Love is steadfast and faithful in trial

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today is different for those Catholic jurisdictions, many in Canada and the US,  who will celebrate the Ascension on Sunday. The passage from the Book of Acts recounts the efforts of Paul, while living in Corinth with Aquilla and Priscilla tentmakers like himself, to proclaim his message to the Jewish community. Paul visits the synagogue weekly in an attempt to connect the Jews of Corinth with the invitation to follow Jesus. The rejection of our good efforts by those who we try to reach is difficult. The decision of Paul to shake off the rejection and preach to those outside of his people and comfort made him the instrument of the will of God which brought many conversions as he proclaimed Jesus as the Apostle to the Gentiles. The text tells that Paul took up residence near the synagogue after this change of direction and continued to be open to receiving Jews into the community of the Way. The fear of change is perceived by Jesus in the text from the Gospel of John as He reassures His disciples that the mourning they will experience at His death and departure from them in His present form will be short lived as He returns to them in a glorious form which will continue their intimate relationship in joy. The psalmist summarizes the message of the texts today as the Lord will make known His victory in the sight of the nations. The joy of this victory is in God's love is steadfast and faithful.