Reading 1
2 Cor 8:1-9
We want you to know, brothers and sisters, of the grace of God
that has been given to the churches of Macedonia,
for in a severe test of affliction,
the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty
overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
For according to their means, I can testify,
and beyond their means, spontaneously,
they begged us insistently for the favor of taking part
in the service to the holy ones,
and this, not as we expected,
but they gave themselves first to the Lord
and to us through the will of God,
so that we urged Titus that, as he had already begun,
he should also complete for you this gracious act also.
Now as you excel in every respect,
in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness,
and in the love we have for you,
may you excel in this gracious act also.
I say this not by way of command,
but to test the genuineness of your love
by your concern for others.
For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that for your sake he became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
146:2, 5-6ab, 6c- 7, 8-9a
Responsorial PsalmR. (1b)
Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD, my soul!
I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD, his God,
Who made heaven and earth,
the sea and all that is in them.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD gives sight to the blind.
The LORD raises up those who were bowed down;
the LORD loves the just.
The LORD protects strangers.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Mt 5:38-42
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Meditation: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
“The abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)
If someone is experiencing poverty, wouldn’t you expect him to rein in his spending and conserve his resources? If he is hurt or suffering in any way, wouldn’t you expect him to rest, nurse his wounds, and rebuild his strength? Instead, Paul tells us that the faith and joy of the Macedonian Christians overflowed in generosity—they even begged for the privilege of helping!
In his letter, Paul gives a key for understanding such unstinting generosity. “They gave themselves first to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5). You can just imagine them praying: I’m yours, Lord. All that I am and everything I have comes from you and belongs to you. How should I use the resources that you have entrusted to me? Because they prayed with this kind of openness, they didn’t object when God asked them to give generously to the church in Jerusalem during a time of famine. This involved great trust on their part. They had to believe that God would take care of their needs if they gave priority to the needs of other members of the body of Christ.
How did the Macedonians find the grace to respond in this way? Again Paul gives us an answer: “You know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). It wasn’t just Jesus’ example that prompted them to be generous. It was his life within them as well.
How generous are you when you come face-to-face with the needs of others? Perhaps you count up your resources and see if you can spare a little after you’ve taken care of your own priorities. That’s a good start. But maybe the Spirit is nudging you to make it more personal and more self-sacrificing. Come before the Lord and ask him to help you see him in the faces of his needy children. Bring the resources he has given you and try to make them all available for his use.
“Father, I know I can never outdo you in generosity. Open my eyes and my heart to the needs of all your children.”
14 June 2011
13 June 2011, Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church
Reading 1
2 Cor 6:1-10
Brothers and sisters:
As your fellow workers, we appeal to you
not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says:
In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.
Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
We cause no one to stumble in anything,
in order that no fault may be found with our ministry;
on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves
as ministers of God, through much endurance,
in afflictions, hardships, constraints,
beatings, imprisonments, riots,
labors, vigils, fasts;
by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness,
in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love, in truthful speech,
in the power of God;
with weapons of righteousness at the right and at the left;
through glory and dishonor, insult and praise.
We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful;
as unrecognized and yet acknowledged;
as dying and behold we live;
as chastised and yet not put to death;
as sorrowful yet always rejoicing;
as poor yet enriching many;
as having nothing and yet possessing all things.
98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4
Responsorial PsalmR. (2a)
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
In the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
Gospel
Mt 5:38-42
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one to him as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand him your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go with him for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”
Meditation: Matthew 5:38-42
“When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” (Matthew 5:39)
Has anyone ever hit you, and you wanted to turn around and slug them back? Has anyone ever stolen from you, and you think you would like to steal from them in return? Has someone spread false rumors about you, and you just wanted to tell lies about the offending person?
If you ever gave in to those urges, you might justify it by lex talionis, a law of equal and direct retribution, or as the Hebrew scriptures say, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:24). The problem is, your justification may not be correct. This form of reciprocal justice was for the courts to decide, not for individual persons. In fact, personal retribution was forbidden by the Jewish Law: “Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to go beyond the limits of “logical justice” enshrined in the lex talionis of the ancient Near East. He asks us to place mercy above every other consideration. If a person strikes you on the right cheek, you are to offer him the left cheek. If someone steals a shirt from you, you are to offer him your coat as well. If someone asks for a little help, go the extra mile and offer him or her a lot of help. Even St. Paul encourages us to be patient, kind, loving, and truthful as we rely on the power of God (2 Corinthians 6:4-7).
