2020년 5월 10일 부활 제5주일
오늘의 복음 : http://info.catholic.or.kr/missa/default.asp
제1독서
사도행전. 6,1-7
1 그 무렵 제자들이 점점 늘어나자,
그리스계 유다인들이 히브리계 유다인들에게 불평을 터뜨리게 되었다.
그들의 과부들이 매일 배급을 받을 때에 홀대를 받았기 때문이다.
2 그래서 열두 사도가 제자들의 공동체를 불러 모아 말하였다.
“우리가 하느님의 말씀을 제쳐 놓고 식탁 봉사를 하는 것은 바람직하지 않습니다.
3 그러니 형제 여러분, 여러분 가운데에서 평판이 좋고
성령과 지혜가 충만한 사람 일곱을 찾아내십시오.
그들에게 이 직무를 맡기고, 4 우리는 기도와 말씀 봉사에만 전념하겠습니다.”
5 이 말에 온 공동체가 동의하였다.
그리하여 그들은 믿음과 성령이 충만한 사람인 스테파노,
그리고 필리포스, 프로코로스, 니카노르, 티몬, 파르메나스,
또 유다교로 개종한 안티오키아 출신 니콜라오스를 뽑아,
6 사도들 앞에 세웠다. 사도들은 기도하고 그들에게 안수하였다.
7 하느님의 말씀은 더욱 자라나, 예루살렘 제자들의 수가 크게 늘어나고
사제들의 큰 무리도 믿음을 받아들였다.
제2독서
베드로 1서. 2,4-9
사랑하는 여러분, 4 주님께 나아가십시오.
그분은 살아 있는 돌이십니다.
사람들에게는 버림을 받았지만 하느님께는 선택된 값진 돌이십니다.
5 여러분도 살아 있는 돌로서 영적 집을 짓는 데에 쓰이도록 하십시오.
그리하여 하느님 마음에 드는 영적 제물을
예수 그리스도를 통하여 바치는 거룩한 사제단이 되십시오.
6 그래서 성경에 이런 말씀이 있습니다.
“보라, 내가 시온에 돌을 놓는다. 선택된 값진 모퉁잇돌이다.
이 돌을 믿는 이는 부끄러운 일을 당하지 않을 것이다.”
7 그러므로 믿는 여러분에게는 이 돌이 값진 것입니다.
그러나 믿지 않는 이들에게는
“집 짓는 이들이 내버린 돌
그 돌이 모퉁이의 머릿돌이 되었네.” 하는 그 돌이며,
8 또한 “차여 넘어지게 하는 돌과 걸려 비틀거리게 하는 바위”입니다.
그들은 정해진 대로, 말씀에 순종하지 않아 그 돌에 차여 넘어집니다.
9 그러나 여러분은 “선택된 겨레고 임금의 사제단이며
거룩한 민족이고 그분의 소유가 된 백성입니다.
그러므로 여러분은”여러분을 어둠에서 불러내어
당신의 놀라운 빛 속으로 이끌어 주신 분의 “위업을 선포하게 되었습니다.”
복음
요한. 14,1-12
그때에 예수님께서 제자들에게 말씀하셨다.
1 “너희 마음이 산란해지는 일이 없도록 하여라.
하느님을 믿고 또 나를 믿어라.
2 내 아버지의 집에는 거처할 곳이 많다.
그렇지 않으면 내가 너희를 위하여 자리를 마련하러 간다고 말하였겠느냐?
3 내가 가서 너희를 위하여 자리를 마련하면,
다시 와서 너희를 데려다가 내가 있는 곳에 너희도 같이 있게 하겠다.
4 너희는 내가 어디로 가는지 그 길을 알고 있다.”
5 그러자 토마스가 예수님께 말하였다.
“주님, 저희는 주님께서 어디로 가시는지 알지도 못하는데,
어떻게 그 길을 알 수 있겠습니까?”
6 예수님께서 그에게 말씀하셨다. “나는 길이요 진리요 생명이다.
나를 통하지 않고서는 아무도 아버지께 갈 수 없다.
7 너희가 나를 알게 되었으니 내 아버지도 알게 될 것이다.
이제부터 너희는 그분을 아는 것이고, 또 그분을 이미 뵌 것이다.”
