Posted on 04/19/2004 8:33:36 PM PDT by Salvation
Even though I have been offline, you have been in my thoughts and prayers.
I am typing the following reflections, so please bear with me. (Some I am retyping, because this new system is not letting the A drive function properly.)
The first post for each day is different. Topics include the Easter Season, personalities, traditions, customs or the saint whose feast is celebrated on that particular day.
The second post for each day is an excerpt from the Gospel passage for that day during the weekday Mass. Additional reflections are offered on Sundays.
I hope you enjoy these six minute daily reflections during the Season of Easter as much as I am.
With all out technology, we have not yet been able fully to control fire, air, earth and water. Fires break out every day. The air can become terribly turbulent – there are tornados, hurricanes. Earthquakes cause great destruction. Water brings floods, drownings.
In today’s Gospel Jesus uses the analogy of the wind – it’s something we can’t see or control. So it is, Jesus says, with the Spirit. We can’t see the Spirit…or fully understand the Spirit…and we certainly can’t control the Spirit.
But to be “born of flesh” rather than the Spirit is to stay within a world that I can control and think only in terms of what I can accomplish on my own.
To do that is to stay within a small world. Even to believe in God is not something I can accomplish. If I believe in God it is because of God’s initiative toward me.
I’ve got to stop confining myself within the limits of my own resources. I need to let God work within me.
In John’s Gospel, Nicodemus comes on the scene three times. (The other Gospels never mention him.)
(1) Toward the beginning of John’s Gospel, Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night wanting to learn more about him. (The passages quoted in the next post and other posts this week.)
(2) Later in the Gospel, at a gathering of the chief priest and Pharisees who were speaking against Jesus, Nicodemus speaks up: “Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?”
(3) Toward the end of John’s Gospel, Nicodemus helps Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus. (Nicodemus brought “a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about 100 pounds.”)
Nothing further is known about Nicodemus. (There are legends of course. Some say that he was martyred. “St. Nicodemus” was even given a feast day – August 3rd.)
Nicodemus was also said to be the author of the “Acts of Pilate” (also referred to as the “Gospel of Nicodemus.”) This apocryphal work describes the trial of Jesus and his resurrection. (It was actually written in the fourth century.)
Jesus is not just another prophet and miracle worker. He alone has seen God face to face. Which means that he alone can reveal heavenly things.
John’s Gospel particularly emphasizes this right from the beginning. In his Prologue, John writes:
”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…No one has ever seen God. The only son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.”
Why doesn’t Jesus tell us more about God? What does God look like? What is it like when God speaks? What does heaven look like?
Because this is all beyond every category we know. Its breadth and depth is wider and deeper and more wondrous than the earthly mind can even begin to take in – something like trying to explain to a one year-old what it’s like to have a child. You simply let the child experience your love. You can’t explain it.
So, Jesus says things like, “As the Father loves me, so do I love you.”
And I get a hint of what God is like. Because Jesus is the Son of God, and he loves me.
On this date in 1649, the Maryland Toleration Act, which provided freedom of worship for all Christians, was passed by the Maryland Assembly.
The previous November, 140 men and women – including three Catholic priests – had boarded two ships, the Ark and the Dove, and sailed from England. They sought a place where they could be freed of the restrictive laws in England, and practice their religion freely.
Maryland was an area in the “new world” that had been chartered to George Calvert, Lord of Baltimore. It was one of the few of the original 13 colonies that was committed to religious tolerance. This made it attractive to Catholics who, in most of the colonies, were not welcomed.
Light and darkness. In John’s accounts of the personal encounters of Jesus with different people, the issue revolves around whether the person recognizes Jesus as the true light…or whether the person will prefer darkness.
Nicodemus, who significantly came to Jesus at night, will ultimately choose light. Pilate, on the other hand, will choose darkness.
We’re wary of letting someone look at that place within us that is our “center” – the place where all lies naked – our motives, our loves and hates, our best and our worst. We sometimes protect our center with false fronts, and we tend to shield it from the light. Not only can I shield it from the gaze of others, but from myself too. Do I even allow myself to look honestly at myself?
That would be a good start. Try it for a few minutes. But you don’t have to go it alone. Invite the Lord to go with you, and the two of you talk it over.
He doesn’t come as an inspector. He comes as someone who loves me.
The first thing to say about John’s Gospel is that it is very different from the other three Gospels.
In John, Jesus does not often speak in parables and short sayings, but rather in long discourses. John emphasizes the divinity of Jesus who came from God, who will return to God, and along the way reveals God to us. John’s Gospel is sometimes called “the spiritual Gospel.”
