Friday, 31 May 2024
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - For those who believe no proof is necessary, for those who do not no proof is sufficient. Which kind of person are you?
To read the texts click on the texts: Jude 1:17,20-25; Mk 11:27-33Jude 1:17,20-25; Mk 11:27-33
Mark links the incident of the Challenge
to the authority of Jesus (11,27-33) with the incident of the Cleansing of the
Temple (11,15-19). When asked by the Pharisees where his authority comes from,
Jesus points back to the baptism of John and so to his own baptism (1,9-11)
where he received the invitation to be both slave and son. Since they are not
able to answer because whatever answer they give will result in their
condemnation, Jesus too refuses to answer their question. The point that Mark
seems to be making is that the authorities had closed themselves to the
revelation of God in Jesus and so would not be willing to accept Jesus as God’s
chosen one. There would not be much use in trying to explain to those who were
not open to listen.
We sometimes make up our minds about
something and take so rigid a stand about it that we are then unwilling to
change our stance or see someone else’s point of view. The danger of this
attitude is that we might miss out on learning something new and the revelation
that the situation or person makes to us.
Thursday, 30 May 2024
Friday, May 31, 2024 - The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - With whom and when will you share the good news of God's love?
To read the texts click on the texts: Zeph 3:14-18; Rom 12:9-16; Lk 1:39-56
The Feast of the
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her kinswoman Elizabeth was begun by
St. Bonaventure among the Franciscans in 1263 C.E, and became a universal Feast
in 1389 C.E., during the papacy of Urban VI. It celebrates the visit of Mary to
Elizabeth after the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the
mother of Jesus.
The call of the first
reading chosen for the feast of today is a call to rejoice. This rejoicing is
for many reasons. The first of these is that judgement has been taken away. The
Lord is now in the midst of his people. This being in the midst of his people
is confirmed by the Gospel text of today where Jesus is already in the womb of
Mary and so among his people. There will be no more reproach or condemnation.
Now, there will only be unconditional love.
This unconditional love
is confirmed both by the physical act of Mary’s visit to her kinswoman
Elizabeth and also the Magnificat which is attributed to Mary. In this hymn,
Mary extols God’s greatness because God has indeed redeemed his people. The
verbs that are used in the hymn are all in the past tense though signify future
actions. This is an indication of the faith and confidence that Mary has in God
who she is confident will accomplish all that he has promised.
Though on the surface
level the Visitation may appear to be Mary’s concern and love for her cousin,
on the deeper level it means that Mary wants to share with Elizabeth what God
has done in each of their lives and through the sons to be born of them, what
God will do in the world.
Wednesday, 29 May 2024
Thursday, May 30, 2024 - It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye. (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
To read the texts click on the texts: 1 Peter 2:2-5,9-12; Mk 10:46-521 Peter 2:2-5,9-12; Mk 10:46-52
This miracle of the healing of blind
Bartimaeus is the final miracle in the ministry of Jesus. On hearing Bartimaeus
the crowd attempts to silence him. However, he exhibits great faith and
perseverance. The title that he uses to address Jesus: “Son of David” carries
messianic overtones. This is the first time in the Gospel of Mark that such a
title is used for Jesus. When he is called by Jesus, Bartimaeus goes to him
throwing off his cloak, which could signify a throwing away of the old order to
put on something new. After enquiring what he would like to be done to him and
hearing his request for sight, Jesus heals him with a mere word. Jesus
attributes the healing to the faith of Bartimaeus. Only in Mark are we told
that after he was healed, Bartimaeus followed Jesus “on the way”.
We often imagine that we can see only
with the eyes in our head and so judge people based on what we see physically.
We must realise that this is only one way of seeing and sometimes it is more
important to see with the eyes of our hearts. Though Bartimeaus was physically
blind, he could recognise with the eyes of his heart who Jesus really was.
Tuesday, 28 May 2024
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - How would you define honour? What does your definition say about you?
To read the texts click on the texts: 1 Peter 1:18-25; Mk 10:32-451 Peter 1:18-25; Mk 10:32-45
In this pericope Jesus predicts for the
third and final time that he is to suffer and die and be raised (10,32-34). It
is the most detailed of all the three. Here too, like in the case of the two
previous Passion and resurrection predictions there is a misunderstanding. This
time it is on the part of James and John who want places of honour in the
kingdom. In response to Jesus’ question of whether they are able to drink the
cup that he must drink and be baptised in the baptism with which he must be
baptised, they say that they are able. Jesus promises that they will indeed
drink the cup and undergo the baptism, but cannot he cannot determine the
position of places in the kingdom. That role is left only to the Father.
The other disciples who become agitated
with the request of the brothers are in the same boat as they are, and once
again Jesus has to teach them the way of the kingdom. Only those willing to
serve others can hope to have a place of honour in the kingdom. The last verse
of this section points to the Son of man who has come to show the way to the
kingdom through his service.
The attitude of the ten towards James
and John may be termed as confrontation. This often happens when one desires
what the other person is striving for and so feels jealous and envious of the
other. It also leads to backbiting and thinking ill of the other like the ten
did in the case of James and John. An alternative to confrontation is the
attitude of “care-frontation” which would involve challenging the other person
to rise above trifles and that, which is not necessary. It arises out of a
genuine concern for the good of the person.
Monday, 27 May 2024
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - What is the thing, which is the person, what is that event which is preventing you from working for the kingdom? Will you give it up today?
To read the texts click on the texts: 1 Peter 1:10-16; Mk 10:28-311 Peter 1:10-16; Mk 10:28-31
In response to the statement of Jesus
that it is impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, Peter states
that they as disciples have left everything to follow Jesus. The response of
Jesus is a reassurance that what they have given up will be replaced by the new
bond that they will share with each other both in this life and in the life to
come. It must also be noted that the Marcan Jesus also mentions persecutions as
being part of the lot of the disciples. These are to be expected by anyone who
is a true witness of the Gospel. The last verse of this pericope speaks about
the reversal of status that will be part of the kingdom indicating that that
the values of the world do not apply in the kingdom.
When we sacrifice something for a cause
we must realise that our reward must be the sacrifice itself. The reason why we
sacrifice is because we believe in the cause, whether it is helping the poor,
reaching out to the needy or any other and we must gain our satisfaction from
the understanding that someone has lived more fully because of the sacrifice
that we have made.
Sunday, 26 May 2024
Monday, May 25, 2024 - Do I possess riches or do riches possess me? Do I use things or do things use me?
