the
Father. “Anyone who knows Me knows the Father!” Jesus is the life, because
walking like Jesus, we will be united to the Father and we will have life in
us!
4) Personal questions
• In the context and with knowledge of the last few days'
Gospels, how do we go to the Father through Jesus? What is involved?
• Jesus says: “In My Father’s house there are many places”. How would you interpret this today? How would you interpret this relative to ecumenism? Or within Church doctrine?
• Jesus says: “In My Father’s house there are many places”. How would you interpret this today? How would you interpret this relative to ecumenism? Or within Church doctrine?
5) Concluding Prayer
Sing a new song to Yahweh,
for He has performed wonders,
His saving power is in His right hand and His holy arm. (Ps 98:1)
for He has performed wonders,
His saving power is in His right hand and His holy arm. (Ps 98:1)
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