The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of our mission, guided by the Holy Spirit, to witness to the Love of the Father through following the example of the Son in our relationships with people and Nature.
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles is an address about Light for the Gentiles.
* [13:46] The refusal to believe frustrates God’s plan for his chosen people; however, no adverse judgment is made here concerning their ultimate destiny. Again, Luke, in the words of Paul, speaks of the priority of Israel in the plan for salvation (see Acts 10:36). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, 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 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of John is from Jesus' Last Supper Discourses.
* [14:7] An alternative reading, “If you knew me, then you would have known my Father also,” would be a rebuke, as in Jn 8:19.
* [14:8] Show us the Father: Philip is pictured asking for a theophany like Ex 24:9–10; 33:18. (John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)
Ann Mausbach comments that ours is a faith rooted in action. And Jesus reminds us of this. When we do good works, we develop a deeper closeness with the Holy Trinity.
When we act in Jesus' name we are drawn into a more trusting and loving relationship. The Holy Trinity reveals itself in these acts. It reminds me of a quote from the author Anne Lamott, “Yesterday’s faith does not wait for you like a dog with your slippers and the morning paper in its mouth. You seek it, and in seeking it, you find it.”
Today, let’s pray that our hearts and minds be captured by the Holy Trinity’s presence in our lives. Let the awe and wonder of this love inspire us to serve those around us, creating a community of people who can see and feel God's presence in our lives. (Mausbach, 2024)
Don Schwager quotes “The Father's portrait in the Son,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.
"By means of this image the Lord showed Philip the Father. Yes, he who looks on the Son sees, in portrait, the Father. Notice what kind of portrait is spoken of. It is truth, righteousness, the power of God. It is not silent, for it is the Word. It is not insensible, for it is Wisdom. It is not vain and foolish, for it is power. It is not soulless, for it is the life. It is not dead, for it is the resurrection." (excerpt from ON THE CHRISTIAN FAITH 1.7.50) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:7-14 comments that while speaking at the Last Supper, Jesus urged his disciples to believe that to see him was to see his Father (John 14:9). Even if you don’t believe because I have just told you that I am in the Father, he said, at least believe because of all that you’ve seen me do.
Jesus has done so many marvelous works! Every single day he continues to work in this world and in the lives of his people. That means you have millions upon millions of reasons to believe in him today!
“Jesus, I believe in you! Lord, I love you and I trust in your power in my life!” (Meditation on John 14:7-14, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the success of Paul in preaching to the Gentiles after they are rejected in the synagogue and the joy they express even as they are ultimately forced to leave the town. Joy is experienced, even in difficulty, as we are grounded in doing what we are called to do. Friar Jude reminds us that God is a loving parent, not a miracle dispenser, Who always gives what we need.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Spiritual writer Shannon K. Evans who asks how the Divine might be communicating through the natural world. Most of us have probably had a revelatory moment in nature once or twice in our lives. Maybe we assume such things are rare flukes, an occasional happenstance to treasure but not to expect. But what if we can expect them? What if the lines between the material and the spiritual were never meant to be inflexible? If I told you that were you to step outside your door right now there would be a message from God for you, would you go?…
Carve out time to spend in nature, free of agenda. It might be your own backyard for half an hour or it might be a weekend camping trip at a national park.… Below are a few starting points in case you need some handrails….
What is one element of nature that I feel drawn to today? An animal, tree, body of water, wind? Perhaps that drawing I feel is because it has something to say to me.
How might God be answering a quandary in my life through this engagement with nature?
What do I feel in my body?
Practice active listening. Expect to be shown new ideas, thoughts, or realizations. (Rohr, 2017)
We are invited to openness to the prompting of the Spirit to act as witness to the Father’s Love expressed in actions of care and compassion for the people on our journey.
References
Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13?
John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?
Mausbach, A. (2024, April 26). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/042724.html
Meditation on John 14:7-14. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/04/27/943805/
Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98?1
Rohr, R. (2017, November 9). Listening to Creation: Weekly Summary. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/listening-to-creation-weekly-summary/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=apr27
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