The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of how we obey God in our relationships with others and particularly those in authority.
Friends and truth seeking
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the assertion of the apostles before the Sanhedrin that ‘We must obey God’.
* [5:17–42] A second action against the community is taken by the Sanhedrin in the arrest and trial of the Twelve; cf. Acts 4:1–3. The motive is the jealousy of the religious authorities over the popularity of the apostles (Acts 5:17) who are now charged with the defiance of the Sanhedrin’s previous order to them to abandon their prophetic role (Acts 5:28; cf. Acts 4:18).1
Psalm 34 is praise for deliverance from trouble.
* [Psalm 34] A thanksgiving in acrostic form, each line beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In this Psalm one letter is missing and two are in reverse order. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Ps 34:5, 7), can teach the “poor,” those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone (Ps 34:4, 12). God will make them powerful (Ps 34:5–11) and give them protection (Ps 34:12–22).2
In the Gospel of John, Jesus teaches about the One Who Comes from Heaven.
* [3:31–36] It is uncertain whether these are words by the Baptist, Jesus, or the evangelist. They are reflections on the two preceding scenes.3
Ronald Fussell comments that the apostles in today’s reading provide us with an inspiring model of steadfast confidence in speaking truth to power, no matter the consequences.
It is easy to look at historical perversions of authority and convince ourselves about where we would have stood. But, when we think about what is happening today, things get fuzzy. Take some time to consider the social issues of the day. Perhaps it is the crisis at the southern border. Or, it might be the way that so many in the LGBTQ community are ostracized by society. Maybe it is the racial discord and injustice that is still so prevalent in today’s culture. For situations like these, we can ask ourselves, on what side of history will we stand? Will we stand with the marginalized, the poor, and the powerless? Or, will we stand in silence in the shadows. I submit that like the apostles did 2000 years ago, we need to summon the courage to speak the same truth to power, challenging the systems of oppression that divide us. This means weaponizing whatever privilege we may have to elevate those in society who are on the margins.4
Don Schwager quotes “Always bless the Lord!” by Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"When are you to 'bless the Lord?' When he showers blessings on you? When earthly goods are plentiful? When you have a plethora of grain, oil, wine, gold, silver... - while your mortal body remains healthy, uninjured and free from disease; while everything that is born on your estate is growing well, and nothing is snatched away by untimely death; while every kind of happiness floods your home and you have all you want in profusion? Is it only then that you are to bless the Lord? No, but 'at all times.' So you are to bless him equally when from time to time, or because the Lord God wishes to discipline you, these good things let you down or are taken from you, when there are fewer births or the already-born slip away. These things happen, and their consequence is poverty, need, hardship, disappointment and temptation. But you sang, 'I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be in my mouth always,' so when the Lord gives you these good things, bless him, and when he takes them away, bless him. He it is who gives, and he it is who takes away, but he does not take himself away from anyone who blesses him. (excerpt from EXPOSITIONS OF THE PSALMS 34.3)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 3:31-36 invites us to lift our hearts in a prayer of thanks to our God today. As today’s Gospel reminds us, he has no limitations and does not have to restrain his generosity.
“Father, I am so grateful that you don’t ration your gift of the Holy Spirit. Your Spirit lives in me and opens my eyes to your patience, to your love, to your call for my life. You give me your Spirit to show me the way to love and follow you.” “Lord, I long to receive even more of your Holy Spirit today!”6
Friar Jude Winkler explores the boldness of apostles who followed the movement of the Spirit. The Gospel proclaims the Spirit of God is not rationed. The Gospel of John reminds us that Eternal Life begins as soon as we embrace Jesus and His message.
Brian McLaren has a gift for making friends through his genuine curiosity, compassion, and unconditional presence to others. He encourages us to build relationships outside our comfortable social and religious groups.
It’s one thing to say you love humanity in general, whatever their religion; it’s quite another to learn to love this or that specific neighbor with his or her specific religion. So, do you have a Sikh neighbor, a Hindu coworker, a Muslim business associate, a Buddhist member of your PTA, a New Age second cousin? Invite them into companionship over a cup of tea or coffee. Ask them questions. Display unexpected interest in them, their traditions, their beliefs, and their stories. Learn why they left what they left, why they stay where they stay, why they love what they love. Enter their world, and welcome them into your world, without judgment. If they reciprocate, welcome their reciprocation; if not, welcome their nonreciprocation. Experience conviviality. Join the conspiracy of plotting for the common good together.7
Speaking truth with generosity and compassion and building friendships are signs of our obedience to the Will of God.
References
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