Let’s face it: This is no easy task. But Jesus knows how challenging his teaching is. He knows we are bound to fail at times. We should hold ourselves to a high standard, but we should also trust that he will never judge us harshly. The key is to keep trying. Take small steps toward pardoning past hurts and wrongs. Do your best to be generous and kind to your neighbors. Over time, the Holy Spirit will move you farther and farther along, until you are ready to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile in a spirit of true love and generosity.
“Heavenly Father, I thank you that your grace and your mercies are new each day. I marvel at your mercy and generosity. Come, Father, and give me a heart of mercy and generosity!”
2 Cor 6:1-10
Brothers and sisters:
As your fellow workers, we appeal to you
not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says:
In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.
Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
We cause no one to stumble in anything,
in order that no fault may be found with our ministry;
on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves
as ministers of God, through much endurance,
in afflictions, hardships, constraints,
beatings, imprisonments, riots,
labors, vigils, fasts;
by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness,
in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love, in truthful speech,
in the power of God;
with weapons of righteousness at the right and at the left;
through glory and dishonor, insult and praise.
We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful;
as unrecognized and yet acknowledged;
as dying and behold we live;
as chastised and yet not put to death;
as sorrowful yet always rejoicing;
as poor yet enriching many;
as having nothing and yet possessing all things.
98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4
Responsorial PsalmR. (2a)
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
In the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
Gospel
Mt 5:38-42
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one to him as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand him your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go with him for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”
Meditation: Matthew 5:38-42
“When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” (Matthew 5:39)
Has anyone ever hit you, and you wanted to turn around and slug them back? Has anyone ever stolen from you, and you think you would like to steal from them in return? Has someone spread false rumors about you, and you just wanted to tell lies about the offending person?
If you ever gave in to those urges, you might justify it by lex talionis, a law of equal and direct retribution, or as the Hebrew scriptures say, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:24). The problem is, your justification may not be correct. This form of reciprocal justice was for the courts to decide, not for individual persons. In fact, personal retribution was forbidden by the Jewish Law: “Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to go beyond the limits of “logical justice” enshrined in the lex talionis of the ancient Near East. He asks us to place mercy above every other consideration. If a person strikes you on the right cheek, you are to offer him the left cheek. If someone steals a shirt from you, you are to offer him your coat as well. If someone asks for a little help, go the extra mile and offer him or her a lot of help. Even St. Paul encourages us to be patient, kind, loving, and truthful as we rely on the power of God (2 Corinthians 6:4-7).
Let’s face it: This is no easy task. But Jesus knows how challenging his teaching is. He knows we are bound to fail at times. We should hold ourselves to a high standard, but we should also trust that he will never judge us harshly. The key is to keep trying. Take small steps toward pardoning past hurts and wrongs. Do your best to be generous and kind to your neighbors. Over time, the Holy Spirit will move you farther and farther along, until you are ready to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile in a spirit of true love and generosity.
“Heavenly Father, I thank you that your grace and your mercies are new each day. I marvel at your mercy and generosity. Come, Father, and give me a heart of mercy and generosity!”
12 June 2011, Pentecost Sunday Mass during the Day
Reading 1
Acts 2:1-11
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,
they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky
a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd,
but they were confused
because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
They were astounded, and in amazement they asked,
“Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
Then how does each of us hear them in his native language?
We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites,
inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene,
as well as travelers from Rome,
both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs,
yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues
of the mighty acts of God.”
Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
Responsorial PsalmR. (cf. 30)
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
How manifold are your works, O Lord!
the earth is full of your creatures;
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD be glad in his works!
Pleasing to him be my theme;
I will be glad in the LORD.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
If you take away their breath, they perish
and return to their dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Reading II
1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13
Brothers and sisters:
No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
As a body is one though it has many parts,
and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,
so also Christ.
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,
whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,
and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.
Gospel
Jn 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Meditation: Acts 2:1-11
Meditation: Acts 2:1-11
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Pentecost
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4)
Happy Pentecost! Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, and Luke gives us a dramatic picture of the event: The Spirit came upon the apostles with a “strong driving wind” and with “tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:2,3).
It is clear, as you read Chapter 2 of Acts, that something radical happened in the lives of the apostles when they were filled with the Spirit. They were filled with excitement and began speaking all about Jesus and his resurrection. Their hearts were burning with love for the Lord and with a desire to share his good news with everyone. They were so excited, in fact, that many of the people who saw them assumed that they were drunk!