8 필립보가 예수님께, “주님, 저희가 아버지를 뵙게 해 주십시오.
저희에게는 그것으로 충분하겠습니다.” 하자,
9 예수님께서 그에게 말씀하셨다.
“필립보야, 내가 이토록 오랫동안 너희와 함께 지냈는데도,
너는 나를 모른다는 말이냐? 나를 본 사람은 곧 아버지를 뵌 것이다.
그런데 너는 어찌하여 ‘저희가 아버지를 뵙게 해 주십시오.’ 하느냐?
10 내가 아버지 안에 있고 아버지께서 내 안에 계시다는 것을 너는 믿지 않느냐?
내가 너희에게 하는 말은 나 스스로 하는 말이 아니다.
내 안에 머무르시는 아버지께서 당신의 일을 하시는 것이다.
11 내가 아버지 안에 있고 아버지께서 내 안에 계시다고 한 말을 믿어라.
믿지 못하겠거든 이 일들을 보아서라도 믿어라.
12 내가 진실로 진실로 너희에게 말한다.
나를 믿는 사람은 내가 하는 일을 할 뿐만 아니라,
그보다 더 큰 일도 하게 될 것이다.
내가 아버지께 가기 때문이다.”
May 10, 2020
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Daily Mass : http://www.catholictv.com/shows/daily-mass
Reading 1
Acts 6:1-7
As the number of disciples continued to grow,
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,
“It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.”
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community,
so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the apostles
who prayed and laid hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread,
and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly;
even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Reading 2
Beloved:
Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings
but chosen and precious in the sight of God,
and, like living stones,
let yourselves be built into a spiritual house
to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
For it says in Scripture:
Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone, chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.
Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone, and
A stone that will make people stumble,
and a rock that will make them fall.
They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.
You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people of his own,
so that you may announce the praises” of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Gospel
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.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him,
“Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.”
http://evangeli.net/gospel/tomorrow
«I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me»
Fr. Walter Hugo PERELLÓ
(Rafaela, Argentina)
Today, the scene we consider in the Gospel explains the existing intimacy between Jesus Christ and the Father; but not only that; it invites us to discover the relationship between Jesus Christ and his disciples. «After I have gone and prepared a place for you, I shall come again and take you to me, so that where I am, you also may be» (Jn 14:3): these words of Jesus, not only place his disciples in a perspective of future, but also exhort them to keep on faithfully following the course they had begun. To share with the Lord the glorious life, they also have to partake the same way that takes Jesus Christ towards the dwellings of his Father.
«Lord, we don't know where you are going; how can we know the way?» (Jn 14:5). Jesus answers: «I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me. If you know me, you will know the Father also; indeed you know him and you have seen him» (Jn 14:6-7). Jesus does not certainly propose a simple way, but he points out the path to follow. In fact, He becomes himself the Way to the Father; through his resurrection, He becomes the Walker who is to guide us; with the gift of the Holy Spirit, He encourages and fortifies us so that we do not lose heart in our pilgrimage: «Do not be troubled; trust in God and trust in me» (Jn 14:1).
In the invitation Jesus makes to us, to go to the Father through Him, with Him and in Him, his deepest mission and most intimate desires are revealed: «He, who is the Son of God who became the Son of Man, wants to make us his brothers and, thus, He is in Himself presenting all humanity to its God and true Father, by taking with him all of his own kin» (St. Gregory of Nyssa).
A Way to walk, a Truth to proclaim, a Life to share and enjoy: Jesus Christ.
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
As I reflect on the readings of today I find myself very moved by a couple of things.
For some, today is Mother’s Day. In the Catholic faith tradition, we honor the mother of Jesus Christ, Mary. I see her as a fierce protector of her son, Jesus. As a Catholic I believe that Mary is my spiritual mother, and protector. I frequently find myself praying to her for guidance as I travel my own journey as a mother. The excursion known as motherhood can be exciting, scary, bumpy, joyful and full of awe, sometimes all in the same day! I’m blessed to have a mother who modeled the importance of faith through her life. I’m grateful everyday to be celebrating another Mother’s Day with her.
