Easter Reflections -- 50 Days of the Easter Season

Tueday, Seventh Sunday of Easter

During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, “My brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry.”

Acts 1: 15-17

Luke says that there were about 120 people there. The Church started out small.

Peter says that the Holy Spirit, dramatically at work in this community, was also at work in the writing of the Old Testament. There is continuity to God’s plan.

Judas. We’re so familiar with the story of Judas that it’s hard to imagine the pain the early Christian community experienced because of his betrayal of Jesus. After all, he had been part of the inner circle, the Twelve, handpicked by Jesus. There is personal sadness in Peter’s words – “he was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry of ours.”

The Church has never declared Judas condemned. God’s mercy is wider than our sinfulness…if we can only find it in ourselves to accept God’s merciful love.

We’re all called by the Lord, just as Peter. Andres, and Judas – were called. But we’re never a sure thing. We amaze even ourselves at how low we can sometimes sink, or think of sinking.

Thanks, Lord, for never giving up on me. May I never give up on myself.

Spend some quiet time with the Risen Lord.

May 11, 2005

Legend of the Frost Saints

In Central Europe, farmers and gardeners keep watch on the nights of May 11, 12 and 13 for the three Frost Saints – Mamertus, Pancras and Servatus whose memorial days fall during this second week of May. The farmers know that a frost at this time of year could destroy crops. After the days of the Frost Saints, folklore says it’s safe to plant tender crops.

* * *

St. Mamertus (who died c 475) was the bishop of Vienne. He began the custom of the three rogation days before Ascension as times of prayer for farmers and their needs. His feast is May 11.

* * *

Little is known about St. Pancras (or Pancratius). At age 14, it is believed he was beheaded during Diocletian’s persecutions in 304. His feast is May 12, and he is the patron saint for children.

* * *

St. Servatus was bishop of Tongres and supposedly hosted St. Athanasius during his exile from Alexandria. He died in 384, and his feast day is May 13.

Wednesday, Seventh Sunday of Easter

”He bought a parcel of land, with the wages of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out.”

Acts 1: 18

We have several different versions of the death of Judas:

1. Luke’s account in Acts which we just read.

2. Matthew’s account which says that Judas returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders saying, “I have sinned in handing over innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.’’ Flinging the silver pieces into the temple, he left and went off and hanged himself.

3. An account by Papias, a bishop who lived in the latter part of the first century and on into the second. We don’t have his text, but a fourth century author quotes it:

Judas lived his career in this world as an enormous example of impiety. He was so swollen in the flesh that he could not pass where a wagon could easily pass. Having been crushed by a wagon, his entrails poured out.

All three traditions agree that Judas lived an unhappy life after his betrayal and died a horrible death. Whatever the specific historical facts, the drift of the stories is clear: Sin, if left untreated infects and eats away at the depth of our soul.

It’s bad for our health to let sin fester inside us. The Lord’s arms are always open wide in mercy. Always.

Spend some quiet time with the Risen Lord.

May 12, 2005

The Field of Blood

In Luke’s account, the “Field of Blood” is so named because that’s where Judas had a fatal accident.

Matthew has a different account. Judas, after he realized what he had done, returned to the chief priests and flung the 30 pieces back at them:

The chief priests gathered up the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put this in the temple treasury, for it is the price of blood.” After thinking it over, they used it to buy the potter’s field as a burial ground for foreigners. That is why that field, to this day, is call “The Field of Blood.”

No one is sure of the details. But a tradition developed early on about a certain field near Jerusalem that was associated with Judas and called “The Field of Blood.”

Thursday, Seventh Sunday of Easter

”This became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem, so that the parcel of land was called in their language ‘Akeldama,’ that is, Field of Blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms:
”Let his encampment become desolate,
and may no one dwell on it.’
And:
‘May another take his office.’

Acts 1: 19-20

The saga of Judas is an awful story. There is a certain heaviness to it, especially since things don’t have to be this way. The Lord loved Judas, despite what he did, and would have taken him back in an instant.

Of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these: “It might have been.”

