Receiving the Promise

The texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present the preaching of Paul when he was invited to speak in the synagogue in Antioch. Paul recalls the salvation history of the Jews and presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise to David to send a Saviour. The understanding of the mission of the Messiah differed among the religious authorities. The Gospel of John today continues the narrative on the relationship of Jesus and Father. The concept of Trinity to understand God and the relationship between Father, Son and Spirit is at once simple and sophisticated. John relates Jesus teaching that those who receive Jesus messengers receive Him and the One who sent Him. The intimacy of this linkage is the Promise and the push that moved some away from acceptance of the gift. The tension of God with mighty hand and outstretched arm from Whom the Covenant, praised by the psalmist is promised and maintained, and God who is intimate with sinful humanity through the indwelling Spirit remains for us to ponder.