To read the texts click on the texts: 1 Peter 1:3-9; Mk 10:17-271 Peter 1:3-9; Mk 10:17-27
This text is made up of two parts. The
first is the story of the rich man who is unable to accept Jesus’ invitation to
discipleship (10,17-22) and the second part contains the sayings of Jesus on
the danger of riches (10,23-27).
The rich man addresses Jesus as “Good
teacher” and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus shifts the
focus from himself and makes God the focus. In Mark, Jesus cites six of the
commandments of the Decalogue (Ex 20,12-17; Deut 5,16-21). The response of the
rich man is to affirm that he has followed all of these. Only in Mark does
Jesus look at the man and love him. This love results in the issuance of an
invitation: the invitation to follow Jesus. The invitation is to forego even
the privilege of alms giving for the sake of sharing Jesus’ life style by
depending on god while at the same time proclaiming his kingdom. The rich man
is devoted to God’s word, but cannot bring himself to accept the invitation.
His riches become an obstacle to his following.
After his departure, Jesus turns to the
disciples to instruct them on the danger of riches. Jesus uses a metaphor of a
camel trying to pass through the eye of a needle. Even this impossible as it
might be to imagine is possible and easier than for a rich person to enter the
kingdom. The amazement of the disciples while understandable also brings out
powerfully the obstacle that riches can pose to seeing rightly.
We are living in a world, which keeps
calling us to possess more and more. We are bombarded from every side with
advertisements inviting us to be owners of land, property, houses, and
electronic and other goods. While we must use things and plan properly for own
future and the future of our children, we need to be careful that we do not
become so obsessed with the future that we forget to live in the present.
Saturday, 25 May 2024
Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Trinity Sunday - Love and unity in diversity
To read the texts click on the texts: Dt 4:32-34; 39-40; Rom 8:14-17; Mt 28:16-20
Trinity Sunday is a
special Sunday in the Church year; it has been celebrated since 1334 when Pope
John XXII fixed it as the Sunday after Pentecost. It is a Sunday which is not
tied to any special event. We do not have to remember any special events or rituals.
Instead, it is a day on which we remember God; it is a day to focus our hearts
and minds on the mystery, and also on the reality, that is God. It is a bit
like a birthday, when all we do is celebrate a particular person and their
presence with us.
The French writer,
aviator, and novelist, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, once said: “If you want to
build a ship, don’t herd people together to collect wood and don’t assign them
tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the
sea.” The Easter celebrations ended with Pentecost. Through the celebration of
Trinity Sunday the Church is inviting us to return to Ordinary Time, by
presenting us with the big picture of the “endless immensity of the sea” we
call God.
When we are personally
caught up in the mystery of the love of God, then we shall find the rationale
and the motivation to work on our personal growth in Christian living. It is
only when we experience the love of our God, who is a personal God that we can
live out fully our Christian calling.
The Trinity is not an
explanation of God, though many have tried to explain what the Trinity means.
It is a description of what we know about God, albeit contradictory and
contrary to logic as we know it. One good way to understand the Trinity, even
if inadequately, would be to understand the Father, Son and Spirit as Lover,
Beloved, and the Flow of Love between them that has constantly flowed since
before time began. Through the Incarnation, the Beloved came to dwell among us.
When we stand in the place of the Beloved, when we accept the offer to become
the adopted sons and daughters of God, we also become the Beloved of God, and
share in this same Flow of Love. However, even this way of understanding falls
short and we must be careful not to reduce the mystery to these explanations.
The Church teaches us that God is three persons in one nature; that Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit together are God. Beyond that is nothing more than the
speculation of our tiny minds.
The first reading of
today insists that, though understanding the mystery of God is beyond human
comprehension, our God is a God who has immersed himself in human history. He
is a God, who spoke to the people of Israel, and a God who translated that word
into action by redeeming them from slavery and bringing them into the freedom
of their own land.
However, this immersion
was through human intermediaries. Since God wanted to show his love and care
for the whole of humanity to the greatest extent possible, he made himself
visible when he took on human form, being born as Jesus Christ. This was not all.
He went even further when he embraced the Cross willingly and whole heartedly
to show that there would never be any limited to his love. His death on the
Cross, however, was only the beginning of new life. He was raised and, after
his resurrection, gave to his disciples both a commission to continue to do his
work on earth and the gift of the Spirit to enable them to do so.
The commission in Matthew
is preceded by a revelation and followed by a promise; all three are prefaced
by the universalizing “all”. The revelation is that Jesus has been given “all”
authority. The commission is that the disciples must make disciples of “all”
nations. The promise is that Jesus will be with his disciples “all” the days.
He will do this in and through his Spirit.
It is this Spirit, Paul
tells us in the second reading of today, which enables us to recognize God as
beloved Father or Mother and to realize that, just as the Trinity is united by
the bond of love, we, too, are called to that same union. It is the Spirit
which gives us the grace to recognize that every human being is a child of God
and that, because this is so, we are all brothers and sisters of one human
family. It is the Spirit which enables us to accept diversity, knowing deep in
our hearts that there is an underlying fundamental and basic unity.
Thus, the feast of the
Trinity celebrates freedom, love, community, diversity, and inclusiveness. God
does not exist in isolated individualism but in a community of relationships.
In other words, God is not a loner or a recluse. This means that a Christian in
search of Godliness must shun every tendency to isolationism and individualism.
The ideal Christian spirituality is not that of flight from the world. It is
not a spirituality that runs away from contact with other people and society.
Rather, it is an immersion into the world with a view to transforming sorrow to
joy, injustice to justice, negatives to positives, darkness to light and, death
to life.
There is no one who is
outside the kingdom of God. There is no “us” and “them”. There is only “we”
And, we are all connected. The Trinity embraces diversity. We are not asked to
be clones of Jesus. We are asked to offer our unique gifts for the good of the
community. We are not asked to be the same. We are asked to seek unity even in
diversity.
Friday, 24 May 2024
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Has your narrow mindedness led you to pigeonhole God and place him in a small compartment? Will you realise that God is much bigger than you can ever imagine him to be?
To read the texts click on then texts: James 5:13-20; Mk 10:13-16
The text is really about the kingdom of
God and what kind of people can expect to be a part of it. When people bring
children to Jesus, the disciples try to stop them from doing so showing once
again that they have not been able to understand what Jesus and the kingdom are
all about. The kingdom is for everyone and is inclusive not exclusive. Jesus is
emphatic in his response to their action that the kingdom does indeed belong to
children and that anyone who does not become like a child can never hope to enter
it. The point is not so much that one will be excluded but that one will
exclude oneself. The kingdom is a gift and must be received as a gift. No human
power can create or force it. The kingdom of God will come when we behave like
little children.