John’s Gospel is a story of dramatic personal encounters with Jesus, and they are some of the longest passages in his Gospel. These past days the second part of the posts has been describing the conversation with Nicodemus. Later in the Gospel Jesus has an extended conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. Then, there is the lengthy story of the man born blind who gradually is able to see Jesus through the eyes of faith. In the Passion Narrative, there is a very long encounter between Jesus and Pilate.
The symbol of John’s Gospel is the eagle, because it soars to such great heights.
That phrase catches one’s eye: “He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.”
Jesus isn’t miserly with his gifts. He’s like a grandmother serving up a Thanksgiving dinner, with enough food for an army.
We see it everywhere in the Gospels. Look at John’s Gospel alone. At Cana, Jesus doesn’t dole out the wine (and good wine at that). He provides over 20 gallons. In the miracle of the loaves, 12 basketfuls are left over. When the disciples can’t catch any fish, he miraculously provides not a pail full, but over 150 fish. And when the woman anointed Jesus at Bethany with costly perfumed oil (over 300 days wages worth), he defends her largesse.
No, Jesus isn’t miserly. Neither is his Father, who gave his only Son. Neither is the Holy Spirit who floods God’s life upon us.
God doesn’t dole out gifts on the basis of quantity or even the quality of the recipient: “He makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.”
The Easter Season is one long celebration of God’s goodness. Today’s time with the Lord might well be a time of thank-yous. It’s a beautiful (and sometimes overlooked) way to pray. And so easy.
On this date in 1725, Gerard Majella was born at Muro, Italy (near Naples). When he died 30 years later, he was known as the greatest wonder worker of the 18th century.
Because of his father’s death, Gerard became the family’s breadwinner at the age of 12. He was apprenticed to the local tailor. At the age of 19, he set up his own tailor shop. It was a successful venture, but he had little to show for it since he gave most of his money away.
At 23, Gerard tried to join the Redemptorists as a lay brother. He was turned down because of his health. He persisted, and when he was 24, a priest sent him to the novitiate with the note: “I send you a useless brother.”
He worked hard at his assigned tasks and showed remarkable signs of holiness. It was said of him, “Either he is a fool…or a great saint.” St. Alphonsus Liquori, founder of the Redemptorists, thought he was the latter.
Gerard began to manifest unusual gifts – the reading of souls, bilocation, healings. His holiness drew hundreds of people to him for spiritual help.
His poor health and his many labors eventually caught up with him, and he died just before midnight on October 15, 1755, having foretold the time of his own death.
Bilocation (seeming to be in two places at the same time) is usually explained not as a physical presence, but as a spiritual phenomenon. The person is bodily present in one place, and represented in the other place in the form of a vision.
This miracle is told in every Gospel (Mark even tells it twice!) The details vary, but all of the accounts describe the disciples telling Jesus that it is a hopeless situation and there’s nothing they – or he – can do about it.
The problem was that the disciples couldn’t go beyond their own expectations. We know how the story ends, and so we know what a mistake it was for them to confine themselves within such narrow boundaries.
We sometimes confine ourselves within expectations that are too narrow because they depend solely on what we can accomplish on our own. Can I be a better person? Can the hungry of our world be fed? Can we eliminate war? Can racism be overcome? Can women achieve equality? And most of all…can I really do anything to make any of this happen?
The answer is: Yes. Simply put God in the equation.
To shake me out of my limited expectations, I need to hear God say to me, “[Your name], I expect a little more out of you. And I’ll help you do it.”
It can be helpful to sort out these three titles: (1) Disciples, (2) The Twelve, (3) Apostles
Disciple: This is from a Greek word that means “one who is taught, a learner, the follower of a master.” In the Gospels the word designates those specifically called by Jesus to follow him, and who actually traveled with him. Some of them were women. It is not known how many disciples there were. Luke, in his Gospel, speaks of Jesus sending 70+ disciples to preach, but it is assumed that there were more than this.
The Twelve: From among the "disciples" Jesus chose a distinct group to become "the Twelve: -- symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel in the new covenant. Their names are listed in three of the Gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles, although there are some variations in the lists.
Apostle: This is from a Greek word that means “to send officially” as, for example, an ambassador. The term applies to “The Twelve,” but goes beyond them – apparently designating those specially “sent.” Paul, for example, calls himself an apostle. In his letter to the Romans, he also refers to a woman as an apostle: “Greet Andronicus and Junia…they are prominent among the apostles.” (John, in his Gospel, never uses “Apostle.”
Luke, in the Acts of the Apostles, is the first to extend the term “disciple” to refer to people who became Christians after Christ’s death and resurrection.
