Sixth Sunday of Easter
Lectionary: 57
Lectionary: 57
Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,
"Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,
you cannot be saved."
Because there arose no little dissension and debate
by Paul and Barnabas with them,
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others
should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders
about this question.
The apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:
"The apostles and the elders, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
'It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right. Farewell.'"
"Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,
you cannot be saved."
Because there arose no little dissension and debate
by Paul and Barnabas with them,
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others
should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders
about this question.
The apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:
"The apostles and the elders, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
'It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right. Farewell.'"
Responsorial
Psalm PS 67:2-3,5,6,8
R. (4) O God,
let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Reading 2REV 21:10-14, 22-23
The angel took me in spirit to a great, high mountain
and showed me the holy city Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven from God.
It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone,
like jasper, clear as crystal.
It had a massive, high wall,
with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed
and on which names were inscribed,
the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.
There were three gates facing east,
three north, three south, and three west.
The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation,
on which were inscribed the twelve names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
I saw no temple in the city
for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it,
for the glory of God gave it light,
and its lamp was the Lamb.
and showed me the holy city Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven from God.
It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone,
like jasper, clear as crystal.
It had a massive, high wall,
with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed
and on which names were inscribed,
the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.
There were three gates facing east,
three north, three south, and three west.
The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation,
on which were inscribed the twelve names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
I saw no temple in the city
for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it,
for the glory of God gave it light,
and its lamp was the Lamb.
AlleluiaJN 14:23
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 14:23-29
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.
"I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
'I am going away and I will come back to you.'
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe."
"Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.
"I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
'I am going away and I will come back to you.'
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe."
Meditation: "My peace I give to you"
Do
you know the love that surpasses all, that is stronger than death itself (Song
of Songs 8:6)? In Jesus' last supper discourse he speaks of the love he has for
his disciples and of his Father's love. He prepares his disciples for his
imminent departure to return to his Father by exhorting them to prove their
love for him through their loyalty and obedience to his word. He promises them
the abiding instruction and consolation of the Holy Spirit.
God
unites us to himself in a bond of love and peace
Saint Augustine says the Lord loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love. God’s love for each of us is as real and tangible as the love of a mother for her child and the love of a lover who gives all for his beloved. God made us in love for love - to know him personally and to grow in the knowledge of his great love for us and to love him in return.
Saint Augustine says the Lord loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love. God’s love for each of us is as real and tangible as the love of a mother for her child and the love of a lover who gives all for his beloved. God made us in love for love - to know him personally and to grow in the knowledge of his great love for us and to love him in return.
How
can we know and be assured of the love of God? The Holy Spirit helps us to grow
in the knowledge of God and his great love. The Spirit enables us to experience
the love of God and to be assured of the Lord’s abiding presence with us (see
Romans 8:35-39). The Holy Spirit also opens our ears to hear and understand the
word of God. Do you listen attentively to God's word and believe it? Ask the
Holy Spirit to inflame your heart with the love of God and his word.
The
true nature of peace
Do you know the peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)? In his farewell discourse Jesus grants peace as his gift to his disciples. What kind of peace does he offer? The peace of Christ is more than the absence of trouble. It includes everything which makes for our highest good. The world's approach to peace is avoidance of trouble and a refusal to face unpleasant things. Jesus offers the peace which conquers our fears and anxieties. Nothing can take us from the peace and joy of Jesus Christ. No sorrow or grief, no danger, no suffering can make it less.
Do you know the peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)? In his farewell discourse Jesus grants peace as his gift to his disciples. What kind of peace does he offer? The peace of Christ is more than the absence of trouble. It includes everything which makes for our highest good. The world's approach to peace is avoidance of trouble and a refusal to face unpleasant things. Jesus offers the peace which conquers our fears and anxieties. Nothing can take us from the peace and joy of Jesus Christ. No sorrow or grief, no danger, no suffering can make it less.
How
can we attain the peace which the Lord Jesus offers his followers? Through the
gift and work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, the Lord Jesus shows us
how to yield our passions of anger, fear, and pride to him so we can receive
his gift of peace. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and strengthens us
with his gifts and supernatural virtues which enable us to live as wise and
holy disciples of Christ.
Caesarius
of Arles (470-542 AD), an early church bishop in Gaul who was noted for his
godly wisdom and preaching of Scripture, linked peace with the character of
Christ and the Christlike virtues which help us to grow as disciples of Jesus
Christ. Caesarius describes some of the key character traits (virtues) which
form us into true people of peace:
"Peace,
indeed, is serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, simplicity of heart, the bond
of love, the fellowship of charity. It removes hatred, settles wars, restrains
wrath, tramples on pride, loves the humble, pacifies the discordant and makes
enemies agree. For it is pleasing to everyone. It does not seek what belongs to
another or consider anything as its own. It teaches people to love because it
does not know how to get angry, or to extol itself or become inflated with
pride. It is meek and humble to everyone, possessing rest and tranquility
within itself. When the peace of Christ is exercised by a Christian, it is
brought to perfection by Christ. If anyone loves it, he will be an heir of God,
while anyone who despises it rebels against Christ.
