Celebrate the Son

Today the Roman Catholic Lectionary presents the texts to celebrate the visit of Mary, carrying Jesus before birth, to Elizabeth. The Texts from Zephaniah and Isaiah witness to the longing of humanity for greater intimacy with the Divine. The indwelling Spirit in Elizabeth, Luke tells us, detects the Presence and the great passages, in Christian tradition which praise God are written.

Trinity and the Trials as Gift

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today contains the texts for Trinity Sunday. The mystical, transformative, imminent and transcendent Divine is a mystery within which humanity exists and longs to be knowledgeable of. The Father in the Divine is associated with Creation and the Wisdom which is for all time. The Son, imminent through the WORD becoming flesh is the guide proclaimed by Paul to the Romans for life as a Christian. The Presence is evidenced in the sufferings that are lived as gifts of the Divine. John’s Gospel relates Jesus reassurance that the Spirit, indwelling in humanity will be the connection to the understanding of Father Son and the delight of the Divine in humanity which is gifted as the on going Presence as His Body in the universe. Larry Gillick, S.J. at the Deglman Center for Ignatian Spirituality is caught in the sense of Trinity today.

Questioning the Authority within

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today takes us to the episode in Mark’s Gospel where the religious leaders question Jesus Authority. The Wisdom in Jesus answer is an example of the way the people who see more than the obvious might answer. The question is meant to trap Jesus. The answer and the failure of the questioners to respond avoids the trap and opens the possibility that Jesus origin is evident in His action. The letter from Jude is a warning that some are wavering and need forgiveness to be brought back to the discipline of the believers. The Divine power to keep the faithful on the path is praised.

Persist in prayer and practice

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today tend to focus on the imperfection of the world around us and both the need to be resolute in the practice of holiness which requires embracing the servant nature of Jesus and “suffering” for others as He did in obedience to the will of the Father. The need for this mission of holiness is underlined by some examples of the clearing of fruitlessness and irreverence from the surroundings by Jesus as Mark tells of His encounter with the barren fig tree and the buyers and sellers in the Temple. The 1st Letter of Peter, the psalm and the Gospel of Mark agree that the discipline of prayer, praise and forgiveness is necessary for humans to keep connected to the path of Life.

Want to see clearly?

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present a challenge to those who know a relationship with the Divine to seek an even deeper vision and action for their lives. The first letter of Peter exhorts the believer to live a visibly honourable life which will encourage those who witness your life to give praise to God. Mark relates the story of blind Bartimaeus who seeks improved vision from Jesus. His quest requires persistence and we are told that the first level of increased wisdom about God, physical vision, is restored. Does he seek the deeper vision and wisdom that being close to the Divine offers?

Leader is servant

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today highlights the paradox of leadership among the followers of Jesus. The one who leads must be servant of all. Mark relates how Jesus explained this to his disciples after James and John have requested positions of importance in the reign of Jesus. The text for 1 Peter exhorts the believers to be the new creatures who have been transformed by Jesus and now can live the Word made flesh within their being. The psalmist praises God in the fruit of His Word which has been evident to the Hebrew people.

Re order the Priorities

The Roman Catholic Lectionary offers texts which give us a opportunity to consider the requirements of being Jesus disciples. The 1st Letter of Peter declares a mission to be holy. What is being holy? It is not so much what we woulf call pious as it is being heroic. The living of Faith (trust), Hope (joy in promises to be fulfilled) and Charity (Love) is the struggle for holiness. Mark’s Gospel is concise in the need to be disciples without distraction from the mission. The consequence of this focus is the disappearance of importance of the “things” and “possessions” of life. The evangelist hints that the “giving up” is not a complete absence from because the mission is in the world of people, “things” and “possessions”.

