Disturbed by the Word

The Roman Catholic Lectionary presents texts in which the story of discomfort with the disturbing words of one believer is concluded by his death and another text where Jesus Word about His Divinity continues to pose a difficult choice and painful separation in the people of God. JeanneSchuler in a reflection for Creighton University's Online Ministries comments on the passion Stephen in living his faith as described in the text from the Book of Acts. Like Saul, many of us are content as bystanders to the great invitations to be seen as witness to Jesus. The psalmist prays and praises for the steadfast love which he will recognize in the face of God and which will take him away from his persecution. The people following Jesus seek the material support and freedom from political oppression which they recall was part of the Exodus experience of their ancestors under the leadership of Moses. The eternal life to which Jesus begins to invite us in Chapter 6 of the Gospel of John is an intimate union with the Son of God. This invitation is not easily accepted when we are content to be bystanders. The dualism of the Gospel of John puts the question of our decision to believe the Divine is present to us squarely in front of us. Living in this trust and faith is key to seeing the actions of Jesus in the lives of others we encounter as passionate witness to His Life within them.