"When
our Lord Jesus Christ was returning to the Father, he left his peace to his
followers as their inherited good, teaching them and saying, 'My peace I give
to you, my peace I leave with you.' Anyone who has received this peace should
keep it, and one who has destroyed it should look for it, while anyone who has
lost it should seek it. For if anyone is not found with it, he will be
disinherited by the Father and deprived of his inheritance." (Sermon
174.1)
"Lord
Jesus, in love you created me and you drew me to yourself. May I never lose
sight of you nor forget your steadfast love and faithfulness. And may I daily
dwell upon your word and give you praise in the sanctuary of my heart, You who
are my All."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: God is pleased to dwell in us, by
Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"God
is not too grand to come, he is not too fussy or shy, he is not too proud - on
the contrary he is pleased to come if you do not displease him. Listen to the
promise he makes. Listen to him indeed promising with pleasure, not threatening
in displeasure, "We shall come to him," he says, "I and the
Father." To the one he had earlier called his friend, the one who obeys
his precepts, the keeper of his commandment, the lover of God, the lover of his
neighbor, he says, "We shall come to him and make our abode with
him." (excerpt from Sermon 23,6)
6th 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 15:1-2, 22-29
Last week we heard of the end of Saint Paul’s first missionary journey. Today we hear of the Council of Jerusalem.
Just as the Jewish faith had a ruling council (Greek: Synedrion; transliterated into English as Sanhedrin), the early Christian church was not disorganized with the apostles and their followers each going their own separate ways. When a question arose, they would gather to work out a common answer which was applicable to all. The council of Jerusalem is the first known of these councils and was called to answer the questions raised by the Judaizers around A.D. 50, some 17-20 years after Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Since that time there have been many local councils and 21 universal (ecumenical) councils. To be considered an ecumenical council, the works must be approved by the pope.
The council of Jerusalem falls in the middle of the book of Acts and describes the turning point for the Church when the council officially recognizes the evangelization of the Gentiles. This evangelization had been initiated by Saints Peter, Barnabas and Paul. Thus, the Christian church broke away from the Mosaic rules while maintaining its roots in the rich theology and traditions of the chosen people.
15:1 Some who had come down from Judea
This points to the Jerusalem church as their origin.
were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised
The main issue at this council is “do you have to become a Jew before you can become a
Christian?”
according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.”
Circumcision was prescribed by the Torah which, according to Hebrew tradition, was written down by Moses. Genesis 17:9 traces the practice of circumcision to Abraham. Circumcision placed a physical mark on the body indicating that the bearer was one of God’s chosen people.
2 Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them,
For once, Saint Luke reports a conflict that Saint Paul does not (see Galatians 2:1).
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question.
The officials of the Jerusalem church. Galatians 2:9 tells us that Saints Peter, James and John were there.
Our reading today skips over verses 3-21 which give some insight into how the Council proceeded. Let’s review them to gain some background:
3 They were sent on their journey by the church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. 5 But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.” 6 The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. 7 After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. 10 Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” 12 The whole assembly fell silent,
Notice that after Saint Peter (our first pope) speaks, the issue is settled; there is no more debate.
and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. 13 After they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me. 14 Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. 15 The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written: 16 ‘After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again, 17 so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things, 18 known from of old.’ 19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood. 21 For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”
Saint Paul is not amending Saint Peter’s decision but is offering a manner of implementation which will not offend the sensibilities of the Jewish onlookers while at the same time relieving the converts, both Jewish and Gentile, of the prescriptions of the Mosaic law.
And now, back to the reading.
22 Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
He is otherwise unknown.
and Silas,
Saint Paul’s future companion
leaders among the brothers. 23 This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin:
Although the problem appeared in Antioch, the letter is addressed to its expanding mission territories.
greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some of our number (who went out) without any mandate from us
The implication is that the conduct was unauthorized. This would indicate that there was a central authority within the Church, even at this early date.
have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, 25 we have
Verse 22 says “apostles and elders” this is the central authority within the Church.
with one accord
The decision was unanimous. Verse 22 declares “in agreement with the whole church.” The ruling body has the ability (and responsibility) to bind the Church in matters of doctrine (Matthew 16:19, 18:18).
decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: 28 ‘It is the decision of the holy Spirit
The true guide of the Church as it spreads from Jerusalem. It directs the work of the authorities as they make the decision. Church authority does not act on its own power or agenda; it is legitimate only in carrying out the saving will of God. The text which follows contains two parts; one disciplinary, and the other moral.
and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, 29 namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
This is the disciplinary part which lays down rules of prudence which can change. It asks Christians of Gentile background to abstain, out of charity toward Jewish Christians, from what has been sacrificed to idols, from blood, and from meat of animals killed by strangulation (thus still having the blood in them). To perform these things would be a sure way of breaking up a mixed Christian community of Jewish and Gentile Christians. The effect of the decree means that the disciplinary rules contained in it, although they derive from the Mosaic law, no longer oblige by virtue of that law but rather by virtue of the authority of the Church, which has decided to apply them for the time being. What matters is not what Moses says but what Jesus the Christ says through the Church.
and from unlawful marriage.