But then Peter took the lead. He told the people how Jesus was nailed to a cross, “But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24). Peter’s words cut the people to the heart, and they asked what they should do. Peter’s answer was simple and direct: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (2:38). Many of the people took his words to heart and were filled with the Spirit that day. And so the church was born!
This story tells us that Pentecost is meant to be experienced. The Spirit wants to burn the knowledge of God’s love and mercy into our hearts. He wants to fill us with the same joy that the apostles knew— the joy of our salvation and the joy of knowing Jesus. As we feel this joy, we will yearn for God’s presence every day, and we will want to avoid everything—every sin—that would separate us from him and his love.
“Lord, fill us all anew with your Holy Spirit. Melt us with your fire, and refresh us with your wind. May our lives be changed today— forever!”
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13; John 20:19-23)
1. The first reading describes the moment when the Holy Spirit “came to rest” on each one of the disciples. Witnesses are described as “confused”, “astounded” and “in amazement.” Each of us, as baptized Catholics, has also received the Holy Spirit. Do you believe there is enough evidence in your life to “convict” you of being a Christian with the Holy Spirit indwelling you? Do you believe that the Lord wants to give you a deeper infilling of his Spirit? How can this happen?
2. The responsorial psalm says the Holy Spirit will “renew the face of the earth”. What in your life would you like the Holy Spirit to renew?
3. The second reading says that spiritual gifts are given to each of us for the benefit of others. What spiritual gifts have you received from the Holy Spirit that can benefit your family, your parish, and others? How are you using them?
4. The second reading also uses the metaphor of a body to describe our Church, “and all parts of the body, though many, are one body.” In Christ, all differences are united. How tolerant are you of other members of the body of Christ who are different than you? What steps can you take, individually or with a group, to bring more unity to your parish? Are you also willing to reach out to non-Catholics Christians as well? Why or why not?
5. In the Gospel, Jesus’ first words to the disciples after his resurrection were words of consolation and reassurance: “peace be with you.” Following his example, what practical steps can you take this week to bring the Lord’s love, comfort, and peace to others? What are the obstacles in you that keep you from witnessing God’s love to others? How can you overcome them?
6. The meditation tells us that “Pentecost is meant to be experienced.” What do these words mean to you? In what specific ways would you have the Holy Spirit manifest himself more powerfully in your life?
7. Take some time now to pray for a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.
Acts 2:1-11
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,
they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky
a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd,
but they were confused
because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
They were astounded, and in amazement they asked,
“Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
Then how does each of us hear them in his native language?
We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites,
inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene,
as well as travelers from Rome,
both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs,
yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues
of the mighty acts of God.”
Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
Responsorial PsalmR. (cf. 30)
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
How manifold are your works, O Lord!
the earth is full of your creatures;
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD be glad in his works!
Pleasing to him be my theme;
I will be glad in the LORD.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
If you take away their breath, they perish
and return to their dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Reading II
1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13
Brothers and sisters:
No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
As a body is one though it has many parts,
and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,
so also Christ.
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,
whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,
and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.
Gospel
Jn 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Meditation: Acts 2:1-11
Meditation: Acts 2:1-11
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Pentecost
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4)
Happy Pentecost! Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, and Luke gives us a dramatic picture of the event: The Spirit came upon the apostles with a “strong driving wind” and with “tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:2,3).
It is clear, as you read Chapter 2 of Acts, that something radical happened in the lives of the apostles when they were filled with the Spirit. They were filled with excitement and began speaking all about Jesus and his resurrection. Their hearts were burning with love for the Lord and with a desire to share his good news with everyone. They were so excited, in fact, that many of the people who saw them assumed that they were drunk!
But then Peter took the lead. He told the people how Jesus was nailed to a cross, “But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24). Peter’s words cut the people to the heart, and they asked what they should do. Peter’s answer was simple and direct: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (2:38). Many of the people took his words to heart and were filled with the Spirit that day. And so the church was born!
This story tells us that Pentecost is meant to be experienced. The Spirit wants to burn the knowledge of God’s love and mercy into our hearts. He wants to fill us with the same joy that the apostles knew— the joy of our salvation and the joy of knowing Jesus. As we feel this joy, we will yearn for God’s presence every day, and we will want to avoid everything—every sin—that would separate us from him and his love.