Growth is rooted in Love

The Easter season is over and the Roman Catholic Lectionary brings us to texts for “Ordinary Time”. The sense of the word “Ordinary” is not plain or simple but “numbered” as in the ordinal numbers. Mark relates an encounter between Jesus and a rich young man. This is an example of Jesus marvelous method of bring the truth and of encouraging change in others. The dialogue is about seeking growth. Jesus is aware that the next step in growth will be difficult. Jesus makes certain that the young seeker knows that Jesus loves him. The direction for growth is presented. The choice remains with the seeker. We need to place the love first. Our way is not likely to be “The Way”. The great commandment is to love. The 1st Letter of Peter reminds us that the difficulties of living faithfully are real and yet the experience of the love of the Divine is a living hope and energizer for joyful progress in our growth in intimacy, forgiveness, compassion and strength to help others

Universal Celebration of Love

Today marks the end of the 50 days of the Easter season. The Roman Catholic Lectionary prescribes the readings for the Feast of Pentecost. We return to the events of Easter and the greeting in John’s Gospel of “Peace” from the Risen Christ to the disciples gathered in fear of the religious authorities. The opposite of fear is peace and faith. Those gathered are also offered hope in the power that Jesus leaves with them to minister forgiveness to all. The Acts of the Apostles tells of the witness to the infilling of the disciples with the Holy Spirit. From this resonance with the Love of the Divine, the words are proclaimed about the Gospel of Love. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is part of the greatest “love literature” known to humanity. His and our firm affirmation is that “we were all made to drink of one Spirit “ (1 Corinthians 12: 13). The unity and strength “in the Spirit” is the universal celebration today!

We are the Beloved

The identity of the “Beloved Disciple” who is referred to in the Gospel of John, from the texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, has been a mystery. Tradition offers John the Evangelist and author of the fourth Gospel as this person. John, the Apostle, the son of Zebedee and the brother of James is also a candidate. The point of view of this disciple on the major events of Jesus life is outstanding. This disciple was at Jesus elbow in the Upper Room and the disciple was with the women at the foot of the cross. The mystical tone of the Gospel of John suggests that this disciple might have been a “viewpoint” or an addressee for the Good News. It could be the reader of the Gospel. From that point of view, we are truly beloved. We are the intimate one who will “remain until I come”. (John 21:22). We accompany Jesus now as then through our intimate unity with Son and Father.

Restoration and Clarification

The dialogue between Jesus and Peter in the passage from John’s Gospel in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today is the marvelous restoration and forgiveness of Peter by Jesus after the betrayal and denial of Jesus on Good Friday. Just as Peter had denied Jesus (3) times, Jesus asks for confirmation of Peter’s love 3 times. Jesus mission to Peter is emphasized and Peter is reminded that the disciple is also one who lives and dies like Jesus in response to the will of the Father. Peter, who is always the model of a very human person and every human person is continuously restored, renewed and refocused in relationship with Jesus. We hear the direction of Jesus and the know the compassion of Jesus through Peter.

Mind the love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today illustrate how intellectual debates may block our discovery of the experience of Divine presence. Paul is led by the Spirit to testify before the council of Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem. The long standing debates between the factions with different interpretations of Judaism are restarted and Paul is overlooked in the dispute, The psalmist, from an earlier time, praises God with the understanding that the Presence of the Divine gives him life and fullness of joy. John relates the final discourse of Jesus. He prays that the unity and intimacy of the relationship of Jesus, Father and those who have received His Word in the world is made visible to all through the believers. The characteristic which will mark this relationship is the evidence of the love between Father and Son made visible in human life

Living in but not belonging to?

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today offers texts which encourage us to ponder the place of the follower of Jesus. John relates the final discourse and prayer of Jesus to the Father for protection of the ones given to Jesus from the evil one. The trouble which befalls Jesus followers is said to be rooted in a belonging which is different from that of those who hate them. This is a paradoxical situation. The Word is made flesh, yet the gift of the Word alienates some from others in the flesh. As Paul realizes the disciple must live the paradox. The Mystery of physical intimacy with the Divine is both proper for Creator and Creature and scandalous for sinful flesh. A deeper experience of Love is the invitation to unlock some of this Mystery.

Discourse on Destiny

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today bring us final discourses. Paul gathers the elders of Ephesus to bid a final farewell as the Spirit leads him to Rome where He is aware that the path will lead to more persecution and imprisonment. The compulsion to complete the course is moving him toward a greater communion with the Body of Christ. John relates Jesus conversations about the realization of the Body of Christ, the Anointed, in the being of those given Him by the Father. The mission of intimacy of Divine and creature is realized through the transformation of the Son through human existence to boundless contact within humanity. The movement of giving is infinite. Life is the fruit of this movement.