This is the moral part, it declares that the pagan (Gentile) converts are free of the obligation of circumcision and of the Mosaic law but are subject to the gospel’s immutable moral teaching on matters to do with chastity.
If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’”
2nd Reading - Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
Last week we heard the beginning of John’s description of the Heavenly Jerusalem, we now continue with that description. We must remember that it was Jesus’ mission to go to the earthly Jerusalem to offer His sacrifice; so that we could find the path which we must follow to reach the Heavenly Jerusalem and dwell with Him forever.
10 He [the angel] took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.
The seer is granted a vision wherein he is taken to a high mountain to admire the spouse descending from the presence of God (see Ezekiel 40:2-3). He is an inspired apostle, receiving revelation.
11 It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Like the transfiguration, and when Moses came down from the mountain. God’s presence, filling the Church, transfigures her. During Judah’s apostasy, the prophet Ezekiel saw the Glory-Cloud (Shekinah) depart from the Temple and travel east, to the Mount of Olives (Ezekiel 10:18-19; 11:22-23); later, in his vision of the New Jerusalem, he sees the Shekinah returning to dwell in the new Temple, the Church (Ezekiel 43:1-5). This was fulfilled when Christ, the incarnate Glory of God, ascended to His Father in the Cloud from the Mount of Olives (Luke 24:50-51), thereupon sending His Spirit to fill the Church at Pentecost.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal.
The glory of the Church is being compared with its source, the splendor (glory) of God. Recall also the reading from Isaiah 54:11-12 we heard last Easter vigil (“Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days. Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear. Therefore I will give him his portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.”)
12 It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels
Because the city comes from heaven, these must be the celestial guards.
were stationed and on which names were inscribed, (the names) of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.
John alludes to the perfect continuity between God’s people in the Old Covenant (Ezekiel
; Exodus 28:17-21) and the Church in the New Covenant (Matthew 19:28; Luke
13 There were three gates
Three, in Hebrew numerology, is the number of completion.
facing east, three north, three south, and three west.
Four directions, in Hebrew numerology, this indicates the whole world. Three gates times four directions equals twelve, the number of earthly fullness and governmental perfection in Hebrew numerology.
14 The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The preaching of the apostles is to the formation of the Church as the foundation is to an edifice (see 1 Timothy 3:15b).
22 I saw no temple in the city,
The temple was the focal point of the historical Jerusalem, for it was there that God dwelt among His people. But God’s presence in the heavenly Jerusalem is not bounded by temple walls (John 4:21,24). The glory of God and the Lamb completely permeates the city (John 2:19-22; 2 Corinthians 6:16). In Revelation 21:15 (omitted in our reading today) we find that Saint John measured this Heavenly Jerusalem and found that it was a perfect cube; its length, breadth, and height were equal. This means that the Heavenly Jerusalem is shaped just like the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 6:20), in fact it is the Holy of Holies. There is no longer a need for the Holy Place or the various courtyards, everyone can approach God directly.
for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
He is consistently and intimately associated with God.
23 The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.
See Isaiah 24:23; 60:1-3, 19-20; John 8:12; 1 John 1:5.
Gospel - John 14:23:29
Having heard last week of Jesus giving us a new commandment, to love one another, we rejoin Jesus and the apostles at the Last Supper. Jesus is instructing His apostles of the things to come. Before entering into the reading for today, it might be useful and informative to backtrack a few verses to John 14:15 and read:
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
The ten commandments, the new one just given (Love one another), and later “Do this in remembrance of me.”
16And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you desolate;
As orphans, without a family.
I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot)
Judas the son of James, included in Luke’s list of the twelve (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13) and traditionally identified with the Thaddeus of Mark 3:18 and Matthew 10:3.
said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?
The answer to this question is the Eucharist. It is present throughout the world but is not believed.
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word,
He who has my commandments and keeps them.
and my Father will love him,
Covenant language and imagery.
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
There is no longer any separation between God and the believers; they don’t need to look to the parousia to experience the presence of God.
24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
It is the lack of love and obedience that precludes the world from having any part in this manifestation of Father and Son. “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3).” “All who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God (John 1:12).”
yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. 25 “I have told you this while I am with you. 26 The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name -
As the Son was sent in the name of the Father to do His works and will (John 5:43), so the Spirit stands in relation to the Son. Recall that in Semitic usage, name is equivalent to the person. Faith is not simply the acceptance of a proposition, but a commitment to a person. he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you.