The second item that touched me was the following:
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
I fondly remember hearing the pastor at Holy Cross in Omaha preaching on this verse. He seemed to start by reciting this verse with a booming voice and through his homily transitioned to a very kind, gentle caring tone in which he really encouraged the congregation to truly leave their troubles and trust in God.
As a nurse, I find the navigation of this global pandemic to be full of challenges. I’ve had the opportunity to accompany many as they manage the impacts of COVID-19. I hear voices wrought with fear as my patients battle illness or care for family members who are sick. I hear criticism of many decision makers and I hear critics who maintain that this is all a hoax. People are unkind to each other over decisions that are made without remembering that this is a novel situation. Nobody has encountered a global pandemic in over 100 years!
If I think about this very long, I can go down some really dark holes.
I’ve had to be very intentional about remaining positive, graceful, and hopeful. The one thing that I’ve leaned on the most is my faith. I’m continually practicing gratitude and at night I tell myself to “Give it to God and go to sleep.” I pray the rosary frequently because it really helps me manage the anxiety that can come with the unknown. I find comfort in knowing that Mary asks that we pray the rosary for peace. I need some peace as I witness the current chaos around me.
So, I urge us all to take some time and remember Jesus’ words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Really think about these words. Trust in God’s love for me. Try to “give it to God and go to sleep."
Like me, it seems that Jesus learned a lesson or two from his mother. He affords protection and calm to his followers. His mother, Mary, offers protection and peace. My hope is that we can all experience times of peace as we renew trust in the words of Jesus and his mother during this turbulent time.
Is it a coincidence that Jesus teaches this lesson on Mother’s Day during a global pandemic? I think not.
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
jesus, the way
"How can we know the way?" —John 14:5
We rely on our phone or GPS (Global Positioning System) to tell us where to go. The GPS device knows your exact location on earth. You tell it where you want to go. Then the GPS talks to you in a voice that tells you each street to turn on, and exactly where to drive. People trust the voice on the GPS.
Each of us has problems in this life, and we want to know "the way" out of these problems. We'd like a GPS to show us "the way" to move from debt to financial freedom, from addiction to freedom, from discord to unity, etc. We want directions for the way out. We ask: "How can we know the way" out of our situation? (Jn 14:5)
We want a roadmap, but God has a better plan; He gives us directions in the form of a Person: Jesus, the Way (Jn 14:6). Jesus always knows our exact physical location on earth. Moreover, He knows exactly where we are spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Finally, His plan for us is the perfect way to get to our destination!
Our ultimate destination in this life is to spend eternity with God in heaven, and Jesus says: "No one comes to the Father except through Me" (Jn 14:6). Jesus is the Way. Follow Him (Jn 21:19).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your voice tells me whether to turn to the right or to the left (Is 30:20-21). I will do whatever You tell me and follow You the rest of My life (see Jn 2:5).
Promise: "The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him." —Ps 33:18
Praise: "The Lord has been raised! It is true! He has appeared to Simon" (Lk 24:34). Father God, we are humbled by Your divine plan.
http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/readings/
"Lord, show us the Father"
Do you allow any troubles to rob you of God's gift of peace? As much as we try to avoid it, we inevitably encounter challenges and trials that can shake our confidence and our trust in God. Jesus knew that his disciples would be put to the test when their Master was taken from them during his suffering and passion - his arrest, trial, and rejection by the leaders of his own people, and crucifixion by the Romans. Jesus encouraged his disciples to put their faith and hope in God the Father and also in himself.
When adversity or trouble comes your way, does it make you lose hope or give into fear and despair, or does it press you closer to the Lord Jesus and to the strength and help he offers you? When the people of Israel became discouraged and grew weary during their 40 years in the wilderness, the Lord assured them that he would personally bring them safely into the promised land.
"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).
This land of promise was a sign that prefigured and pointed to the true heavenly homeland which God offers to all who accept his gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus, through his victory on the cross and his resurrection, has opened the way for each one of us to live in peace and friendship with our heavenly Father.
A place for you in my Father's house
During Jesus' last supper meal with his apostles, he spoke in plain words to them about his approaching departure. He tells them that he is returning to his Father to prepare a place for them in the Father's house. Jesus not only goes to secure for his disciples a place of refuge, peace, and security, he secures for them the best the Father has to offer - intimate communion, friendship, and joy with the Father at his table (Luke 12:37, Matthew 8:11) and place of rest and refreshment.
