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
Psalm2:6-7, 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 8, 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 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 8 May 2020
Acts 13:26-33. You are my Son; this day I have begotten
you – Psalm 2:6-11. John 14:1-6.
I am the Way, the Truth and the Life
How I would have loved to be there to hear Paul preach. He is
speaking to Jews about the great changes that have happened through the life,
death and resurrection of Jesus. At this stage those who came to be called
Christians were still part of the Jewish community and Paul always got in touch
with the Jewish communities wherever he went. Now everything is different;
because of Jesus we can now be called sons and daughters of the Father.
Paul ends by quoting Psalm 2 and we proclaim part of that psalm
straight after the first reading. We are now the heirs. As John tells us in the
Gospel, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and the only way to the Father
is through him. We have to become like him to accept our inheritance. We have
to trust in God and trust in Jesus.
Saint Peter of Tarentaise
Saint of the Day for May 8
(1102 – 1175)
 |
| Papal Bull of Pope Alexander III establishing the Abbey de Fontenay | photo by Ji-Elle |
Saint Peter of Tarentaise’s Story
There are two men named Saint Peter of Tarentaise who lived
one century apart. The man we honor today is the younger Peter, born in France
in the early part of the 12th century. The other man with the same name became
Pope Innocent the Fifth.
The Peter we’re focusing on today became a Cistercian monk and
eventually served as abbot. In 1142, he was named archbishop of Tarentaise,
replacing a bishop who had been deposed because of corruption. Peter tackled
his new assignment with vigor. He brought reform into his diocese, replaced lax
clergy, and reached out to the poor. He visited all parts of his mountainous
diocese on a regular basis.
After about a decade as bishop, Peter “disappeared” for a year
and lived quietly as a lay brother at an abbey in Switzerland. When he was
found out, the reluctant bishop was persuaded to return to his post. He again
focused many of his energies on the poor.
Peter died in 1175 on his way home from an unsuccessful papal
assignment to reconcile the kings of France and England.
Reflection
We probably know a lot of people who would welcome the chance to
receive some honor or honorary position. They relish the thought of the glamour
and glory. But saints like Peter of Tarentaise remind us that humility and the
avoidance of glory is the way of the Gospel.
Lectio Divina: John 14:1-6
Lectio Divina
Friday, May 8, 2020
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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