A childlike attitude means not only that
one will be humble and spontaneous as children are, but also that one will
acknowledge like a child has to do, his/her dependence. Many of us like to be
independent and for some asking a favour of someone else is extremely difficult
because they do not want to acknowledge their dependence on that person and so
be indebted. We must realise that we are all interconnected and while we are
dependent on each other in some way or other, we are primarily dependent on God.
Thursday, 23 May 2024
Friday, May 24, 2024 - Am I faithful to the commitment that I have made in my state of life?
To read the texts click on the texts: James 5:9-12; Mk 10:1-12
The school of Hillel (60 BCE – 20 CE),
permitted divorce literally for any cause – even if the wife spoiled a dish
or if her husband found another fairer than his wife. However the school of
Shammai (50 BCE – 30 CE) permitted it only for adultery.
In Deut 24,1-4 the institution of
divorce is taken for granted, & concerns only the procedure to be followed
and that after the woman has married a second time, the first husband cannot
remarry her. The Law of divorce was a concession not a commandment.
The question of the Pharisees is asked
by them in order to test Jesus. This attitude becomes clear when in their
response to Jesus’ question about what the law says on divorce, they seem to
know it quite clearly. In his response to them, Jesus quotes Gen 1,27 and 2,24
as arguments for a permanent state of unity created by marriage. Jesus goes
beyond the Law to Creation. Divorce according to the law of creation would
be like trying to divide one person into two. Mark’s formula is a near total
prohibition of divorce. Mt 19,9 contains the exception contained in 5,32 –
unchastity (Porneia, Hebrew-Zenût = prostitution) understood in the sense of an
incestuous union due to marriage in their forbidden degrees of kinship (Lev
18,6-18). Such a union would not be true marriage at all and would not require
a divorce but annulment.
Many families today are breaking up and
there are various reasons why this is happening. However, it seems that one of
the important reasons why marriages and families break up is because of
selfishness. Due to this there is unwillingness on the part of the members to
adjust with each other or the inability to understand. Each wants to go his/her
own way and do his/her own thing. Concern for the others needs and feelings
seem to be on the wane. Psychologists today are quite convinced that a healthy
family background is an absolute requirement for the healthy growth of a child
and a happy child is the result of a happy family.
Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Thursday, May 23, 2024 - Am I only a part-time believer?
To read the texts, click on the texts: James 5:1-6; Mk 9:41-50
This pericope contains a series of
sayings against those who cause scandal and other to sin. Anyone who
scandalizes or causes someone else to stumble is a danger to those who believe.
Jesus’ language here seems harsh, but he is not asking individuals to maim
parts of their body. Rather he is using these striking metaphors to drive home
powerfully the point he wants to make, namely: that no one and nothing must be
allowed to compromise the kingdom. The metaphors reflect how important striving
for the kingdom is. A disciple of Jesus must be prepared to forego anything for
the sake of the kingdom.
Our behaviour in public sometimes
results in leading others away from God and Jesus. Those who see our behaviour
and know that we are disciples of Jesus are not inspired to follow him. Mahatma
Gandhi himself was inspired by Christ, but he was quite clear not by
Christians. Christ today is made visible and tangible through the words and
actions of those of us who believe in him and so we have an enormous
responsibility to make him known and draw others to him. People must be able to
see him in us.
Tuesday, 21 May 2024
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Do I feel threatened by people whom I think are more talented than I am? Will I rest secure in my selfhood? Will I glory in my selfhood?
To read the texts click on the texts: James 4:13-17; Mk 9:38-40
John comes to Jesus hoping to be
commended for stopping an exorcist who was using the name of Jesus to exorcise.
In his response Jesus advocates openness and allows anyone who wants to
exorcise in his name to be free to do so. Since the man is suing Jesus name, it
is clear that he is not against Jesus and so will not speak ill of Jesus. Since
he is not against, he is for Jesus.
One of the many qualities of Jesus that
stood out in his life and mission was the quality of openness. He was willing
to accommodate and believe even in those whom others had given up on. This is
shown in his call of Levi, Matthew the tax collector and his reaching out to
sinners and outcasts. In our understanding of Jesus we sometimes do him a
disservice when we become too parochial and narrow-minded and imagine that he
is the exclusive property of those of us who are baptised. We communicate this
attitude to others when we reject their symbols of God and worse treat them as
idol worshippers. We are being called through the attitude of Jesus in the text
of today to make him available to all with our openness and acceptance of
others and of their way of relating to God.
Monday, 20 May 2024
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - The world seems to be saying, “If you are not No. 1, you are NO ONE. Jesus. However, is clear in what he says: If you want to be No. 1, be NO ONE.
To read the texts click on the texts: James 4:1-10; Mk 9:30-37
The text of today contains the second
Passion, death and resurrection prediction that Jesus makes on the way to
Jerusalem and Jesus’ explanation of his way of life to his disciples after they
misunderstand what his kingdom is all about. In this second passion and
resurrection prediction, there is a change in the verb from the first where the
verb was the passive “be killed” (8:31) to the active “they will kill him”
(9:31)
If after the first passion and
resurrection prediction it is Peter who misunderstands, here, it is the
disciples as a whole that misunderstand because "on the way" they are
discussing who the greatest among them is, when Jesus is speaking about service
and being the least. Before his teaching on what discipleship means, Jesus sits
down thereby assuming the formal position of a teacher. He speaks first of a
reversal of positions and status in the kingdom, and then places before them
the example of a child. In the oriental world of Jesus' time, the child was a
non-person, and so by this example, Jesus derives home the point that they will
have to lose their identity, become non-persons if they want to gain entry into
the kingdom.
Authority as understood in Christianity
can never be for domination but is always for service. Management experts today
are advocating more and more the advantages of using authority for service and
leading by example. In this manner the leader can get more out of the ones he
lead than if he/she tries to dominate.
Sunday, 19 May 2024
Monday, May 20, 2024 - Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church - How will you show that you are part of the Church of God founded by Jesus?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts1:12-14; Jn 19:25-27
Pope, St. Paul VI
declared Mary as Mother of the Church on November 21, 1964. In 2018, Pope
Francis reinvigorated the title by proclaiming the Monday after Pentecost as
the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Church. Through
Scripture and tradition, we clearly see how Mary has been “Mother of the
Church.”