“Lord, fill us all anew with your Holy Spirit. Melt us with your fire, and refresh us with your wind. May our lives be changed today— forever!”
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13; John 20:19-23)
1. The first reading describes the moment when the Holy Spirit “came to rest” on each one of the disciples. Witnesses are described as “confused”, “astounded” and “in amazement.” Each of us, as baptized Catholics, has also received the Holy Spirit. Do you believe there is enough evidence in your life to “convict” you of being a Christian with the Holy Spirit indwelling you? Do you believe that the Lord wants to give you a deeper infilling of his Spirit? How can this happen?
2. The responsorial psalm says the Holy Spirit will “renew the face of the earth”. What in your life would you like the Holy Spirit to renew?
3. The second reading says that spiritual gifts are given to each of us for the benefit of others. What spiritual gifts have you received from the Holy Spirit that can benefit your family, your parish, and others? How are you using them?
4. The second reading also uses the metaphor of a body to describe our Church, “and all parts of the body, though many, are one body.” In Christ, all differences are united. How tolerant are you of other members of the body of Christ who are different than you? What steps can you take, individually or with a group, to bring more unity to your parish? Are you also willing to reach out to non-Catholics Christians as well? Why or why not?
5. In the Gospel, Jesus’ first words to the disciples after his resurrection were words of consolation and reassurance: “peace be with you.” Following his example, what practical steps can you take this week to bring the Lord’s love, comfort, and peace to others? What are the obstacles in you that keep you from witnessing God’s love to others? How can you overcome them?
6. The meditation tells us that “Pentecost is meant to be experienced.” What do these words mean to you? In what specific ways would you have the Holy Spirit manifest himself more powerfully in your life?
7. Take some time now to pray for a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.
11 June 2011
11 Jun 2011, Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Reading 1
Acts 11:21b-26; 12:1-3
In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem,
and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.
And a large number of people was added to the Lord.
Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the Church
and taught a large number of people,
and it was in Antioch that the disciples
were first called Christians.
Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger,
Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul
for the work to which I have called them.”
Then, completing their fasting and prayer,
they laid hands on them and sent them off.
98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
Responsorial Psalm R. (see 2b)
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Gospel
Jn 21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?”
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me.”
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.
But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?”
It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books
Meditation: Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
St. Barnabas
He was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. (Acts 11:24)
If you want to be countercultural, name your newborn son Barnabas. In the United States, at least, where the Social Security Administration keeps track of such things, “Barnabas” does not appear in even the top thousand boys’ names for any year in the past century. That’s too bad, because St. Barnabas was a hero of the early church who deserves to be remembered and imitated.
His name indicates what the man was like: Barnabas—“son of encouragement” is how Luke translates it—was a nickname given him by the apostles (Acts 4:36). And certainly, this missionary, prophet, and teacher was outstanding for the generous way he used his gifts to encourage people. He gave his money to the Jerusalem community (4:37). He gave Saul his friendship and trust, vouching for him when everyone else was shunning the new convert (9:26-27). He saw John Mark’s potential and gave him a second chance, despite the young disciple’s failure to complete his first missionary journey (13:13; 15:36-39).
Encouraging, comforting, strengthening God’s people—these are actions of the Holy Spirit, and indeed, Barnabas was the Spirit’s envoy wherever he went. In Antioch, where today’s reading is set, the Spirit gives Barnabas discernment about the situation he has been sent to investigate. We can imagine his report to the elders in Jerusalem: Rejoice! God is working among these Gentiles! Moved by the Spirit, Barnabas stays to encourage the new Christians, searching out Saul as his assistant. And when the two are chosen and “sent forth” by the Spirit, Barnabas travels off to exercise his ministry of encouragement in Cyprus and beyond.
On this eve of Pentecost, Barnabas invites each of us to consider our own relationship with the Holy Spirit. “Do I know him and listen for his guidance? Am I letting him transform me into Christ’s image? Am I using the gifts he’s given me for the good of others?”
If you can’t answer each question with a wholehearted yes, don’t give up! As that great encourager, St. Barnabas, would tell you: God wants to fill you with his Spirit. Go ahead and ask!
“Come, Holy Spirit! Melt me, mold me, fill me, and use me for the good of your people.”
Acts 11:21b-26; 12:1-3
In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem,
and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.
And a large number of people was added to the Lord.
Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the Church
and taught a large number of people,
and it was in Antioch that the disciples
were first called Christians.
Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger,
Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul
for the work to which I have called them.”
Then, completing their fasting and prayer,
they laid hands on them and sent them off.
98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
Responsorial Psalm R. (see 2b)
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Gospel
Jn 21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?”
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me.”
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.
But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?”
It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books
Meditation: Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
St. Barnabas
He was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. (Acts 11:24)
If you want to be countercultural, name your newborn son Barnabas. In the United States, at least, where the Social Security Administration keeps track of such things, “Barnabas” does not appear in even the top thousand boys’ names for any year in the past century. That’s too bad, because St. Barnabas was a hero of the early church who deserves to be remembered and imitated.
His name indicates what the man was like: Barnabas—“son of encouragement” is how Luke translates it—was a nickname given him by the apostles (Acts 4:36). And certainly, this missionary, prophet, and teacher was outstanding for the generous way he used his gifts to encourage people. He gave his money to the Jerusalem community (4:37). He gave Saul his friendship and trust, vouching for him when everyone else was shunning the new convert (9:26-27). He saw John Mark’s potential and gave him a second chance, despite the young disciple’s failure to complete his first missionary journey (13:13; 15:36-39).
Encouraging, comforting, strengthening God’s people—these are actions of the Holy Spirit, and indeed, Barnabas was the Spirit’s envoy wherever he went. In Antioch, where today’s reading is set, the Spirit gives Barnabas discernment about the situation he has been sent to investigate. We can imagine his report to the elders in Jerusalem: Rejoice! God is working among these Gentiles! Moved by the Spirit, Barnabas stays to encourage the new Christians, searching out Saul as his assistant. And when the two are chosen and “sent forth” by the Spirit, Barnabas travels off to exercise his ministry of encouragement in Cyprus and beyond.
On this eve of Pentecost, Barnabas invites each of us to consider our own relationship with the Holy Spirit. “Do I know him and listen for his guidance? Am I letting him transform me into Christ’s image? Am I using the gifts he’s given me for the good of others?”
If you can’t answer each question with a wholehearted yes, don’t give up! As that great encourager, St. Barnabas, would tell you: God wants to fill you with his Spirit. Go ahead and ask!
“Come, Holy Spirit! Melt me, mold me, fill me, and use me for the good of your people.”
10 June 2011
10 Jun 2011, Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Reading 1
Acts 25:13b-21
King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea
on a visit to Festus.
Since they spent several days there,
Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying,
“There is a man here left in custody by Felix.
When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.
I answered them that it was not Roman practice
to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers
and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.
So when they came together here, I made no delay;
the next day I took my seat on the tribunal
and ordered the man to be brought in.
His accusers stood around him,
but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.
Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion
and about a certain Jesus who had died
but who Paul claimed was alive.
Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy,
I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem
and there stand trial on these charges.
And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody
for the Emperor’s decision,
I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab
Responsorial Psalm R. (19a)
The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you his angels,
you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Jn 21:15-19
After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them,
he said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go.”
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Meditation: Acts 25:13-21
“Do not forget all the gifts of God.” (Psalm 103:2)
Since Easter Monday, the Mass readings have been following the story of the early church as it unfolds in the Acts of the Apostles. We have gone from Pentecost to Paul’s imprisonment. We have seen Peter’s role in his mission to the Gentiles. We have followed the initial growth of the church in Jerusalem and watched it extend to the known world. It is a dramatic, inspiring story—and it doesn’t end with Paul!
Many, many chapters have been written over the past twenty centuries. Millions of conversions have taken place, each one its own compelling story of grace and mercy. Countless saints have risen up to give living testimony to the power of the gospel. Thousands upon thousands of martyrs have sanctified the earth, even as they point us toward heaven.
This great extended Book of Acts includes chapters on the Franciscans, the Jesuits, and the Dominicans. It includes the tales of brave missionaries and the stories of church councils. It includes powerful families like the Borgias and a humble peasant named Angelo, who became Pope John XXIII. So many chapters! So many amazing stories of God’s love, power, and provision!
And the book is still being written today, with each of our lives making up another chapter! None of us should think that we are unimportant in the kingdom. None of us should think that our lives don’t matter or that we’ll never make an impact. We have all been called by our heavenly Father to build his kingdom, and he is counting on us to take up this calling with faith, trust, and determination. Who knows how our own chapter will read? Who knows what plans the Lord still has in store for us?