After Christ’s ascension, it will be the function of the Holy Spirit to complete the revelation of Christ by enlightening the Church concerning the true and full meaning of what Jesus had done and said. This function was not completed when the New Testament was written but continues today as the Church continues to guide and teach.
27 Peace
Peace, in Hebrew is shalom. Shalom was and is the common Jewish formula of greeting and farewell. The word has a much deeper significance however, as an expression of the harmony and communion with God that is the seal of the covenant (see Numbers 6:24-26). Shalom came to have an eschatological and messianic meaning (see Isaiah 9:6), virtually the same as salvation. It is this spiritual tranquility that Christ gives, which has no resemblance to what the world gives.
I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 28 You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.
During the Arian controversy, this verse was used to support a subordinationist Christology. Though Christ is one with the Father (John 10:30), as the Son he has been sent by the Father to do His will, and in this relationship the Father is the greater. Christ’s return to the Father with His mission accomplished is the condition of all that He has promised to His disciples.
29 And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.
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 15:1-2, 22-29
Last week we heard of the end of Saint Paul’s first missionary journey. Today we hear of the Council of Jerusalem.
Just as the Jewish faith had a ruling council (Greek: Synedrion; transliterated into English as Sanhedrin), the early Christian church was not disorganized with the apostles and their followers each going their own separate ways. When a question arose, they would gather to work out a common answer which was applicable to all. The council of Jerusalem is the first known of these councils and was called to answer the questions raised by the Judaizers around A.D. 50, some 17-20 years after Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Since that time there have been many local councils and 21 universal (ecumenical) councils. To be considered an ecumenical council, the works must be approved by the pope.
The council of Jerusalem falls in the middle of the book of Acts and describes the turning point for the Church when the council officially recognizes the evangelization of the Gentiles. This evangelization had been initiated by Saints Peter, Barnabas and Paul. Thus, the Christian church broke away from the Mosaic rules while maintaining its roots in the rich theology and traditions of the chosen people.
15:1 Some who had come down from Judea
This points to the Jerusalem church as their origin.
were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised
The main issue at this council is “do you have to become a Jew before you can become a
Christian?”
according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.”
Circumcision was prescribed by the Torah which, according to Hebrew tradition, was written down by Moses. Genesis 17:9 traces the practice of circumcision to Abraham. Circumcision placed a physical mark on the body indicating that the bearer was one of God’s chosen people.
2 Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them,
For once, Saint Luke reports a conflict that Saint Paul does not (see Galatians 2:1).
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question.
The officials of the Jerusalem church. Galatians 2:9 tells us that Saints Peter, James and John were there.
Our reading today skips over verses 3-21 which give some insight into how the Council proceeded. Let’s review them to gain some background:
3 They were sent on their journey by the church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. 5 But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.” 6 The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. 7 After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. 10 Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” 12 The whole assembly fell silent,
Notice that after Saint Peter (our first pope) speaks, the issue is settled; there is no more debate.
and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. 13 After they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me. 14 Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. 15 The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written: 16 ‘After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again, 17 so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things, 18 known from of old.’ 19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood. 21 For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”
Saint Paul is not amending Saint Peter’s decision but is offering a manner of implementation which will not offend the sensibilities of the Jewish onlookers while at the same time relieving the converts, both Jewish and Gentile, of the prescriptions of the Mosaic law.
And now, back to the reading.
22 Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
He is otherwise unknown.
and Silas,
Saint Paul’s future companion
leaders among the brothers. 23 This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin:
Although the problem appeared in Antioch, the letter is addressed to its expanding mission territories.
greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some of our number (who went out) without any mandate from us
The implication is that the conduct was unauthorized. This would indicate that there was a central authority within the Church, even at this early date.
have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, 25 we have
Verse 22 says “apostles and elders” this is the central authority within the Church.
with one accord
The decision was unanimous. Verse 22 declares “in agreement with the whole church.” The ruling body has the ability (and responsibility) to bind the Church in matters of doctrine (Matthew 16:19, 18:18).
decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: 28 ‘It is the decision of the holy Spirit
The true guide of the Church as it spreads from Jerusalem. It directs the work of the authorities as they make the decision. Church authority does not act on its own power or agenda; it is legitimate only in carrying out the saving will of God. The text which follows contains two parts; one disciplinary, and the other moral.
and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, 29 namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
This is the disciplinary part which lays down rules of prudence which can change. It asks Christians of Gentile background to abstain, out of charity toward Jewish Christians, from what has been sacrificed to idols, from blood, and from meat of animals killed by strangulation (thus still having the blood in them). To perform these things would be a sure way of breaking up a mixed Christian community of Jewish and Gentile Christians. The effect of the decree means that the disciplinary rules contained in it, although they derive from the Mosaic law, no longer oblige by virtue of that law but rather by virtue of the authority of the Church, which has decided to apply them for the time being. What matters is not what Moses says but what Jesus the Christ says through the Church.
and from unlawful marriage.