The Synoptic Gospels provide an account in the ministry of Jesus, when the mother of Jesus and his brothers and sisters approach the house where Jesus was teaching (Mt 12:46–50, Mk 3:31–35, Lk 8:19–21). When word reaches Jesus that his mother is outside, he says, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it” (Lk 8:21). In Luke more clearly than in the others Synoptic Gospels, Jesus is pointing to Mary no merely as his physical mother or the one who gave birth to him and brought him into the world, but also as one who is mother to him because like him she too does the will of God.
In the first reading chosen for the memorial, we read how Mary is with the eleven before the choice of Matthias and also before Pentecost. The presence of Mary with the disciples whom Jesus left behind is an indication that she was an integral part of the ministry of Jesus and also one of those on whom the Spirit was poured at Pentecost. As mother of Jesus, she is also the mother also of the disciples and all others who believe in Jesus. In the Gospel text from John, it is from the cross that Jesus hands his mother over to the beloved disciple. While the beloved disciple is indeed a historical figure, he/she can also be anyone who loves Jesus. The command of the Lord to such a disciple, who loves him, is that he/she must also take his mother into their home because she is an integral part of the family of Jesus. As a matter of fact in the Gospel of John this is how Church is described. The Spirit of Jesus (which he breathes before his death), the beloved disciple (anyone who loves Jesus) and the mother of Jesus. These three elements make up church. These three are what church is all about in the Gospel of John.
So today let us realize
that we cannot really have a full church, the church of the Lord unless his
mother is in that church as well. I am fond of saying that if Mary had to say
NO we would never have had Jesus. We remember the words that we recite in the
Memorare “It was never know that anyone who fled to her protection was left
unaided.” And proof of that is again in the scriptures where the mind of Jesus
has changed because of the intervention of Mary at Cana, (Jn 2:1-12) where
Jesus turned water into sparkling wine.
How will you show that
you are part of the Church of God founded by Jesus?
Saturday, 18 May 2024
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Pentecost Sunday – Jesus is leaving only so that he can come back
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 2:1-11; 1 Cor12:3-7, 12-13; Jn 20:19-23
The little boy was taken
to the nursery school by his mother. Aware of his anxiety being abandoned, the
boy’s mother leaned down, kissed her son, and said, “Good bye, my love. No one
is leaving.” Each day, his mother would bid him farewell with those same words.
The boy was too young to recognize the paradox, and embraced his new existence
and quickly adjusted to new and frightening surroundings. Day after day, and
week after week, his mother bid the same farewell: “Good bye, my love. No one
is leaving.”
The boy grew into
adulthood, and there came a day when he was confronted with the reality of
having to place his mother in a nursing home. She – now elderly and frail, with
advanced Alzheimer’s disease – barely recognized him, often forgot to eat, and
simply could no longer care for herself. As he departed from her, leaving her
in her new and frightening surroundings, he remembered her words. He leaned
down, kissed his mother, and said, “Good bye, my love. No one is leaving” –
words his mother recognized even though she no longer recognized him. A tear
appeared in her eye, as she clasped his hand and repeated,”Good bye, my love.
No one is leaving.”
This is Jesus’ message to
his disciples on his departure to the Father: “Good bye, my love. No one is
leaving”.
Jesus is departing from
us, out of our sight. We find ourselves in the new and frightening surroundings
of this life, in a place where we are uncomfortable and often feel ill-equipped
to carry on. And yet, Jesus continues to assure us of his continued presence
through his gift of the Holy Spirit. This is why, though he said good bye, he
is not leaving. This is shown in the Gospel text of today when he comes to the
frightened disciples after his Resurrection, with a twofold greeting of peace.
These disciples, who fled in fear at Jesus’ arrest, are now themselves forgiven
and told to continue his mission from the Father. Though they abandoned Jesus,
he will not abandon them though they failed him; God’s love will not fail them.
Then, reminiscent of God’s action at creation, Jesus breathes on them, and
gifts them the gift of the Spirit and with it the gift of new life. They have
become a new creation.
Along with the gift of
the Spirit is also a commission to forgive or retain sin. “Retaining sin” is
not a juridical act. It is not just the eleven but the “disciples” who are
gathered in the room. John uses the term ‘disciples’ for a much larger group than
the twelve or eleven. This group could also have included women and so the
commission has to do with something that is more than juridical. So this means
that through the gift of the Spirit, the disciples are given power to take away
the sin of the world and unmask and control the power of evil as Jesus himself
did. Through their just and loving actions in imitation of the Lord, they are
to communicate the unconditional love of the Father.
At Pentecost, as the Acts
of the Apostles narrates, the Spirit of God – and through the Spirit, God’s
unconditional love – comes down upon the disciples, resting on each of them and
thereby bringing them and us together once again. The disciples get a crash
course as it were in the language of God. After Pentecost the days of Babel and
confusion are over. The great differences among us, in culture and background,
wealth and poverty, are scattered in “the rush of a violent wind”. They are
burned away by tongues of fire. Their nationality or culture does not really
matter. Each one hears the same message in his/her native tongue simply because
it is a language of forgiveness and love, and the language of love is one.
The unity which this love
brings is summarized by Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians. The Spirit
is at work in each of us, always fresh and always new, waiting to be translated
into the language of our own lives, into the language of love.
Our world, however, is
still tongue-tied. Babel, the parable of our first clash of cultures and
failure to communicate, is more than a mythic explanation of the differences
among nations and languages. It is a description of the human condition itself.
We often do not understand one another even when we speak the same language. We
remain stymied by our fundamental inability to accept the differences among us.
It is only to an extent
that we make an effort to accept the other, no matter how different or foreign,
that we come to understand the language of God. Only then is Babel turned to
Pentecost.
Friday, 17 May 2024
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Would Jesus point to you as a beloved disciple today? Why?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Jn 21:20-25
The first two verses of today’s text shift the focus from Peter to the Beloved disciple. Like he does elsewhere, with other characters in his Gospel, John reminds the reader of when the beloved disciple first appeared in his narrative. The question of Jesus to Peter in 21:22: “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” has caused consternation. John already provides a correction of the misunderstanding that this disciple would not die and so, this is not what Jesus meant. By using a favorite word of his, “remain”, John points out what he means by Jesus’ seeming enigmatic words. This disciple will indeed remain through the words that he has written in his Gospel. Though he will die a physical death, he will continue to live in the witness that he has given to Jesus in his Gospel. Just as Peter will give witness to Jesus by dying a martyr’s death, the beloved disciple will give witness to Jesus by his Gospel.