One thing is certain: We are all temples of the Holy Spirit, and by the power of this Spirit, each of us can accomplish great things in the name of Christ. There are many more chapters left to be written—and we are the main characters!
“Lord, thank you for calling me into your church! By your Spirit, empower me to be your witness in this world.”
Acts 25:13b-21
King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea
on a visit to Festus.
Since they spent several days there,
Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying,
“There is a man here left in custody by Felix.
When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.
I answered them that it was not Roman practice
to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers
and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.
So when they came together here, I made no delay;
the next day I took my seat on the tribunal
and ordered the man to be brought in.
His accusers stood around him,
but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.
Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion
and about a certain Jesus who had died
but who Paul claimed was alive.
Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy,
I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem
and there stand trial on these charges.
And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody
for the Emperor’s decision,
I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab
Responsorial Psalm R. (19a)
The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you his angels,
you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Jn 21:15-19
After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them,
he said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go.”
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Meditation: Acts 25:13-21
“Do not forget all the gifts of God.” (Psalm 103:2)
Since Easter Monday, the Mass readings have been following the story of the early church as it unfolds in the Acts of the Apostles. We have gone from Pentecost to Paul’s imprisonment. We have seen Peter’s role in his mission to the Gentiles. We have followed the initial growth of the church in Jerusalem and watched it extend to the known world. It is a dramatic, inspiring story—and it doesn’t end with Paul!
Many, many chapters have been written over the past twenty centuries. Millions of conversions have taken place, each one its own compelling story of grace and mercy. Countless saints have risen up to give living testimony to the power of the gospel. Thousands upon thousands of martyrs have sanctified the earth, even as they point us toward heaven.
This great extended Book of Acts includes chapters on the Franciscans, the Jesuits, and the Dominicans. It includes the tales of brave missionaries and the stories of church councils. It includes powerful families like the Borgias and a humble peasant named Angelo, who became Pope John XXIII. So many chapters! So many amazing stories of God’s love, power, and provision!
And the book is still being written today, with each of our lives making up another chapter! None of us should think that we are unimportant in the kingdom. None of us should think that our lives don’t matter or that we’ll never make an impact. We have all been called by our heavenly Father to build his kingdom, and he is counting on us to take up this calling with faith, trust, and determination. Who knows how our own chapter will read? Who knows what plans the Lord still has in store for us?
One thing is certain: We are all temples of the Holy Spirit, and by the power of this Spirit, each of us can accomplish great things in the name of Christ. There are many more chapters left to be written—and we are the main characters!
“Lord, thank you for calling me into your church! By your Spirit, empower me to be your witness in this world.”
09 June 2011
09 Jun 2011, Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Reading 1
Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Wishing to determine the truth
about why Paul was being accused by the Jews,
the commander freed him
and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene.
Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.
Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees,
so he called out before the Sanhedrin,
“My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees;
I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.”
When he said this,
a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees,
and the group became divided.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection
or angels or spirits,
while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.
A great uproar occurred,
and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party
stood up and sharply argued,
“We find nothing wrong with this man.
Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”
The dispute was so serious that the commander,
afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them,
ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst
and take him into the compound.
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage.
For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,
so you must also bear witness in Rome.”
16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
Responsorial Psalm R. (1)
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Jn 17:20-26
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.”
Meditation: John 17:20-26
“That they may all be one.” (John 17:21)
How can so many different people become united? Not even one person is the same as another. There’s the teenager covered with tattoos who lives down the street, the co-worker who is an atheist, even the Christian relative who belongs to a different denomination. How can Jesus possibly expect us to be one with all of the “others” in our midst?
By the power of the Holy Spirit, that’s how. One of the Spirit’s greatest works is to create unity. Think of how he brought together heaven and earth, God and humanity, through the cross of Christ. Now if the Spirit can do that on such a cosmic scale, surely he is capable of helping all of us to get along! Recall, too, how the Spirit brought together Pharisees and tax collectors, Gentiles and Jews, centurions and fishermen into one church in Jerusalem. Personal grudges, prejudices, and fears all melted away as the Spirit touched people’s hearts and showed them how magnificent life could be if they all came together in Christ.