Go Deeper

Today the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary invite us to go deeper in our experience of the relationship with the Divine. John’s Gospel relates how the disciples of Jesus, during the last discourse with them begin to experience a clearer understanding of His message. Jesus reveals that even this clearer understanding, perhaps based in the intellect will not prevent them from acting in fear and denial of Him. Paul discovers that the believers in Ephesus have yet to be knowingly in relationship with the Spirit. They invoke the Spirit which is manifest in the joining of the indwelling Spirit with the Divine. Eventually this “Life in the Spirit” moved the believers beyond the intellect and the limitations of weak humanity to transcend fear and doubt. To live in Love and Peace.

Ascend Transform Transcend

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Canada today presents the texts for the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord. This celebration is both mystical and practical. Jesus appearances to people after His Resurrection come to an end in time and He returns to the Father. The Gospel accounts from John since Easter reveal that even though Jesus is gone He remains. This is the mystical celebration which is timeless and continuous. Paul extends his hope for the Ephesians to us.
“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power”.( from Ephesians 1:17-23)
Paul speaks of a process of coming to know Jesus. We come to know Jesus after the Resurrection and Ascension. We come to know a Spirit of wisdom, we see with a heart that is in communion with the Body of Christ and the awesome Presence to which we are heirs reveals Itself to us.

Peace "in myName"

The place of being “in my Name” is presented as John relates some of Jesus final discourse with His disciples in the Gospel text from the Roman Catholic Lectionary of today. Jesus tells them that they have not yet experienced this relationship but it will be theirs and it will bring great peace. The action and reaction of our humanity with the Divine necessarily transforms our existence. The “peace” may be for minutes, hours or more. It is a resonance that draws on our whole being to relate. Our creativity, insight, art, music and heroism are rooted in this relationship. The praise of the psalmist for the dominion of God and the inspiration of Apollos, as told in the Acts of the Apostles, are actions arising out of being “in my Name”.

Love starting point for wisdom in decisions

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Feast of Saint Matthias, apostle, offers guidance in making important life decisions and in living as the followers of Jesus. In some ways the action of the eleven, less Judas, to choose a replacement by invoking the Sprit is to activate the relationship between the indwelling Spirit and the Divine to guide decisions. The psalmist assures us God is proven in salvation history as the helper of the needy. We are always needy in openness to the Divine guidance. Our action as Jesus implores in John’s Gospel to love one another as He loves is an enormous challenge. In the same passage we are advised to abide, to live in this Love. The necessary transformation of our being is only possible in the energy of Divine Love. The practice of love is a starting point for wisdom in decisions.

Sorrow Will Turn into Joy

The psalmist in the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today praises the faithfulness of the Lord to Israel. The salvation history of Israel is one of invitation and turning away of triumph and tragedy. This is the personal experience of people in relationship with the Divine. It is the experience of Paul related in the Acts of the Apostles. John tells of Jesus advising His disciples of the sorrow that will turn to joy.

Glorious awareness is but a shadow

The texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today call us to look for more. The obvious mystery and awe of the universe that we can perceive is a mere shadow of the universe we cannot on our own comprehend. John relates Jesus explanation to His disciples that even though He has much to tell them in His last days in the flesh, the difficulty of flesh to take it in without Spiritual enlightenment will be futile. The Sprit of truth will resonate in the being of His followers and the wisdom and passion of Paul for the Truth and the Life will be available to all. Paul builds on the existing sense of awe and wonder among the Greeks to point them to the revelation of Jesus which transformed Paul and is offered to all. The psalmist lifts voice in praise of the Lord of the Universe who is close to the needs and aspirations of His people.

Aware of the Presence

The psalmist in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today praises the steadfast love of God which he discovers, as many do, in the deliverance through times of trial. The knowledge that this power of the Divine is present and available to all is conveyed by Paul and Silas to their jailer after the earthquake which frees them from prison. John tells of Jesus advising His followers that they must experience the Advocate, the Spirit, when He has physically disappeared from their midst to know that He is still with them through the communication of the Advocate and their indwelling Spirit. The witness of the Divine presence is the fulfillment of the mission of Jesus.