The Gospel ends with a hyperbolic statement which also serves as a warning of how the Gospel and all of scripture must be interpreted. The Gospel is only a pointer and must be seen in that light. The person of Jesus is bigger than any writing or Gospel can ever contain and, no matter how much is said of Jesus, in the final analysis, it will always be inadequate. This does not mean that we must not say what we know. Rather, it means that, even as we say what we know, we must realize that there is much more that we do not know and so cannot say.
There is an obsession with so many today with
prolonging life. These use all kinds of artificial means to try to look
younger. They dye their hair black; get tummy tucks, nose jobs, and even
plastic surgery to remove wrinkles. They imagine that they can cheat death and
live forever. They hardly realize that what is important is not the length of
time one lives, but how one lives in the time given to us. It is quality, not quantity
that is important. Jesus’ words about the beloved disciple are not about his living
forever, or not dying, they are about the witness that endures even after he
dies. This means that each of us, like the beloved disciple, has the ability to
leave a legacy even after we are gone from this world. It is up to us to decide
what kind of legacy it is going to be.
Thursday, 16 May 2024
Friday, May 17, 2024 - Be careful of saying you are a friend of Jesus, he will call you to live and love for him.
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 25:13-21; Jn21:15-19
The first verse of today’s text links this section with the previous one (21:4-14) through the words, “When they had finished breakfast”. It is a continuation of the appearance of Jesus to the disciples at Lake Tiberius where, because they obey his instructions, they are able to haul in 153 fish.
The verses of today’s text narrate the conversation that Jesus has with Simon Peter. Some are of the opinion that the reason why Jesus asks Peter three questions is because Peter denied him three times. While this may be so, it is also important to realize that the questions are all different. The first question which Jesus asks is inclusive. It includes the other disciples, the boat, the nets, and the fish. Jesus is asking Peter whether Peter loves him more than he loves the other disciples and/or his livelihood. The second question is direct and involves only Jesus and Peter. Everything else recedes into the background. The spotlight shifts only to the two. Does Peter love Jesus? Though the third question seems similar to the second, it is really different because in it, Jesus asks Peter about friendship. It reads: “Simon, son of John, are you my friend?” This is a crucial change from the earlier question because, in 15:13, Jesus had explained the true meaning of friendship when he said: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” By affirming that Peter is, indeed, a friend of Jesus, he is affirming his willingness to die for Jesus.
This interpretation is confirmed by the fact that as soon as Peter affirms his friendship, Jesus invites him to lay down his life. This invitation begins with the double Amen in 21:18, and so marks the introduction of a solemn pronouncement. The saying of Jesus that follows explains how, when Peter was young, he fastened his own belt and went wherever he wished to go. This is an indication of the freedom that Peter experienced earlier. However, soon he will have to stretch out his hands and someone else will fasten his belt for him, and take him where he does not wish to go. This is seen as a specific reference to Peter’s death by crucifixion, and is confirmed by the explanation that John gives in parenthesis in 21:19: “(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.)”
The text ends with Jesus inviting Peter to follow him. Though this command of Jesus may be seen as a general invitation to discipleship, here it means a specific command to martyrdom and even death.
It is significant that the call to martyrdom to Peter is given only after his threefold confession of his love of Jesus, and he is given charge of the sheep only after he has confessed this love. It is thus clear that there is no coercion on the part of Jesus, but a call that Peter has accepted freely. Peter knows, even as he answers, that trials and difficulties are part and parcel of his commitment. He is aware that following Jesus is not going to be easy and that he will be called to make great sacrifices. He is ready, willing, and able.
The call to follow Jesus today is a call that will
continue to be heard as long as there are people who dare to open their hearts
to this call. While it will not always be a call to martyrdom by death, like it
was in the case of Peter, it will always be a call to be a martyr or witness.
This is because the voice of Jesus can only be heard today in his disciples and
he can be seen and experienced only when those who profess to follow him reach
out in love.
Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Thursday, May16, 2024 - Are the troubles and difficulties of your neighbour as real to you as your own? Or do you regard their problems as of no consequence to you?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Jn 17:20-26
In these last verses of the prayer, Jesus expands the circle of those for whom he prays to include believers of the future. Since Jesus did not come to make a limited revelation, but one that was meant to embrace the whole world, it is only appropriate that he pray also for those who will believe because of the disciples’ word and witness. The primary invocation that Jesus makes here is the all be one. It is a petition for unity. The reason for this petition is that Jesus wants all those who will believe in him to share in the same relationship that he shares with his Father. Just as Jesus and the Father are one, so, he prays, that all believers will also share in this mutual indwelling. When this unity is seen by those who do not yet believe, they, too, will be inspired to know and believe that Jesus was indeed sent by God. Unity of the community, which has as its source the unity of the Son and Father, will be the drawing force that will lead others to Jesus. By the unity that is shown in community, those who believe in Jesus will also be able to complete God’s work in the same way in which Jesus did.
In the last three verses of the prayer (17:24-26), there is a greater intensity. Petition changes to want. This is not to be interpreted as selfishness but rather, as audacity or confidence. Jesus is confident that his Father will give him what he wants and also, that this is his Father’s will for him and all believers. What Jesus wants is that God, he, and the believers, share in a mutual indwelling. What he wants is that all be one. This oneness and unity is expressed in the tangible reality of love.
Christianity was never meant to be, and can never be,
a private religion. Everything about Christianity is both individual and
communitarian. The seven Sacraments are beautiful examples of the communal
dimension of Christianity. This is because Jesus did not come to make a private
or esoteric revelation to only a small group of individuals but to make a
revelation to the whole world. Thus, the community of believers today is faced
with this challenge of showing the communal dimension or unity of the community
and so, drawing others to believe. It is a tremendous privilege and
responsibility. It is a privilege because we are called to continue the work of
Jesus himself and so share in the mission entrusted to him by his Father. It is
a responsibility because, as believers, we cannot be complacent and content
with our private devotions or individual faith.
We must manifest it to everyone we meet. It is a faith that is to be
shown in action, a faith that is to be shown in tangible love.
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - How do I measure my own success? Is my striving to “have more” or to “be more”?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 20:28-38; Jn17:11-19
The prayer of Jesus continues with a prayer for the disciples. In the first verse today, Jesus prays for God’s protection for the disciples and the oneness that they must share. This unity must be like the unity that the Son, Jesus, shares with God, his Father. While Jesus was on earth, he was able to instruct his disciples on this unity and show it in his own words and actions. Now that he is going to the Father, he entrusts this teaching to God. The “world”, with its own set of values and way of proceeding, will try to draw the disciples away from the teaching of Jesus, much like it drew Judas Iscariot. Yet, he was the one who decided that he wanted to break away from the community and align with the “world” and so, made his choice. The disciples need to be given the same strength that Jesus had and be sanctified in the truth.