Does becoming one mean acting like clones? Not at all. God created us as unique individuals, each with the ability to glorify him in our own way. Besides, uniformity is boring! No, God simply wants to do away with our tendency to separate and treat as unequal those who are different from us. He wants us to see that we all belong to each other and that we are all equally loved and treasured by our heavenly Father.
Becoming one with the six billion others on our planet is probably unrealistic. But we focus on becoming one with a few of the “others” we see every day, especially our spouse or children. So come to the Lord in prayer today and ask him to show you how you think about people who are different from you. Maybe a few specific groups or individuals come to mind. Do you sense any judgment or envy in your thoughts toward them? Let the Spirit teach you how to love more fully. Love doesn’t push away; it draws near and seeks to break down barriers.
Pentecost is almost here. Today, let’s honor the Holy Spirit by asking him to make us one so that the world might know God’s love.
“Holy Spirit, I’m praying the prayer of Jesus. Make us all one.”
Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Wishing to determine the truth
about why Paul was being accused by the Jews,
the commander freed him
and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene.
Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.
Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees,
so he called out before the Sanhedrin,
“My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees;
I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.”
When he said this,
a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees,
and the group became divided.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection
or angels or spirits,
while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.
A great uproar occurred,
and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party
stood up and sharply argued,
“We find nothing wrong with this man.
Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”
The dispute was so serious that the commander,
afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them,
ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst
and take him into the compound.
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage.
For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,
so you must also bear witness in Rome.”
16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
Responsorial Psalm R. (1)
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Jn 17:20-26
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.”
Meditation: John 17:20-26
“That they may all be one.” (John 17:21)
How can so many different people become united? Not even one person is the same as another. There’s the teenager covered with tattoos who lives down the street, the co-worker who is an atheist, even the Christian relative who belongs to a different denomination. How can Jesus possibly expect us to be one with all of the “others” in our midst?
By the power of the Holy Spirit, that’s how. One of the Spirit’s greatest works is to create unity. Think of how he brought together heaven and earth, God and humanity, through the cross of Christ. Now if the Spirit can do that on such a cosmic scale, surely he is capable of helping all of us to get along! Recall, too, how the Spirit brought together Pharisees and tax collectors, Gentiles and Jews, centurions and fishermen into one church in Jerusalem. Personal grudges, prejudices, and fears all melted away as the Spirit touched people’s hearts and showed them how magnificent life could be if they all came together in Christ.
Does becoming one mean acting like clones? Not at all. God created us as unique individuals, each with the ability to glorify him in our own way. Besides, uniformity is boring! No, God simply wants to do away with our tendency to separate and treat as unequal those who are different from us. He wants us to see that we all belong to each other and that we are all equally loved and treasured by our heavenly Father.
Becoming one with the six billion others on our planet is probably unrealistic. But we focus on becoming one with a few of the “others” we see every day, especially our spouse or children. So come to the Lord in prayer today and ask him to show you how you think about people who are different from you. Maybe a few specific groups or individuals come to mind. Do you sense any judgment or envy in your thoughts toward them? Let the Spirit teach you how to love more fully. Love doesn’t push away; it draws near and seeks to break down barriers.
Pentecost is almost here. Today, let’s honor the Holy Spirit by asking him to make us one so that the world might know God’s love.
“Holy Spirit, I’m praying the prayer of Jesus. Make us all one.”
08 June 2011
08 Jun 2011, Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Reading 1
Acts 20:28-38
At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus:
“Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock
of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers,
in which you tend the Church of God
that he acquired with his own Blood.
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you,
and they will not spare the flock.
And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth
to draw the disciples away after them.
So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day,
I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.
And now I commend you to God
and to that gracious word of his that can build you up
and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.
I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
You know well that these very hands
have served my needs and my companions.
In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort
we must help the weak,
and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
When he had finished speaking
he knelt down and prayed with them all.
They were all weeping loudly
as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,
for they were deeply distressed that he had said
that they would never see his face again.
Then they escorted him to the ship.
68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab
Responsorial Psalm R. (33a)
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Show forth, O God, your power,
the power, O God, with which you took our part;
For your temple in Jerusalem
let the kings bring you gifts.
R. Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,
chant praise to the Lord
who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.
Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:
“Confess the power of God!”
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Over Israel is his majesty;
his power is in the skies.
Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Jn 17:11b-19
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name
that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we are one.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
Meditation: Acts 20:28-38
“We must help the weak.” (Acts 20:35)
What a tender moment! It is a final farewell from St. Paul, who had not only founded the church at Ephesus but lived among the believers for three years. During that time, “God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.” As a result, “the word of the Lord grew and prevailed mightily” (Acts 19:11,20).