Jesus promised his disciples - and each one of us - that he would return again to personally bring us to the Father's house. Are you ready to follow the Lord Jesus wherever he wishes to lead you now and in the future? And do you trust him to bring you safely to your home with the Father in his kingdom? Paul the Apostle reminds us that nothing in this world can compare with the glory of feasting with the Father in his house. "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). Is your hope securely placed in Jesus and his promise to raise you up in glory with him?
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)
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 posseses 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 distracton that keeps you from the perfect peace and joy of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ?
Knowing God personally
one of the greatest truths of the Christian faith is that we can know the living God. Our knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God, but we can know God personally. The essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions, is the knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. To see Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father, is to see what God is like. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God - a God who cares intensely and who yearns over men and women, loving them to the point of laying down his life for them upon the Cross. Jesus is the revelation of God - a God who loves us completely, unconditionally, and perfectly for our good. Jesus also promises that God the Father will hear our prayers when we pray in his name. That is why Jesus taught his followers to pray with confidence, Our Father who art in heaven... give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:9). Do you pray to your Father in heaven with joy and confidence in his love and care for you?
Doing the works that Jesus did
Jesus told his disciples that they would do the same works which he had done - and even greater works! While Jesus was physically present to his disciples in Galilee and Jerusalem, he was subject to the physical limitations of time, space, and circumstances. Now as the Risen Savior who is glorified and seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, the Lord Jesus makes his presence and power known to every place on earth through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who lives and works through all the members of the body of Christ on earth.
Theresa of Avila (1515-1582) wrote: “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”
Wherever we go the Lord Jesus wants us to bring the good news and blessings of his kingdom to as many people as we can. The Lord Jesus calls us the salt of the earth. He wants us to bring the flavor of his goodness and holiness into every area of society we are engaged in. Christ calls us the light of the world. He wants us to make him known and loved by helping people to see the radiance of his love and truth and the beauty of his kingdom. That is why Jesus continues to commission his followers throughout every age to “make disciples of all nations”(John 17:18, Matthew 28:19).
"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 know and glorify him more fully."
Psalm 33:1-5, 18-19
1 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.
2 Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3 Sing to him a new song, play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
4 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 that he may deliver their soul from death, and keep them alive in famine.
A Daily Quote for the early church fathers: The Father Works Together with the Son, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"The Father was not born of the Virgin, and yet this birth of the Son from the Virgin was the work of both Father and Son. The Father did not suffer on the cross, and yet the passion of the Son was the work of both Father and Son. The Father did not rise again from the dead, and yet the resurrection of the Son was the work of both Father and Son. You have the persons quite distinct, and their working inseparable. So let us never say that the Father worked anything without the Son, the Son anything without the Father. Or perhaps you are worried about the miracles Jesus did, in case perhaps he did some that the Father did not do? Then what about 'But the Father abiding in me does his works'?" (excerpt from Sermon 52,14)
http://www.homilies.net/
5 Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter - A Cycle - John 14:1-12
A man passed a funeral parlor. In the window stood a sign "WHY WALK AROUND HALF DEAD WHEN WE CAN BURY YOU FOR FIFTY DOLLARS?" If we are half dead Christians, we should enlist with Jesus. He who said, "I am the Way!" will recharge us with His spiritual cables and get us into the fast lane.
Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged in 1945 by the Nazis. Before his execution, he told a fellow prisoner, "This is the beginning of a new life." Said the prisoner, a British officer, "Dietrich knew the WAY he was going."
A poet wrote that you do not know the meaning of a person's life until he is dead. Is that true of everyone? I think not. But it was true of the Christ and His servant, Dietrich. It could be true of us yet.
Today's chapter 14 begins the farewell address of Jesus to His troops. The theme of today's Gospel is to pick up the sagging morale of His followers. Jesus had informed them that one of them would betray Him. The apostles must have gone into shock at the news of a mole among them. Their small world was turning upside down. They needed a spiritual tranquilizer in super milligram range. Christ was offering it to them. He was not done with them yet.