The Sea of Galilee is about 12 miles long and 7 miles wide and generally quite deep. Sudden changes of weather can create strong winds, and the gorges between the high hills surrounding the area can tunnel the winds onto the sea and create dangerous conditions, especially at night.
Some would say that Mark and Matthew include this story in their Gospels because they see it as a reassuring lesson for Christians after the resurrection and ascension. The boat represents the Church. The darkness and wind represent evils that threaten it. Jesus, who seems to be absent, comes to them and calms the wind and the waves.
In John’s account, the whole point of the story is simply the unexpected presence of the Lord – there is no “miracle” other than that (no calming of the wind and the waves). His presence is enough.
As individual Christians, and as a Church, we face crises from time to time. Some come from within, and some come from the outside. Both can bring fear and panic.
We need to hear the reassuring words of Jesus: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” Let him speak those words to you now.
The Easter Season weekday readings make particular use of two large sections of John’s Gospel. They are generally referred to as: (1) the Bread of Life Discourse, and (2) the Last Supper Discourse.
In Christian tradition, the Bread of Life refers both to the Word of God and the Eucharist. This may come as a surprise to some because of the apparent emphasis of the Catholic Church on the Eucharist. However, traditional Catholic theology considers each, in its own way, the “real presence.” The Vatican II document on the Word of God says this:
“The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures just as she venerates the body of the Lord, since from the table of both the Word of God and of the Body of Christ, she unceasingly receives and offers to the faithful the Bread of Life.” (#21)
In renovating church space, there has been a trend toward the design of the “lectern” as a table rather than the usual speaker’s rostrum. It has a flat top, smaller than the altar but similar in design…thus visually conveying the parallel: The table of the Bread of Life.
[On Sundays we’re reading accounts of people being “raised from the dead” in the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. They are signs of the Lord’s power over death.]
Found only in Luke (7:11-17), this story is well known and needs little re-telling. It takes place just outside a small town called Naim. Jesus and his disciples are just approaching the town when a large funeral procession is coming out, headed toward the cemetery. They’re carrying the only son of a widowed mother.
This is very sad. The widow has just been deprived of her only son. And, her only means of support.
No one approaches Jesus and asks for help. The Gospel simply says that he saw this…and had pity on her. Everything that follows is at the initiative of Jesus. First he goes to the widow and says: “Do not cry.” Then he goes to the bier and tells those carrying it to stop. They do.
Picture the scene. Everyone is standing still. There is hushed silence. Then Jesus says, “Young man, I tell you, arise.”
And he does. The young man sits up and begins to speak. Luke then says, “And Jesus gave him back to his mother.”
One can only guess what went on after that. The sad tears of the widow are now a joyous flood as she throws her arms around her son, and then throws her arms around Jesus, and the townspeople dance around, and….
It’s too good for words. Just picture it and enjoy it.
In the years after his death-resurrection-ascension, Christians applied many titles to Jesus – e.g., Messiah, Lord. But during his earthly ministry, what titles did Jesus apply to himself?
The one that appears most frequently seems strange: “Son of Man” – as in the passage in the next post. It is used over 80 times in the Gospels, and only on the lips of Jesus. No one else ever addresses him this way.
But what does it mean?
Unfortunately, no one – neither Jesus, nor any of the New Testament writers – provides an explanation.
In some cases it seems that it could simply mean “a man’s son” – that is, truly human.
However, at times it appears to be related to a passage in the Book of Daniel: “As the visions during the night continued, I saw “One like a son of man coming on the clouds of heaven.” In this case, it suggests a messiah-like person in whom and through whom God brings salvation.
It is a mysterious phrase that conveys the mortal condition of Jesus…and his special dignity…and his eventual coming in glory.
However mysterious its meaning may be, it is a title Jesus used of himself.
[Beginning today, we start reading from what is called the “Bread of Life Discourse” in John. We will continue reading it through the rest of this week.]
After the miracle of the loaves, the crowd saw the disciples get into a boat to head for Capernaum, ad Jesus wasn’t with them. Eventually the people take boats to Capernaum. When they arrive Jesus is already there.
Jesus says that they're looking for him because they enjoyed the bread he gave them. This was food that perishes and was meant to be a sign of a food whose effects never perish – the divine revelation he brings, and the Eucharist. This food is forever.
It’s the old problem, Breaking our necks to get perishables, and overlooking the gifts that last forever.
Connecting with God (prayer), being fed by truths that come down from heaven (the word of God), sharing in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (the Eucharist).
When my life on earth is coming to an end – and for sure it will – it won’t be fine cuisine that I cherish, but rather the food that lasts forever. Am I eating properly?
Born in Portugal 12 years before Columbus crossed the Atlantic, Ferdinand Magellan became well educated in astronomy and nautical sciences. As a young man he participated in expeditions to India and Morocco.