Spirit moves and there is a reaction

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today speak of the change which exposure to the intimate presence of the Divine brings. John tells how Jesus advises His disciples that when He has gone, those who have not responded to the call of the Father through Jesus will persecute and put the disciples out of the synagogue. The psalmist praises the goodness of God to Israel. There is a hint that some have been enemies of Israel and the psalmist celebrates the judgment of God on them. When the indwelling Spirit is on the move, there are some who do not respond. A reaction to change can be to fight fiercely to hold to the present understanding and even to see the new movement as threatening. The dealer in the purple cloth, Lydia, is moved by the Spirit present in Paul and his followers to be baptized as a follower of the Way. The Way will endure the persecution of religious and secular forces and grow during this time.

Mom: Life Giver in Violent Times

The Gospel of John from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today reveals the mystery of Jesus going away yet remaining with people through Presence of the Spirit. On Mother’s day we recall the life giving presence of our Mom. The life giving continues even though Mom may have died. This day of Life is reflected in the text from Revelation where John (not the evangelist) experiences a vision of the New Jerusalem. He speaks that “I saw no temple in the city“. The Light of the Life of the indwelling Divine Spirit becomes the Temple” As the Acts of the Apostles relates the decision of the Council of Jerusalem that the Gentiles need not convert to Judaism or live by Jewish custom, the proclamation of the psalmist that the Nations are called to Praise God is initiated. Today also brings remembrance of the May 9 explosion at the West Ray Mine eighteen years ago. Violence which was rooted in the lack of diligence and care claimed miner’s lives. Violence still rages in our society. Today, Mother’s Day, the CBC headlines feature (4) stories of violence involving women. We honour Mom and we need to find, from the indwelling Spirit, the peace which the world cannot give to bring violence to an end.

Many people of God

The text from the Acts of the Apostles in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today addresses the challenge of “Who are the people of God” Paul and Barnabas testify that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit and just as the Jewish believers had they were baptized in the Way. John relates Jesus exhortation to abide in Him as He is in the Father. The intimacy of the indwelling Spirit with the Divine is the invitation of Jesus to all people.

Link for Life Decisions

There are obstacles to the development of the intimacy that the Divine wills for with the indwelling Spirit. In the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, John relates Jesus model of the way in which the nourishment and life is transferred from the Divine to humanity. The decisions we make, like those which the Acts of the Apostles indicates were made at the Council of Jerusalem are the wonderful grace events when they are made in union with the Spirit.

Through surrender doors open

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today are of praise and surrender to the will of the Divine. The passage from the Acts of the Apostles relates a missionary journey of Paul. The persecution and the praise go together as he is brought near death after being stoned In Antioch God is praised for opening a door to the Gentiles. The psalmist conveys the position of humility when he realizes that all flesh by nature is living in praise of the Divine. John tells of Jesus explanation of His decision to be the love of the Father through living and dying in accordance with the will of the Father. Doors open, live is glorified and love triumphs in the harmony with the Spirit of the Creator.

New Commandment with Struggle

The theme of “New” is presented in the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. John tells of Jesus “New Commandment”. The Acts of the Apostles introduce the new door of faith opened for the Gentiles. The Book of Revelation describes the New Heaven and the New Earth. The “News” today contains a story a car bomb being defused in Times Square. The reality of the struggle to realize the New Heaven and the New Earth is echoed by Luke ‘It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.’ (Acts of the Apostles 14.22). The struggle of the “Followers of the Way” is described in vivid images in Revelation. The struggle against evil and the fear of tragedy is difficult. The struggle to apply the New Commandment (John 13.34:) is only possible through living the ‘love” witnessed in Jesus, activated in the in dwelling Spirit through Jesus so that “one another” includes the car bombers who seek our destruction.

St Joseph the Worker

The "May day" in the Roman Catholic Lectionary continues the development from John's Gospel of the "oneness" of Jesus and the Divine. The Acts of the Apostles tells of the spread of Christianity among the Gentiles. Christ the Messiah, Son of God continued to be "a stumbling block" for those of the Jewish tradition. Today, the memorial of St Joseph the Worker is celebrated.