This is the moral part, it declares that the pagan (Gentile) converts are free of the obligation of circumcision and of the Mosaic law but are subject to the gospel’s immutable moral teaching on matters to do with chastity.
If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’”
2nd Reading - Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
Last week we heard the beginning of John’s description of the Heavenly Jerusalem, we now continue with that description. We must remember that it was Jesus’ mission to go to the earthly Jerusalem to offer His sacrifice; so that we could find the path which we must follow to reach the Heavenly Jerusalem and dwell with Him forever.
10 He [the angel] took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.
The seer is granted a vision wherein he is taken to a high mountain to admire the spouse descending from the presence of God (see Ezekiel 40:2-3). He is an inspired apostle, receiving revelation.
11 It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Like the transfiguration, and when Moses came down from the mountain. God’s presence, filling the Church, transfigures her. During Judah’s apostasy, the prophet Ezekiel saw the Glory-Cloud (Shekinah) depart from the Temple and travel east, to the Mount of Olives (Ezekiel 10:18-19; 11:22-23); later, in his vision of the New Jerusalem, he sees the Shekinah returning to dwell in the new Temple, the Church (Ezekiel 43:1-5). This was fulfilled when Christ, the incarnate Glory of God, ascended to His Father in the Cloud from the Mount of Olives (Luke 24:50-51), thereupon sending His Spirit to fill the Church at Pentecost.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal.
The glory of the Church is being compared with its source, the splendor (glory) of God. Recall also the reading from Isaiah 54:11-12 we heard last Easter vigil (“Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days. Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear. Therefore I will give him his portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.”)
12 It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels
Because the city comes from heaven, these must be the celestial guards.
were stationed and on which names were inscribed, (the names) of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.
John alludes to the perfect continuity between God’s people in the Old Covenant (Ezekiel
; Exodus 28:17-21) and the Church in the New Covenant (Matthew 19:28; Luke
13 There were three gates
Three, in Hebrew numerology, is the number of completion.
facing east, three north, three south, and three west.
Four directions, in Hebrew numerology, this indicates the whole world. Three gates times four directions equals twelve, the number of earthly fullness and governmental perfection in Hebrew numerology.
14 The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The preaching of the apostles is to the formation of the Church as the foundation is to an edifice (see 1 Timothy 3:15b).
22 I saw no temple in the city,
The temple was the focal point of the historical Jerusalem, for it was there that God dwelt among His people. But God’s presence in the heavenly Jerusalem is not bounded by temple walls (John 4:21,24). The glory of God and the Lamb completely permeates the city (John 2:19-22; 2 Corinthians 6:16). In Revelation 21:15 (omitted in our reading today) we find that Saint John measured this Heavenly Jerusalem and found that it was a perfect cube; its length, breadth, and height were equal. This means that the Heavenly Jerusalem is shaped just like the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 6:20), in fact it is the Holy of Holies. There is no longer a need for the Holy Place or the various courtyards, everyone can approach God directly.
for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
He is consistently and intimately associated with God.
23 The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.
See Isaiah 24:23; 60:1-3, 19-20; John 8:12; 1 John 1:5.
Gospel - John 14:23:29
Having heard last week of Jesus giving us a new commandment, to love one another, we rejoin Jesus and the apostles at the Last Supper. Jesus is instructing His apostles of the things to come. Before entering into the reading for today, it might be useful and informative to backtrack a few verses to John 14:15 and read:
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
The ten commandments, the new one just given (Love one another), and later “Do this in remembrance of me.”
16And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you desolate;
As orphans, without a family.
I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot)
Judas the son of James, included in Luke’s list of the twelve (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13) and traditionally identified with the Thaddeus of Mark 3:18 and Matthew 10:3.
said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?
The answer to this question is the Eucharist. It is present throughout the world but is not believed.
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word,
He who has my commandments and keeps them.
and my Father will love him,
Covenant language and imagery.
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
There is no longer any separation between God and the believers; they don’t need to look to the parousia to experience the presence of God.
24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
It is the lack of love and obedience that precludes the world from having any part in this manifestation of Father and Son. “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3).” “All who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God (John 1:12).”
yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. 25 “I have told you this while I am with you. 26 The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name -
As the Son was sent in the name of the Father to do His works and will (John 5:43), so the Spirit stands in relation to the Son. Recall that in Semitic usage, name is equivalent to the person. Faith is not simply the acceptance of a proposition, but a commitment to a person. he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you.
After Christ’s ascension, it will be the function of the Holy Spirit to complete the revelation of Christ by enlightening the Church concerning the true and full meaning of what Jesus had done and said. This function was not completed when the New Testament was written but continues today as the Church continues to guide and teach.