Wanting to make a name for himself as a an explorer, Magellan offered his services to Charles I of Spain to find a way to sail westward and arrive in the “far east” and the wealthy prospects of the Spice Islands. Columbus had sailed westward to the great land mass of the “new world.” The question was, could one sail through or around this land mass to get to what is today Indonesia?
In September 1519, Magellan led a fleet of five ships carrying 270 men and sailed west. Reaching coast of South America, he said southward looking for a sea passage that would enable them to go westward. On October 21, just south of what is today Argentina, he saw a waterway that looked promising. (It would one day be called the Strait of Magellan.) After five weeks of storms and winding, tortuous sailing, he emerged onto a great expanse of water which seemed so calm that he named it the "peaceful sea” (Pacific Ocean).
Months later, not yet at the Spice Islands, he stopped at the Philippines. There, on this date in 1521, he was killed in a fight with the natives.
It was over a year later when the one remaining ship of this expedition, with only 18 survivors aboard, finally reached home port in Portugal – providing the first practical proof that the world was round
The “Passover” from Egypt to the Promised Land was the event for the Jewish people. They were led by the great prophet, Moses. In the desert, they received the unfailing gift of the manna, which kept them alive – they called it the "bread of life.” They received the Torah (the “Law” – the first five books of the Bible), which they also referred to as the “bread of life.” Moses, the manna, the Torah – these were their foundations.
Jesus, with full respect for these traditions, is taking the people to a new level. He is giving them the bread of life that truly “comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” – his Word and his own Body and Blood.
There is nothing temporary about this food: “Whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
Not only does it last forever, but here and now it fulfills my deepest needs.
Really? Are those just words? Or are those my core beliefs?
There is a lot riding on this.
Born in 1803 in France, Peter was ordained a priest in 1827. Because of his poor health, he was assigned to a parish in the healthiest climate of the Swiss mountains.
But Peter Chanel wanted to be a missionary. When he was 28, he learned of a new missionary order – the Marists – and he decided to join.
The society was entrusted with the evangelization of the Pacific Islands, and Peter was among the first 20 Marists sent there. He and one other priest were assigned to the volcanic island of Futuna, near Figi, where no Christian missionary had ever set foot. Cannibalism was still practiced there, and the island was torn by warring factions.
Chanel learned the native language and customs, and because of his work among the sick and dying, he began to gain the people’s trust.
But the tribal chief gradually felt threatened as more and more of his people put aside their idols for Christianity. When his son was baptized, the chief’s anger toward Chanel increased.
On this date in 1841, the chief sent a band of warriors who entered the hut of Fr. Chanel, and killed him with clubs and knives. But martyrdom brings its own grace, and within a few months the whole island was Christian.
Peter was canonized in 1954. He is the first martyr and patron of the South Seas.
The “I am” sayings of Jesus (there are over 30 of them) are one of the characteristics of John’s Gospel. We have an example in today’s passage when Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” When Jesus speaks this way he isn’t talking about who he is like someone pointing to himself and bragging.) Rather he is describing what he does
• “I am the bread of life.
• “I am the light of the world.
• I am the good Shepherd.”
• I am the resurrection and the life.”
• I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
• I am the vine, you are the branches.”
When we recognize that Jesus is talking about his action upon us, these statements come alive with new meaning. He is the “bread of life” – not simply to be a real presence, but to act upon us, bring us health, strength, satisfy our deepest hungers. He is not simply standing there like a phenomenon to be admired. He is bread for me.
Take some time to go over the above statements, and hear him address each one to you personally. When you do that, they have a different ring to them.
Not only does it last forever, but here and now it fulfills my deepest needs.
The theme of manna – the “bread from heaven” – plays a major part in Johns Bread of Life Discourse. Manna provided miraculously in the desert for 40 years was considered the greatest miracle that God worked through Moses. The crowd challenges Jesus to work a similar miracle so that they can believe in him. Jesus responds that he is the true bread that comes down from heaven.
It appears that the “manna” was a sweet resinous substance that oozed from some desert trees and shrubs. It was edible, but not normally used as food.
The Israelites were only to gather enough for each day, trusting that God would not fail to provide it for them the following day. On the day before the Sabbath, they were allowed to gather twice as much so tthat they could observe the Sabbath rest and not have to perform the “work” of gathering the manna on the Sabbath.
The Israelites saw the manna as an expression of God’s special care for them. Moses told them to put some manna in an urn and place it in the Ark of the Covenant so that they could show it to later generations. Their descendants would then have evidence of how much God loved them.
“Manna” can still be found in the Sinai peninsula today.
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