It is so easy to be sucked in by all that the “world”
has to offer. The lure of money, riches, and the desire to have more, are
tempting and inviting. Success is often measured by how much a person has
rather than by how much he/she is. This results in a striving to possess more
and more even, if at times, it is at the cost of someone else having less than
is their due. The prayer of Jesus for his disciples must be read today in this
context and we need to constantly ask ourselves if, as his disciples, the prayer
that he made is having its desired effect on us.
Monday, 13 May 2024
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - St. Matthias, Apostle - Jesus revealed the Father as love. How will you reveal Jesus today?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts1:15-17,20-26; Jn 15:9-17
There is no mention of a
Matthias among the lists of disciples or followers of Jesus in the three
synoptic gospels, but according to the first reading chosen for the feast of
St. Matthias, he had been with Jesus from his baptism by John until his Ascension.
In the days following, Peter proposed that the assembled disciples, who
numbered about one hundred and twenty, nominate two men to replace Judas. After
they had cast lots, the lot fell to Matthias; so he was numbered with the
eleven apostles
Though no further
information is available about Matthias in the New Testament, he is identified
with Zacchaeus and also with Nathanael.
The Gospel text is from
the Gospel of John and is part of the Discourse on the Vine and the Branches
and focusses on Jesus’ gift of love given to him by his Father.
This love which the
Father has for Jesus is the same love that Jesus has expressed and shown for
his disciples. It is a love that is unconditional, a love without end. It is
not merely a verbal expression, or an emotion, but a love that is shown
tangibly and in every action that Jesus performs. The disciples have to act in
the same manner as Jesus in order to make this love visible. There is only one
commandment and that is the commandment to love. If the disciples keep this
commandment, it will result in their being like Jesus, their master, who before
them, revealed God’s love for the world.
This love is expressed in
the most perfect of ways in the willingness to go to one’s death for the sake
of a friend. The disciples are indeed friends of Jesus, as has been manifested
in their keeping his command to love. It is important to note that Jesus is not
placing a condition for friendship here (you can be my friends only if…);
rather he is stating what and who the disciples are (because you are my
friends, you do what I command).
The friendship that the
disciples share with Jesus is grounded in love. This means that Jesus keeps
back nothing from his disciples and reveals to them all that they need to know.
His primary revelation to them has been of God as a loving and compassionate
Father.
It is Jesus who has taken
the initiative in calling and choosing the disciples and this fact reinforces
the idea of grace. It is not one’s effort that can earn discipleship but the
grace of God which, when received, results in one living out the call to discipleship.
The living out of the call is not merely a once for all act, but something that
is done constantly and with perseverance. This will ensure that the effects of
their love are abiding and lasting. The last verse of today, with its reminder
to “love one another”, forms an inclusion with the first.
The relationship that we
share with God because of Jesus is one of sons and daughters. We are Jesus’
brothers and sisters, even friends. This is because he has given us everything
in all its fullness. He held nothing back, not even his own self. The manifestation
of this self-giving, which began with the incarnation, was completed and
continued on the cross, and through his resurrection and ascension. He
continues to give, even today.
However, the giving is
only one side of the story. Without a receiver, the gift has no value. This is
why, while the grace of God given as a gift in Jesus is first, our reception of
that gift is as important if the act of giving is to be completed. We show that
we have received this gift when we, like Jesus, also dare to reach out in love.
When we speak an enhancing word, perform a loving action, behave a little less
selfishly, and a little more selflessly, then the gift is given and received,
again and again.
Keeping the commandment
of Jesus is thus not a chore or burden but done willingly because one has
experienced this love first. The outcome of this sharing and manifestation of
love is unbounded joy.
Sunday, 12 May 2024
Monday, May 13, 2024 - When faced with a seemingly insurmountable problem today will you believe that you, like Jesus, will overcome?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 19:1-8; Jn16:29-33
Though the disciples think that they have understood everything that Jesus has said, and that it is plain to them, they actually misunderstand. While Jesus has used many figures of speech to make his points, the disciples mistakenly think that he has used only one. They also do not realize that Jesus had spoken of a future time when he would speak plainly and when things would be clear, and erroneously think of that time as the present. Where Jesus was appealing to the heart, the disciples used their minds. Their knowledge is an intellectual knowledge and thus, focuses only on the present and not on the future. They forget that the whole story of Jesus can only be completed with the departure to the Father. This is why Jesus has to reorient them and remind them again of the “hour”. The “hour” here is the hour of death which will result in the scattering of the disciples. They will all abandon him at his death. Yet, Jesus will not be alone because he knows that the Father will be with him, even if no one else is. Thus, even when faced with the most difficult situation, namely death, Jesus can have peace and this is the peace that he will gift to the disciples. This peace will enable the disciples to stand up to all the trials and tribulations they will encounter.
The last words of Jesus here are words of confidence and hope: “But take courage; I have conquered the world.” Even as he goes to his death, Jesus knows that victory will be his. He will overcome, through his cross, all the negative powers that try to prevent his love from reaching the ends of the earth.
It takes courage to believe when we are faced with
seemingly insurmountable obstacles and difficulties of life. It is at times
like these that our faith is tested and tried. It is at times like these when
we have to ask ourselves whether we believe that God is still working for our
good. To have courage in the face of adversity, to believe in the face of
trials, and to trust and have faith when everything seems to be going wrong, is
to have the confidence in the Father that Jesus had. This attitude can be ours
if we open ourselves to God’s abundant grace and realize the impermanence of
all that assails us. It is to know that, like Jesus, we too will overcome the
“world”. The movement from present sorrow, pain and trial, to future joy, peace
and hope, is possible and even guaranteed because Jesus has overcome.
Saturday, 11 May 2024
Sunday, May 12, 2024 - The Ascension of the Lord - Will we continue his mission on earth?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts1:1-11; Eph1:17-23; Mk 16:15-20
The Ascension of Jesus
into heaven celebrates the fact that, after completing his work on earth, work
that the Father had entrusted to him, Jesus returned to his rightful place at
the right hand of the Father, However, this is only one side of the story. The
other side is that, before he ascended into heaven, he entrusted a commission
to his disciples and to all who believe in his name. This commission was to
proclaim to every living creature, till the end of time, God’s unconditional
love for them, manifested not only in the sending of his only Son, but also in
the Son’s crucifixion, and death. It was a love that was manifested,
ultimately, in raising this Son on the third day and granting him his rightful
place at the right hand of God.