27 Peace
Peace, in Hebrew is shalom. Shalom was and is the common Jewish formula of greeting and farewell. The word has a much deeper significance however, as an expression of the harmony and communion with God that is the seal of the covenant (see Numbers 6:24-26). Shalom came to have an eschatological and messianic meaning (see Isaiah 9:6), virtually the same as salvation. It is this spiritual tranquility that Christ gives, which has no resemblance to what the world gives.
I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 28 You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.
During the Arian controversy, this verse was used to support a subordinationist Christology. Though Christ is one with the Father (John 10:30), as the Son he has been sent by the Father to do His will, and in this relationship the Father is the greater. Christ’s return to the Father with His mission accomplished is the condition of all that He has promised to His disciples.
29 And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune MS http://www.scborromeo.org
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
SUNDAY, MAY 26, JOHN 14:23-29
(Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23)
SUNDAY, MAY 26, JOHN 14:23-29
(Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23)
KEY VERSE: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you" (v.27).
TO KNOW: As Jesus faced the cross and his final battle with the powers of evil, he comforted his fearful and bewildered disciples about his impending departure. The disciples were afraid that Jesus was abandoning them, but he assured them that he would not leave them orphans. He and the Father would send another advocate (Greek, parakletos), the Holy Spirit. A "paraklete" was legal terminology for an advocate, one who would give witness in someone's favor in a court of law. The Holy Spirit would lead the disciples into a deeper truth about God and remind them of everything that Jesus taught them. The unbelieving world could not accept these divine truths because they did not love Jesus and did not keep his commands. Jesus' disciples would prove their love by obedience to his word. Jesus granted his followers the gift of peace as they awaited the fulfillment of his promises. The peace that Jesus offered his followers was not the absence of strife, but everything that made for their highest good (Hebrew, shalom). Jesus was returning to his Father and would be released from the human limitations of this world, and be restored to his glory. If his disciples really loved him, they would be glad that it was so.
TO LOVE: Am I being true to Christ's word at home and work?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, send your Spirit to counsel your Church in times of trouble.
Sunday 26 May 2019
6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER.
Acts 15:1-2, 22-29. Psalm 66(67):2-3, 5-6, 8. Apocalypse
21:10-14, 22-23. John 14:23-29.
O God, let all the nations praise you! – Psalm 66(67):2-3, 5-6,
8.
‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.’
How do we live righteously when people being avaricious,
egocentric and aggressive seem to gain advancement in this world? Living a life
right with God, neighbours, and the earth (Laudato Si’) can lead to us
being taken for a fool. Our readings today remind us that if we notice the
movement of the Holy Spirit, we will be given cause to know how to respond to
every circumstance. We will know the care of God by the peace that will be
given to us, a peace not of this world.
We attain divine peace by listening to the Holy Spirit at work
in our lives. By loving and attending to the Word we open ourselves up to the
wisdom of God. By discerning how God is speaking to us through the church, we
become more available for mission in the world.
Saint Philip Neri
Saint of the Day for May 26
(July 21, 1515 – May 26, 1595)
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| The Madonna Appearing to Saint Philip Neri | Sebastiano Conca |
Saint Philip Neri’s Story
Philip Neri was a sign of contradiction, combining popularity
with piety against the background of a corrupt Rome and a disinterested clergy:
the whole post-Renaissance malaise.
At an early age, Philip abandoned the chance to become a
businessman, moved to Rome from Florence, and devoted his life and
individuality to God. After three years of philosophy and theology studies, he
gave up any thought of ordination. The next 13 years were spent in a vocation
unusual at the time—that of a layperson actively engaged in prayer and the
apostolate.
As the Council of Trent (1545-63) was reforming the Church on a
doctrinal level, Philip’s appealing personality was winning him friends from
all levels of society, from beggars to cardinals. He rapidly gathered around
himself a group of laypersons won over by his audacious spirituality.
Initially, they met as an informal prayer and discussion group, and also served
poor people in Rome.
At the urging of his confessor, Philip was ordained a priest and
soon became an outstanding confessor himself, gifted with the knack of piercing
the pretenses and illusions of others, though always in a charitable manner and
often with a joke. He arranged talks, discussions, and prayers for his
penitents in a room above the church. He sometimes led “excursions” to other
churches, often with music and a picnic on the way.
Some of Philip’s followers became priests and lived together in
community. This was the beginning of the Oratory, the religious institute he
founded. A feature of their life was a daily afternoon service of four informal
talks, with vernacular hymns and prayers. Giovanni Palestrina was one of
Philip’s followers, and composed music for the services. The Oratory was
finally approved after suffering through a period of accusations of being an assembly
of heretics, where laypersons preached and sang vernacular hymns!
Philip’s advice was sought by many of the prominent figures of
his day. He is one of the influential figures of the Counter-Reformation,
mainly for converting to personal holiness many of the influential people
within the Church itself. His characteristic virtues were humility and gaiety.
