The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to recall the times we have experienced restoration from disappointment, despair, and confusion through the involvement of the Spirit on our journey.
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles shares the restoration of the mission of Paul in Corinth.
* [18:2] Aquila…Priscilla: both may already have been Christians at the time of their arrival in Corinth (see Acts 18:26). According to 1 Cor 16:19, their home became a meeting place for Christians. Claudius: the Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome ca. A.D. 49. The Roman historian Suetonius gives as reason for the expulsion disturbances among the Jews “at the instigation of Chrestos,” probably meaning disputes about the messiahship of Jesus. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18, n.d.)
Psalm 98 praises the Judge of the World.
* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (Psalms, PSALM 98, n.d.)
In the Gospel of John, Jesus encourages the apostles that sorrow will turn into Joy.
* [16:13] Declare to you the things that are coming: not a reference to new predictions about the future, but interpretation of what has already occurred or been said. (John, CHAPTER 16, n.d.)
David Crawford comments that too often we, collectively and individually, agonize as we search for answers to the questions and problems that confront us. Too often we make things more difficult and cause more suffering for ourselves by trying to handle issues on our own instead of turning to our Lord. Too often we know that we should turn to God but are reluctant to do so, for any number of reasons.
Holy Spirit, thank you for being with us in our times of questioning, for reminding us that you will not leave us alone as we struggle. Thank you for being close to us and welcoming us even after we have failed to seek for you. (Crawford, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 18:1-8 comments that we might look at our spiritual lives as being quite separate from our skills or hobbies or our occupation. But just as Paul’s tentmaking skills supported his ministry, we never know how something we don’t necessarily consider “spiritual” might be used by the Lord.
If you approach your days in this way, God may lead you in surprising ways. He will never let you waste your talents. As you persevere in faith, discernment, and love, he will help you to direct your past experiences and present gifts—and as much of your life as you’ll let him—toward building his kingdom here on earth. “St. Paul, pray for me to use my abilities in cooperation with God’s plan.” (Meditation on Acts 18:1-8, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler (Beginning at time 6:05) describes the situation that Paul found in Corinth, a city with two ports and many ideas from all over the world. Paul was aided in Corinth by Jewish Christians who had to leave Rome. Friar Jude reminds us of Jesus' concern over our understanding of the true Love for us that is the message of the Cross.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares the reflection of Church historian Diana Butler Bass on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our building-bound Christianity.
As millions have discovered in these many months, Jesus was not confined to a building. Jesus was around our tables at home, with us on walks and hikes, present in music, art, and books, and visible in faces via Zoom. Jesus was with us when we felt we could do no more, overwhelmed by work and online school. Jesus was with us as we prayed with the sick in hospital over cell phones. Jesus did not leave us to suffer alone. COVID-19 forced Jesus out of the cathedral into the world, reminding Christians that church is not a building. Rather, church is wherever two or three are gathered—even if the “two” is only you and your cat—and where Jesus is present in bread that regular people bake, bless, and break at family tables and homemade altars. I did not liberate Jesus from the cathedral; a pandemic did. Jesus is with us. Here. (Daily Meditation: What Does It Mean to Set Jesus Free?, 2022)
When the circumstances of our life change as we continue our journey, the Spirit reassures us that our relationship with Jesus strengthens us as we adapt to new conditions.
References
Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/18?1
Crawford, D. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton Ministries. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052622.html
Daily Meditation: What Does It Mean to Set Jesus Free? (2022, May 26). Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/what-does-it-mean-to-set-jesus-free-2022-05-26/
John, CHAPTER 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?16
Meditation on Acts 18:1-8. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/05/26/391196/
Psalms, PSALM 98. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98?1
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