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles sets the tone for the universal mission which the disciples are given. Here, they are commissioned to be witnesses, not only in Jerusalem, but to the ends of the earth. However, even as they are commissioned, they are cautioned about two things. The first is patiently waiting for the gift of the Spirit. The second is that it is not for them to know too many details about time, place, and the like.
Their job is only to be
witnesses. To use the words of St Francis of Assisi, they are called to
“Proclaim the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” Their testimony
was about him, not just about what happened long ago and far away. They could not
be witnesses unless they had met the Risen Christ – unless their lives had been
transformed by him.
This idea is reiterated
in the Gospel text of today which begins with the commission of the risen Jesus
to his disciples of salvation. The Good News was that God had shown his
unconditional love for the world by saving all people in Christ, his Son. The signs
that would accompany this preaching and its acceptance were practical signs.
These would be shown in action and could be summarized as healing and
wholeness. The disciples followed the instructions of the Lord and continued
the mission that he had inaugurated.
This Lord, whom the
disciples obey, is indeed the Lord of the whole Universe. The second reading
affirms that he has been given dominion over all persons, things, and
situations and sits at the right hand of God. The Church, which he inaugurated,
is his body which continues his work even today.
We need to ask ourselves
some serious questions on the feast of Ascension. The first of these is whether
we, as Church today continue the mission of Jesus or whether we are still
looking up at the sky like the disciples did, until they were reminded that the
Mission had to be continued on earth. When we keep looking up to heaven for
answers to questions that can be found on earth, we are still looking up to the
sky. When we respond theoretically rather than practically to the problems of
others, we are still looking up to the sky. When we expect God to do everything
for us rather than ask him for help when we are faced with insurmountable odds,
we are still looking up to the sky. We need to remove our gaze from the sky and
bring it down to earth.
We also need to ask
whether our focus is so much on the miraculous that we fail to find God in the
ordinary events of life. While it is true that Jesus did promise his disciples
that extraordinary signs would accompany belief in him, it is also true that he
never used his miracles as proof of his divine identity. As a matter of fact,
he consistently refused to give signs. He wanted people to find him and to find
God in the ordinary, humdrum, mundane, everyday activities of life. If we are
not able to find God in all things and find all things in God, it probably
means that we are focusing too much on the extraordinary and stupendous and not
enough on the fact that God, in Jesus, is all and in all.
We need to ask ourselves
whether, in our enthusiasm to spread the Gospel of God, we have been honest to
it or whether we have mangled and distorted it so much that it has become our
personal and often bigoted and biased interpretation rather than God’s Good
News. When we find that we are spreading the Good News by dint of human might
and craft and not by listening to God’s Spirit of openness and sincerity and,
when we find that our intentions in spreading this news are selfish and
self-centred rather than selfless and altruistic, then we are guilty of not
being true to God, to his Good News and to ourselves.
The feast of the
Ascension reminds us that we, as disciples of Jesus, are today his body, mind,
and heart. Jesus was true to himself and true to his Father. We need to be true
to Jesus and true to his Father. If we are, then we can celebrate this feast with
great joy knowing, that, though the Lord is in heaven, he continues to be
present on earth.
Friday, 10 May 2024
Saturday, May 11, 2024 - Do you remember to add at the end of your prayer the words “not my, but your will be done”?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 18:23-28; Jn16:23-28
The death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus will be the event that will enable the disciples to pray, not only in Jesus’ name, but like he prayed. Through this event, the disciples will enter into a new relationship with Jesus and with God through him. This relationship will be a relationship of love. As God showed his love for the world in sending Jesus, and Jesus showed his love for the world by accepting the cross, so the disciples have shown love for Jesus and God by accepting and believing that Jesus has come from God.
In the last verse of today’s text the entire mission of Jesus is summarized. Jesus has been sent by God and has come from God. After completing the mission entrusted to him, he is returning to where he has come from: God. The story of Jesus, which began with his coming from the Father ends, but also continues with his ascending to the Father.
Prayer in Jesus’ name and praying like Jesus means to
believe, before we receive something, that it will be given to us. It is a
confidence that God is on our side. We may not always be able to see at first
glance how what we receive is for our good, much like the cross that Jesus
carried. However, it means that we continue to trust and believe that all will
be well because God is always in control of any and every situation.
Thursday, 9 May 2024
Friday, May 19, 2024 - What causes sorrow in you? Can you be described as primarily a “happy” person? If No, why not?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 18:9-18; Jn16:20-23
Jesus explains in these verses how the disciple’s
sorrow will turn to joy. The metaphor of child birth is used to explain the
in-breaking of God’s kingdom. Just as the birth of a child turns the pain of
the mother into joy, so the in-breaking of God’s kingdom will turn the
disciples’ sorrow into joy. Jesus’ appearance to the disciples after his death
will be the cause of their sorrow turning to joy. This joy will not be
temporary, but permanent, and no one or event will be able to take it away.
This is because the whole of life’s perspective will change and the disciples
will become a new people, a new creation. On that day, all the questions of the
disciples will cease because nothing will need to be explained. It will be as
clear as it needs to be.
Sorrow and joy are common everyday experiences of all
humans. Sorrow is caused when things do not go the way we expect them to or
when people do not respond in the way we want them to. When our expectations
are not met, we feel sad and upset. However, after the resurrection of Jesus
and his presence among us in his Spirit, sorrow can never be an enduring
experience for a believer. It is always temporary. Joy is permanent. This joy
is not caused by the happening or not happening of events, it is not caused by
our expectations being fulfilled, but by a realization that, in Jesus, God
always wants what is best for us and will never do anything that is not for our
good and for his glory. It is a realization that, in Jesus, we are loved
unconditionally by a God who is Father and who always wants what is best for
his sons and daughters.
Wednesday, 8 May 2024
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - Can you be courageous even when it seems that the whole world is conspiring against you?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 18:1-8; Jn 16:16-20
In the first verse of today’s reading, 16:16, the focus is turned back from the Paraclete to the impending departure of Jesus and the response of the disciples to that departure. The first “little while” in this verse refers to the time before his death, which Jesus sees as fast approaching, whereas the second “little while” refers to the events after his death to his resurrection appearances and even beyond. The disciples are not able to understand the meaning of Jesus’ words and keep questioning among themselves what they mean.
Though they have not addressed Jesus with their questions, he is aware of what they are discussing. Yet, he does not answer their question directly, but moves the question to a new direction. A new teaching is introduced by the use of the words, “Amen, amen”. There will be contrasting responses to the death of Jesus. The disciples will weep and mourn, whereas the “world”, which here must be translated as those opposed to the revelation of God in Jesus, will rejoice. However, this will only be a temporary response. The pain and sorrow of the disciples will soon turn to joy.