We owe that blunt apostle Thomas much. The Master said, "You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas, who must have been a hot pistol to handle even for Christ, bought none of it. "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How do we know the way?" Thomas wanted a heavily marked AAA roadmap as well as road flares. His doubts provoked Jesus to say, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Just eight words but arguably the most important words spoken in the 5000 years of recorded history.
That line rang like a loud bell in the ears of Thomas and his friends. It still so sounds in the 21st century. Thomas a Kempis wrote in the 15th century, "Without the Way, there is no going. Without the Truth, there is no knowing. Without the Life, there is no living."
Note what the Master did not say. He did not say, "I am a Way, a form of Truth, and a way of Life." (Unknown) He would not support the pick and choose Catholicism which is popular among us. I am speaking of a smorgasbord Gospel. "I'll take the Beatitudes but not the Eucharist." But CS Lewis said, "Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance and, if true, is of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important."
If you're a cafeteria Catholic, you have started your own religion. You'll have competition, though. There is a new religion starting every five days.
What a pity so hard on the heels of Jesus come the Christians. (Annie Dillard) A popular T-shirt reads, "Jesus, save us from your followers."
Christ's remarkable statement was clearly on the record as unqualified. Had it been otherwise, it is unlikely John, today's author, would have recorded the line for posterity. Indeed John might not have stayed around. Evidence shows he could have made a good living as a writer.
Goethe in the 19th century shouted something we can identify with. "When I go to listen to a preacher, I want to hear of his certainties, not of his doubts. Of the latter I have enough of my own."
I was in Boston. I was lost. I asked a man for directions. He confused me. I asked another and he said, "Follow me and I'll show you the way." The man had become my guide. I relaxed. Happily for us, Jesus is our guide. He does not give directions in hundreds of words. Nor does He say, "You can't miss it." Rather, He informs us confidently that He is the way. More to the point, He says, "Follow me. I'll show you the fast way."
Professors have said to us, "I have taught you the truth as I understand it." But no professor was so presumptuous to say, "I am the Truth." None except one and that is the reason we come here today to worship Him. So we pray the 86th Psalm, "Teach me thy way, O Lord, and I will walk in thy truth." Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Einstein, great thinkers all, were, like us, confused. They sought the truth. But Jesus is the truth. Big difference that.
The University of Rostock in Germany has chiseled above its main entrance for all students to read: "Many theories but one truth."
Frjoeshomilies.net
5 Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter: Seekers
Today's readings begin with the Twelve dealing with a problem. The problem was that they were being stretched thin. They had a responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the world. This would take prayer and meditation on the events they had experienced in Jesus Christ and an intricate study on how these events were prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. But the Church had grown tremendously, wonderfully. With this growth came more and more people who needed special care. The reading mentions the widows of the Hellenistic, non-Jews, who were not receiving the daily distribution of food. Perhaps someone needed to organize a way to get food to the Greek areas of the city. And someone needed to take care of the Samaritans, and the Egyptians, the Syrians, etc etc. It was a great problem to have, but it was still a problem. The Twelve needed to devote themselves to prayer and preaching. So they created a new ministry, a ministry of people from the various groups who needed help and entrusted them with the charitable outreach of the Church. These were the first deacons. You will notice Stephen, the first martyr mentioned, as well as a Philip different than the Apostle Philip presented in today's Gospel.
By the way, the first reading also states that even a large group of priests was becoming obedient to the faith. This refers to the Temple priests, although you and I hope that all priests are only concerned with being men of faith. Priests as we know them in the Church are extensions of the Bishops' ministries.
There is another group of priests presented in today's readings. That group consists in all the faithful. In the second reading from the First Letter of Peter, we heard that all who are committed to Christ are de facto priests. The first Pope proclaims, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you might announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
The work of religion is not limited to the ordained. It is the work of all Christians. You embrace this work every time you reach out to others, calling them to join you in worship. You embrace this work when you instruct your children on the truths of the faith, every time you say to them or to anyone, "This is what we must do to be followers of Jesus Christ." The way we live our lives, then, is not imposed on us. It flows from within us, from our own determination to live the life of Christ.
Therefore, Jesus says to Thomas and to us, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Thomas and the Apostle Philip are seekers. They want God in their lives. So do we. We seek, and we find. Our search for God frees us from the shackles of a materialistic society. Our union with Christ frees us to embrace the wonders of a life without limits, the awesome gift of eternity.