Ah, well! For us all some sweet hope lies
Deeply buried from human eyes.
(John Greenleaf Whittier)

We don’t know the ultimate fate of Judas. We leave all final judgments to God.

What we do know is that if in his heart he turned back even faintly to the Lord, he was forgiven then and there.

When we think of this sad story, it helps us realize how much the Lord loves us. If I walked out on him, he’d miss me. And if I turned back to him, he’d take me back in a moment.

He loves me that much.

Spend some quiet time with the Risen Lord.

May 13, 2005

Blessed Julian of Norwich

Julian of Norwich was a laywoman who lived in solitude within St. Julian Church (Hence her attributed name) in Norwich, England. She is considered to be one of the greatest English mystics.

Julian’s life was devoted to prayer. Her writings testify to hope within a turbulent world fragmented by war and crisis in the Church. Her affirmation of creation as good and her understanding of a loving God led her to see through suffering that:

All shall be well.
all shall be well,
and all manner of things shall be well.

These words have been put to music in recent times.

While the precise dates of her birth and death are unknown, it is believed that Julian died about 1443.

* * *

Julian of Norwich was never formally beatified but is considered “blessed” because of popular devotion.

Friday, Seventh Sunday of Easter

“Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

Acts 1: 21-22

Consider the qualifications for Judas’ replacement:

• Part of our company: Someone who was actually with them, not simply a distant admirer or a “silent partner.”

• From the beginning…until the day when he was taken up: One who stayed the course and has seen it all.

These are the same criteria for us today:

• Part of our company: Discipleship means being part of a group of believers, not a lone ranger. We’re a Church and have to put up with each other.

• All the while…from the beginning: We have to accept all the teachings of the Lord, not simply pick a few here and there.

There is another qualification: “Chosen by the Lord,” which is how the choice will be made. This is the one we seldom think about.

But it’s true. I was called by the Lord. I am not a consumer who chooses the Church because of its effective marketing and who stands ready to take my business elsewhere if I don’t get good service. I’m here for one reason: The Lord wants me to be part of this community of disciples and has called me by name.

Spend some quiet time with the Risen Lord.

May 14, 2005

Casting Lots in Ancient Times

In ancient times, the Jewish people sometimes turned to their priests to learn God’s will. The priest would cast sacred lots, called the “Urim and the Thummim,” It’s not known exactly what these pieces looked like – they may have been precious stones with some type of characters on them. By using this method to choose Judas’ replacement, the early Christians, showed their Jewish roots.

Casting Lots Today

Today, a growing number of parishes use a related method to select people for membership on parish councils or other such groups.

One procedure is to invite the whole parish to turn in names of the best persons they can think of for the particular positions. The names mentioned most (the number depends on how many positions are open) are placed in a container. A prayer is said and the number of names needed to fill the positions is drawn.

Feast of St. Matthias

St. Matthias is only mentioned once in the New Testament, and this is in today’s reading. Legend says that he preached the Gospel in Ethiopia, Egypt and Judea, and was stoned and then beheaded in Jerusalem.

Today is his feast day and he is the patron of carpenters, alcoholics and tailors.

Saturday, Seventh Sunday of Easter

So they proposed two, Joseph called the Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, Lord who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in the apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.

Acts 1: 23-26

Let’s think about the fellow who lost – Barsabbas. Why did God pass him over as an honored member of the Twelve? No one knows. God had something else in mind. (God’s “no” to one thing always means “yes” to another.)

Actually, this “honor” didn’t last long anyway. Think about Matthias who was chosen. Imagine how the Eleven welcomed him into their prestigious group, how the people there (120 strong) congratulated him, how family and friends felt so proud of him.

Take a good look because this is the last time you’ll see his name. He’s never mentioned again in Scripture.

Matthias probably performed many good works. But (though there are legends) we have no idea what he did, or when he died, or where he was buried. He is not heard from again. The same is true of Barsabbas, the runner-up.

We should all make Matthias and Barsabbas our honorary patron saints. We try to do good works day in and day out, but most of them won’t show up in any documents. The only records are with God.

Good old Matthias and Barsabbas. They understand.