After spending a day hearing confessions and receiving visitors,
Philip Neri suffered a hemorrhage and died on the feast of Corpus Christi in
1595. He was beatified in 1615 and canonized in 1622. Three centuries
later, Cardinal John Henry Newman founded the first
English-speaking house of the Oratory in London.
Reflection
Many people wrongly feel that such an attractive and jocular
personality as Philip’s cannot be combined with an intense spirituality.
Philip’s life melts our rigid, narrow views of piety. His approach to sanctity
was truly catholic, all-embracing, and accompanied by a good laugh. Philip
always wanted his followers to become not less but more human through their
striving for holiness
Lectio
Divina: 6th Sunday of Easter (C)
Lectio Divina
Sunday, May 26, 2019
The Holy Spirit will help us
understand Jesus’ words
John 14:23-29
understand Jesus’ words
John 14:23-29
1. Opening prayer
Shaddai, God of the mountain,
You who make of our fragile life
the rock of Your dwelling place,
lead our mind
to strike the rock of the desert,
so that water may gush to quench our thirst.
May the poverty of our feelings
cover us as with a mantle in the darkness of the night
and may it open our heart to hear the echo of silence
until the dawn,
wrapping us with the light of the new morning,
may bring us,
with the spent embers of the fire of the shepherds of the Absolute
who have kept vigil for us close to the divine Master,
the flavor of the holy memory.
You who make of our fragile life
the rock of Your dwelling place,
lead our mind
to strike the rock of the desert,
so that water may gush to quench our thirst.
May the poverty of our feelings
cover us as with a mantle in the darkness of the night
and may it open our heart to hear the echo of silence
until the dawn,
wrapping us with the light of the new morning,
may bring us,
with the spent embers of the fire of the shepherds of the Absolute
who have kept vigil for us close to the divine Master,
the flavor of the holy memory.
2. LECTIO
a) The text:
Jesus said to his disciples: "Whoever loves me will keep my
word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our
dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the
word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. "I have told
you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father
will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I
told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world
gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You
heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved
me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater
than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens
you may believe."
b) A moment of silence:
Let us allow the voice of the Word to resonate within us.
3. MEDITATIO
a) Some questions:
- “And we will come to Him and make our home with Him”: looking
in our interior camp, will we find there the tent of the shekinah (presence)
of God?
- “He who does not love Me does not keep My words: Are the words of Christ empty words for us because of our lack of love? Or could we say that we observe them as a guide on our journey?
- “The Holy Spirit will bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” Jesus returns to the Father, but everything which He has said and done remains with us. When will we be able to remember the marvels which divine grace has accomplished in us? Do we receive or accept the voice of the Spirit who suggests in our interior the meaning of all that has taken place, all that has happened?
- “My peace I give to you” The peace of Christ is His resurrection: When will we be able in our life to abandon the anxiety and the mania of doing, which draws us away from the sources of being? God of peace, when will we live solely from you, peace of our waiting?
- “I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe”: Before it takes place... Jesus likes to explain to us beforehand what is going to happen, so that the events do not take us by surprise, unprepared. But, are we ready to read the signs of our events with the words heard from Him?
- “He who does not love Me does not keep My words: Are the words of Christ empty words for us because of our lack of love? Or could we say that we observe them as a guide on our journey?
- “The Holy Spirit will bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” Jesus returns to the Father, but everything which He has said and done remains with us. When will we be able to remember the marvels which divine grace has accomplished in us? Do we receive or accept the voice of the Spirit who suggests in our interior the meaning of all that has taken place, all that has happened?
- “My peace I give to you” The peace of Christ is His resurrection: When will we be able in our life to abandon the anxiety and the mania of doing, which draws us away from the sources of being? God of peace, when will we live solely from you, peace of our waiting?
- “I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe”: Before it takes place... Jesus likes to explain to us beforehand what is going to happen, so that the events do not take us by surprise, unprepared. But, are we ready to read the signs of our events with the words heard from Him?
b) Key for the reading:
To make our home, Heaven does not have a better place than a
human heart which is in love. Because a dilated heart extends the boundaries
and all barriers of time and space disappear. To live in love is equal to live
in Heaven, to live in Him who is love, and eternal love.
v. 23. Jesus answered him: If a man loves
Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him
and make our home with him. In the origin of every spiritual
experience there is always a movement forward. Take a small step, then
everything moves harmoniously. The step to be taken is only one: If a man loves
Me. Is it really possible to love God? How is it seen that His face is no
longer among the people? To love: What does it really mean? In general, to love
for us means to wish well to one another, to be together, to make choices to
construct a future, to give oneself... to love Jesus is not the same thing. To
love Him means to do as He did, not to draw back in the face of pain, of death;
to consciously walk into pain and suffering if need be for the sake of another;
and love as He did takes us very far... and it is in this love that the word
becomes daily bread to eat and life becomes Heaven because of the Father’s
presence.
vv. 24-25. He who does not love Me does not
keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who
sent Me. If there is no love, the consequences are disastrous. The words
of Jesus can be observed only if there is love in the heart; otherwise they
remain absurd proposals. Those words are not the words of a man. They come from
the Father’s heart who proposes to each one of us to be like Him. In life it is
not so much a question of doing things, even if they are very good. It is
necessary to be human, to be sons and daughters, to be images similar to the
One who never ceases to give Himself completely.
vv. 25-26. These things I have spoken to you,
while I am still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father
will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and will bring to your
remembrance all that I have said to you. To
remember is an action of the Spirit; when in our days the past is seen as
something lost forever and the future is there as something threatening to take
away our joy today, only the divine Breath in you can lead you to remember it.