Like the Twelve in the first reading, we also have to be careful that we are not stretched thin. We need to make time for prayer and the study of the Word so we can be the priests we are called to be. We need to make a prayer schedule, and we need to keep it. If we do not, then we will find ourselves doing a lot but accomplishing nothing.
“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places,” the Gospel begins. There is a room with your name on it and a room with my name on it. Those rooms are there, waiting for us to move in. Jesus prepared these rooms for us. May we prepare ourselves for Him.
Stmaryvalleybloom.org
* Available in Spanish - see Spanish Homilies
5 Easter
Do Not Let Your Hearts be Troubled
(May 10, 2020)
I offer this homily (and take off my hat) to any brothers who are celebrating Mass or live streaming during this crisis
Bottom line: You have responded to Jesus' invitation - nay, his command: "Do not let your hearts be troubled..."
Happy Mother's Day! We have a special blessing for our moms - this year we will give that blessing in the parking lot.
Jesus has a word for our moms - and for all of us: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me."
We can have faith in Jesus. He has shown himself absolutely reliable and trustworthy. We've seen this in recent weeks. In his public ministry Jesus gave warnings about his coming passion and he hinted at the resurrection. This mystery coincides with prophecies contained in the Old Testament. For that reason Paul says that Jesus "died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures". Similarly, in accordance with the scriptures, he rose from the dead. The first physical evidence of Jesus' resurrection was the empty tomb. Then came the bodily appearances to various people. Their experience of the risen Jesus turned their lives upside down. They were willing to give up everything for Jesus - even to face hostility, torture and death. They did it joyfully because they had a living relation with Jesus in prayer and the sacraments, especially baptism and the Eucharist.
Because of these witnesses we have good reason to put our faith in Jesus, to trust him. He calls us to trust during this time of pandemic. God allowed this suffering to come upon us for his own reasons and purposes. We may not understand but we can trust Jesus.
When our nation suffered its greatest trial - the Civil War - President Abraham Lincoln expressed it this way: "As was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said 'the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether'".
We may not be suffering so greatly as people did during the Civil War or during the pandemic of 1918-1919, still our suffering are real and for many quite terrible: elderly dying alone, maybe with family members holding a sign outside the window. And love ones unable to give a proper funeral. People having their lives wrecked - maybe a business they worked hard to build, now in ruins. Or the uncertainty and fear caused by massive unemployment.
People are asking: Why does God allow this? Why does God permit so much suffering? It won't do to start blaming others. You know, Abraham Lincoln could have blamed the South for the suffering of Civil War. But he did not do that. He recognized that we all to some degree have sinned and turned away from God. Lincoln speculated that God's judgement came because of the great sin of slavery. We certainly have done things which could bring the judgement of God.
Lincoln did not know how long the Civil War would last, nor do we know how long our present suffering will last. Whatever the future brings, along with Lincoln we can make an act of trust in God's righteousness. If we unite our sufferings to the cross, they have value - redemptive value.* In the midst of our crisis, we can hear Jesus: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me."
I know some people will object: "Why do we need faith in God? We're the ones who have to combat this virus. It depends on us, not God." I'll address that objection next weekend.
For today it's enough to recognize many are suffering deeply, perhaps some of our moms are suffering most. Some of you are going through a trial so terrible the rest of us can barely imagine. Yet you can recognize the truth of what Lincoln spoke: "As was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said 'the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether'". And you can respond to Jesus' invitation - nay, his command: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me." Amen.
Alexmcallister.co.uk
5 Easter
In our Gospel text today we hear Jesus speaking at the Last Supper about where he is going. It is worth noting that in the previous chapter John records how Jesus told the Apostles in heart-rending terms that he was soon to leave them.
The words he used were: "My little children, I shall not be with you much longer. You will look for me and… where I am going you cannot come." The Apostles begin to realise that what they were celebrating was not so much a Passover Meal to inaugurate Christ coming into his glory as a farewell meal –a Last Supper to commemorate his departure.
In the immediate few verses before the one set before us Peter speaks for the other Apostles and expresses his distress that Jesus is leaving them and asks if he can follow him. Jesus gently tells him that he cannot follow him now but will do so later. Without a hint of irony Peter declares that he wants to follow him now even if it means laying down his life for Jesus. Then we get that most famous prophecy: "Before the cock crows you will have denied me three times."