It is easy to be happy and believe that God is on our
side when things go the way we want. However, when we are faced with obstacles
and difficulties, when we do not get the due we think we deserve and, when the
road is steep and the going is difficult, then we begin to wonder if God is on
our side. The text of today is a call to believe, even in the most difficult
circumstances. It is a call to know that there will be joy, even in the midst
of pain, and happiness, even in the midst of sorrow. It is a call to have faith
and see the risen Jesus, even as he hangs on the cross, and to see in the
crosses that we have to carry every day, our own resurrection.
Tuesday, 7 May 2024
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - What contemporary symbol describes Jesus for you? How will you share this symbol with at least one other person today?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 17:15,22-18:1;Jn 16:12-15
The Paraclete is mentioned for the last time in the Farewell Discourse in these verses. Jesus has taught the disciples all that they are to know and understand about the present time. There is nothing more about the present that he can say to them. What they need to know about the future will be revealed to them at the appropriate time and when the Spirit that is sent comes. This means that, even when they are faced with the future which is uncertain, God’s presence will be with them. They are not alone. The Paraclete is the “spirit of truth” since he comes from Jesus, who is “the truth” and will guide the disciples into the way of truth, into the way of Jesus. Since the Paraclete will be sent by Jesus, he will only explicate and make clearer what Jesus has already said. He will not give a new teaching but will continue what Jesus has begun. As Jesus taught what he heard from God, so the Paraclete will teach what he hears from Jesus.
He will also declare “the things that are to come” which here means the preparation of the disciples for the time after Jesus. This also indicates that the words of Jesus are not time bound, but available anew for every succeeding generation of disciples. The Paraclete always makes the teachings new and relevant for the times. Just as Jesus made God visible through his words and actions, so the Paraclete will make Jesus present through the inspiration and support he provides to the disciples.
The Paraclete thus makes Jesus present even after his death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father. He is the teacher and witness of all that Jesus has said and done. That is, the Paraclete enables the Christian community, at any time in its life, to reach back to the teachings of Jesus and “remember,” and bring Jesus’ teachings to life afresh with new understanding. However, the Paraclete’s role as teacher is also creative. The Paraclete enables the word of Jesus to move forward from its moment in history to the present life of the church. The Paraclete gives new meanings to the teachings of Jesus as the changing circumstances of faith communities and the world demand.
Monday, 6 May 2024
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - If people heard you speak and saw your actions today, would they recognize you as a follower of Jesus?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 16:22-34; Jn 16:5-11
These verses continue the farewell Discourse which was begun in 14:1. Since Jesus had been physically present to the disciples, he did not need to give them instructions about the time when he would not be with them. However, since that time has now come, they need to be informed about how they are to handle the future without him. They are dismayed and troubled, even though they know that he is going to the Father. They must realize and accept that it is to their advantage that Jesus goes. If he does not go, the Paraclete cannot come. Jesus’ departure, which means his death, resurrection, and ascension, must precede the Paraclete’s coming. When this happens, Jesus will have completed the work given to him by the Father and the Paraclete will continue the work begun by Jesus.
The Paraclete’s work in the world will be to bring people to trial. This, however, is only one of the many functions that the Paraclete performs. It will bring out into the open the true meaning of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and the “world”, which here means those who rejected Jesus, will be held accountable.
The “world’s” sin is exposed because they have not believed in Jesus as the one who was sent from, and by, the Father. This means that the focus is not on one particular act, but on the attitude of rejection. Though the “world” might assume that Jesus’ death is the end, it is mistaken and, in this is righteousness exposed. Jesus’ death is not the end; rather, it is the completion on earth of the work entrusted to him by the Father. It is to be seen in the context of obedience to his Father’s will for him and the world. The final judgment will be that of the “ruler of this world”. By his death, resurrection, and ascension, the devil, the embodiment of all that is opposed to Jesus, will be judged. It will be proved, through this decisive act, that God has triumphed in his Son.
The “world” continues to be opposed to Jesus and to
love. However, Jesus continues to be present to the world in his Spirit, made
manifest in his disciples. It is the task of the disciples inspired and guided
by the Spirit to continue to expose the sin of the world and bring the world to
judgment. While this may be done by verbal proclamation, it must also be, like
in the case of Jesus, a proclamation that is shown in action.
Sunday, 5 May 2024
Monday, May 6, 2024 - Will you persevere in love today? When you are repaid with ingratitude for your kindness, will you continue to love?
To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 16:11-15; Jn15:26-16:4
This is the third promise of the coming of the Paraclete in the Gospel of John. Jesus had made the first promise in 14:16-17, and the second one in 14:26. The Paraclete or Advocate is sent by Jesus and the Father. The Paraclete is sent by Jesus, but is sent from the Father. The Paraclete is sent here to testify or bear witness to Jesus. This means that the teaching of the Paraclete will not be new teaching but a confirmation of what Jesus has already taught and done. Just as the Paraclete bears witness, so must the disciples, since they have seen and heard Jesus from the beginning. The Paraclete will give strength to the disciples in their time of trial so that they will not fall away. The Paraclete will work in and through the disciples. The work of Jesus continues through the Paraclete working in the disciples.
Because of this work of Jesus, the disciples will have to face persecution from those who do not accept them. As a matter of fact, those who engage in such persecution will think they are right and, by so persecuting the disciples, will think they are, in effect, worshipping God. This is because they have not understood the meaning of the incarnation and so, have not been able to recognize God’s unconditional and gratuitous love made manifest in Jesus. Jesus predicts these happenings, to both prepare the disciples in advance for what is to come and also, to warn them about the consequences of following him. Their perseverance and standing firm, even in the midst of persecution, will reveal their love for him and the Father and will be the tangible expression of their faith.
Believing in Jesus is not easy. It is one thing to
verbally profess faith in him and another to live out all that he taught and
did. It is especially difficult to follow him when things do not go the way we
want them to and when things happen contrary to our expectations. When those to
whom we are good repay us with goodness, we are not surprised, because we
expect them to do just that. However, when those to whom we have reached out in
love are ungrateful and sometimes openly hostile to us, we get shocked at their
behavior, simply because we did not expect them to react in that way. It is at
times like these that we must remember the predictions of Jesus made here. His
love for the world, shown in the most tangible manner on the cross, was spurned
by most of his contemporaries, yet that same love continues to be made new,
even today, two thousand years later. We, too, are called not to fall away but
to persevere in love.