Spend some quiet time with the Risen Lord.

May 15, 2005

Traditions of Pentecost

Pentecost, 50 days after Easter Sunday, represents to Christians the coming of the Holy Spirit. Long before, in Jewish tradition, the 50th day after Passover was honored as a harvest feast.

* * *

Today’s Pentecost traditions include: Wearing something red to Mass, eating red food, flying kites, hanging wind chimes or wind socks, inviting people who speak different languages to pray the creed in their own language, hosting an ecumenical picnic, asking those who were baptized at Easter to give “witness talks” (sharing how their faith will lead them to service in the community)

* * *

Feast of St. Isidore the Farmer

Born in Madrid in 1070, Isidore spent his life tending the same farm of the same wealthy landowner. He wrote no books, founded no religious community, performed no great works. But he won the respect of all who knew him because of his love for God, others, and all creation. He was kind to the poor, giving them food even when he himself had little.

Isidore was 60 years old when he died in 1130. He was canonized in 1622, and is the patron saint of farmers.

Pentecost Sunday

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Acts 1: 1-4

Luke’s account (the only one we have) says that “they were all in one place together.” This refers back to the community of 120 that Luke had mentioned.

• There is a great noise. Luke doesn’t say there was a wind, but a noise like a strong wind.

• Then, tongues appeared to them like flames of fire and rested on each of them.

• Finally, they began to speak in different languages. This is a sign that the good news is meant for all people “to the ends of the earth” (the last words of the risen Lord!)

This was their baptism. There’s no indication that these very first Christians baptized each other. This event would be their baptism. And this event is a sign of what happens at every baptism – what happened at my baptism.

Baptism is more than a couple drops of water washing away original sin. Baptism is being immersed in living waters, rubbed with holy chrism, and thus becoming filled with the Holy Spirit – not just in that moment, but for the rest of my life.

Spend some quiet time with the Risen Lord.

May 15, 2005

Epilogue

We’ve been walking through these 50 days of Easter together through these little six minute a day postings. That amounts to a total of five hours of personal prayer. Six minutes a day, while it doesn’t seem like much, adds up to a lot. And it affects our lives – a lot!

There is no need to stop

The meditations in the second posts model a very old form of prayer called “lectio divna’ – literally “divine reading”. It consists of taking a book of the Bible (the Gospels are a good starting point) and reading through it day by day, a little bit at a time.

There is no need to worry about getting through a whole page or even a whole passage. We take our time and let God speak to us through these words.

When something “catches us” we stay with it. (That’s listening to the Holy Spirit, by the way!) The thought may seem to come from nowhere, and not something we would expect from this particular text. That’s often how God uses the graced word of Scripture.

We simply stop and talk to God about it; let God talk to us; or rest with God for a while.

We’re not trying to learn about Scripture or systematically read through the whole Bible. We’re trying to be with God and let God speak to us. We listen. And we speak to God. It’s that simple. And it’s one of the best and easiest forms of prayer.

Beloved, build yourselves up in the holy faith. Pray in the Holy Spirit. (Jude v.20

Spend some quiet time with the Risen Lord.

God, grant me Your eyes
so I will see
All the earth's beauty
surrounding me.

God, give me Your lips
And I'll express
Your love for all people
with gentleness.

And Lord, let my hands
be tender, like Yours,
So I will be one who
renews and restores.

God, grant me these things
and then I'll share
Compassion and mercy,
praise and prayer!

"All these," the Lord said
"I already impart:
They're found when You're
living from the heart."

The Maronite Divine Service of Pentecost manifests the love of the Father poured out in the Son, in the special kneeling ceremony before the Communion Rite. Celebrant and Congregation are asked to kneel alternately on the left knee (in honor of the Father), on the right knee (in honor of the Son) and on both knees (in honor of the Holy Spirit). A prayer for each Person of the Trinity is said each time. Here is the first prayer, in adoration of the Father.

O Lord, our God, Father of mercy,
we give you thanks.
On Pentecost, you completed the blessed day
of the saving resurrection of your Son.

May the Holy Spirit richly reward and bless you on this beautiful holy day!

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