All this leads up to and explains the opening words of today's Gospel: "Do not let your hearts be troubled." Jesus is trying to calm them down; the Apostles are obviously quite troubled and anxious because they have begun to realise that Jesus is soon to leave them. Peter is, naturally enough, even more troubled than the others because he is struggling to make sense of the prophecy which foretells his three-fold denial.
We might think that those Apostles were being a bit unreasonable. We do so because, looking backwards at those events, we know that Jesus must leave them in order to bring about the salvation of mankind. But we ought to remember that the Apostles do not know this; they cannot understand his words because they don't know what we know.
After all, at this point it is less than a week after the Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem that is celebrated on Palm Sunday. The disciples must have been full of excitement and full of expectation that Jesus is about to be triumphantly accepted as the Messiah. Of course, that Entry into Jerusalem wasn't actually very glorious —it was just a crowd of poor people waving palms at a so-called king on a donkey. Not really a particularly auspicious entry, you might think.
But at least it was a procession and there were some shouts of Hosanna. And Jesus was well known for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, such as when he turned water into wine and when he fed the five thousand from a few loaves and a couple of fish.
Now here he is, just a few days after entering the Holy City, talking about leaving them. No wonder they are confused, no wonder they are upset. A few moments ago he had spoken about a betrayer. Well, you would have to forgive the Apostles if they wondered who was betraying whom.
In this wonderful text that we have set before us today Jesus gently reassures his Apostles that while he might be going away this is only so that he will be able to return to take them with him. And then in answering the questions of Thomas and Philip he explains at length the closeness of his union with the Father.
We know quite well that things aren't going to turn out the way the Apostles expect and all this talk about Jesus leaving them is only just the beginning. In a few hours these men will have seen him arrested, put on trial, found guilty, scourged and executed. And most of them will be so disappointed that they will desert him in his hour of greatest need.
In their shock at what is happening they will forget these words of Jesus uttered at the Last Supper: "Trust in God and trust in me." "I am going to prepare you a place and after I have gone and prepared you a place I shall return to take you with me."
They simply don't get it. They don't understand what he is talking about because this place that Jesus is referring to is beyond the grave. He is going to the place from which no one has ever come back. That's why they don't understand him, that's why they deny him, that's why they desert him.
It is not by any accident that the first part of today's Gospel is the one most frequently selected for funerals. Jesus is, after all is speaking about life after death and he is doing so in very reassuring words and in quite concrete terms.
We all remember how Moses led the people of Israel out of exile and slavery in Egypt into the Promised Land. In the new dispensation Jesus leads his people on the much trickier journey through death into the Promised Land of heaven.
Moses didn't know the way; it took the people forty years to journey through the desert, they got lost many times and they had a lot of troubles on the way. But with Jesus it is different. Here he is quite specific; he not only knows the way he is The Way. He not only speaks the truth; he is The Truth. He not only survives death but he is The Life.
The Apostles leave the Last Supper having heard many reassuring words but they actually leave quite disturbed at the thought that there was a traitor in their midst. Then everything moves very quickly: the arrest in the Garden, the trial before Pilate, the scourging at the Pillar, the journey to Golgotha and Christ's death in the Cross.
They know that Christ speaks in paradoxes and works miracles but when he says that he will be exalted they do not realise that he means that he will be exalted on a Cross. They do not realise that this greatest of all ignominies will become the greatest glorification of all time. They do not realise that Christ's death means our life.
Those words of Jesus, "Do not let your hearts be troubled," never meant as much as they did on that most fateful of all days. Never did they need more to "Trust in God and trust in Jesus" than they did on that most terrible of days. This most comforting of all Biblical texts is presented to us for our reflection in the weeks after Easter.
Although the incident occurred at the Last Supper we read it in the light of the resurrection and it is to us a great message of hope. For we know that not only did Christ return three days later but that he will one day return to take us with him. He will return to take us to the place prepared for us in that great mansion of many rooms which is the Kingdom of God. And in the meantime all that he requires of us is to communicate this simple message to the people we meet. What Good News this is!
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