To remember what has been said, every word coming from God’s mouth for you, and
forgotten because time has gone by.
v. 27. Peace I leave with you; my peace I
give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be
troubled, neither let them be afraid. The peace of Christ for us
is not absence of conflicts, serenity of life, health... but the plenitude of every
good, absence of anxiety in the face of what is going to happen. The Lord does
not assure us well-being, but the fullness of son-ship in a loving adherence to
His plans which are good for us. We will possess peace, when we will have
learned to trust in that which the Father chooses for us.
v. 28. You heard Me say to you, ‘I go
away, and I will come to you’. If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced,
because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. We come
back to the question of love. If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced. But
what is the meaning of this statement pronounced by the Master? We could
complete the phrase and say: If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I
go to the Father... but since you think of yourselves, you are sad because I am
leaving, going away. The love of the disciples is an egoistic love. They do not
love Jesus because they do not think of Him, they think of themselves. Then,
the love which Jesus asks is this love: a love capable of
rejoicing because the other will be happy! It is a love capable of not
thinking of self as the center of the universe, but as a place in which one
feels open to give and to be able to receive: not in exchange, but as the
“effect” of the gift received.
v. 29. I have told you before it takes
place, so when it does take place, you may believe. Jesus
instructs His own because He knows that they will remain confused and will be
slow in understanding. His words do not vanish. They remain as a presence
in the world, treasures of understanding in faith: an encounter with the
Absolute who is always and for always in favor of man.
c) Reflection:
Love: a magic and ancient word as old as the world, a familiar
word which is born in the horizon of every human being in the moment in which
he or she is called into existence. A word written in his human fibers as
origin and end, as an instrument of peace, as bread and gift, as himself, as
others, as God. A word entrusted to history through our history of every day.
Love, a pact which has always had one name alone: humanity. Yes, because love
coincides with humanity: love is the air that we breathe, love is the food
which is given to us, love is the rest to which we entrusts ourselves, love is
the bond of union which makes of us a land of encounter. That love with which
God has seen in His creation and has given: “It is something very good”. God
has not taken back the commitment taken when man made of himself a rejection
more than a gift, a slap more than a caress, a stone thrown more than a silent tear.
He has loved even more with the eyes and the heart of the Son, up to the end.
This man who became a burning torch of sin, the Father has redeemed Him, again
and solely out of love, in the Fire of the Spirit.
4. ORATIO
Psalm 37:23-31
The steps of a man are from the Lord,
and He establishes him in whose way He delights;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord is the stay of his hand.
I have been young, and now am old;
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging bread.
He is ever giving liberally and lending,
and His children become a blessing.
Depart from evil, and do good;
so shall you abide for ever.
For the Lord loves justice;
He will not forsake His saints.
The righteous shall be preserved for ever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall possess the land,
and dwell upon it for ever.
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.
and He establishes him in whose way He delights;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord is the stay of his hand.
I have been young, and now am old;
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging bread.
He is ever giving liberally and lending,
and His children become a blessing.
Depart from evil, and do good;
so shall you abide for ever.
For the Lord loves justice;
He will not forsake His saints.
The righteous shall be preserved for ever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall possess the land,
and dwell upon it for ever.
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.
5. CONTEMPLATIO
I see you, Lord, dwelling in my days through Your word which
accompanies me in my more intense moments, when my love for You becomes
courageous, audacious and I do not give up in the face of what I feel that does
not belong to me. That Spirit which is like the wind: blows where it wants and
His voice is not heard, that Spirit has become space in me, and now I can tell
You that He is like a dear fried with whom to remember. To go back to remember
the words said, to the lived events, to the presence perceived while on the
way, does good to the heart. I feel profoundly this indwelling every time that,
in silence, one of Your phrases comes to mind, one of Your invitations, one of
Your words of compassion, Your silence. The nights of Your prayer allow me to
pray to the Father and to find peace. Lord, tenderness concealed in the folds
of my gestures, grant me to treasure all that You are a scroll which is
explained, in which it is easy to understand the meaning of my existence. May
my words be the dwelling place of Your words, may my hunger be Your dwelling,
bread of life, may my pain be the empty tomb and the folded shroud so that
everything that You want may be accomplished, up to the last breath. I love
You, Lord, my rock.
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