However, the elders were not crying in admiration of Paul’s accomplishments. Theirs were tears of affection for a brother. And Paul, in turn, was concerned not for the continuation of his ministry but for the survival of “the whole flock … that [God] acquired with his own blood,” and especially “the weak” (Acts 20:28,35).
The church in Ephesus had produced leaders like Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)—quick studies whose keen minds grasped the significance of Paul’s message. Teaching such converts must have been very gratifying for Paul. However, he said nothing here about this aspect of his ministry. His attention seems to be on those at the other end of the spectrum, the humble and lowly who enjoy a special relationship with the Lord.
Every community, every congregation, even every family has its own “weak” members. Through whatever combination of genetics, upbringing, sin, and hard luck, it is unlikely that they will ever be able to take care of themselves adequately. These are the ones Paul singled out for special attention, for he knew the fundamental precept that those who are more graced should care for those who are in need—not take advantage of them or ignore them.
Such a philosophy goes against our human nature. Those who move quickly find it irritating to slow down for those who lag behind. It can be hard for someone with a quick mind to have to explain things to someone who just doesn’t get it. Instead of putting ourselves in their shoes, we tend to imagine them in ours: “If that happened to me, I would surely have handled it better.” But when we do this, we exercise the judgment that belongs to God and fail to extend his mercy—a mercy that belongs to the strong and weak alike.
“Jesus, pour out special grace on the poor and needy. Let their cry pierce my heart. Show me how I can be your arms to encourage them and lift them up.”
Acts 20:28-38
At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus:
“Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock
of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers,
in which you tend the Church of God
that he acquired with his own Blood.
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you,
and they will not spare the flock.
And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth
to draw the disciples away after them.
So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day,
I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.
And now I commend you to God
and to that gracious word of his that can build you up
and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.
I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
You know well that these very hands
have served my needs and my companions.
In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort
we must help the weak,
and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
When he had finished speaking
he knelt down and prayed with them all.
They were all weeping loudly
as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,
for they were deeply distressed that he had said
that they would never see his face again.
Then they escorted him to the ship.
68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab
Responsorial Psalm R. (33a)
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Show forth, O God, your power,
the power, O God, with which you took our part;
For your temple in Jerusalem
let the kings bring you gifts.
R. Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,
chant praise to the Lord
who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.
Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:
“Confess the power of God!”
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Over Israel is his majesty;
his power is in the skies.
Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Jn 17:11b-19
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name
that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we are one.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
Meditation: Acts 20:28-38
“We must help the weak.” (Acts 20:35)
What a tender moment! It is a final farewell from St. Paul, who had not only founded the church at Ephesus but lived among the believers for three years. During that time, “God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.” As a result, “the word of the Lord grew and prevailed mightily” (Acts 19:11,20).
However, the elders were not crying in admiration of Paul’s accomplishments. Theirs were tears of affection for a brother. And Paul, in turn, was concerned not for the continuation of his ministry but for the survival of “the whole flock … that [God] acquired with his own blood,” and especially “the weak” (Acts 20:28,35).
The church in Ephesus had produced leaders like Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)—quick studies whose keen minds grasped the significance of Paul’s message. Teaching such converts must have been very gratifying for Paul. However, he said nothing here about this aspect of his ministry. His attention seems to be on those at the other end of the spectrum, the humble and lowly who enjoy a special relationship with the Lord.
Every community, every congregation, even every family has its own “weak” members. Through whatever combination of genetics, upbringing, sin, and hard luck, it is unlikely that they will ever be able to take care of themselves adequately. These are the ones Paul singled out for special attention, for he knew the fundamental precept that those who are more graced should care for those who are in need—not take advantage of them or ignore them.
Such a philosophy goes against our human nature. Those who move quickly find it irritating to slow down for those who lag behind. It can be hard for someone with a quick mind to have to explain things to someone who just doesn’t get it. Instead of putting ourselves in their shoes, we tend to imagine them in ours: “If that happened to me, I would surely have handled it better.” But when we do this, we exercise the judgment that belongs to God and fail to extend his mercy—a mercy that belongs to the strong and weak alike.
“Jesus, pour out special grace on the poor and needy. Let their cry pierce my heart. Show me how I can be your arms to encourage them and lift them up.”
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