Response to change

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary provide the opportunity to contemplate how we respond to change. We confront change as a result of the times in which we live and the natural progression of our lives. My GP says that none of us is getting any younger. The Acts of the Apostles presents the dynamic change to which Paul and Barnabas commit by following the Will of the Father that they “be a light to the Gentiles”. This commission from God is found in the Jewish tradition (Isaiah 49:6). The Light of Jesus is rejected by those in the Synagogue who are described by Luke as being filled with jealousy and blaspheming. When we respond with jealousy, strong words and lies to the change we witness in others we miss the advice of the psalmist today that we are the people of God and the sheep of His pasture.  Contemplation of the choice of God to keep us in His pasture leads to the realization of the life gifts we have known in relationships with beloved, family and friends. Thanksgiving is our inspired response to prospect of change. The first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas is launched with joy and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Revelation presents the vision of John on Patmos about the restoration of the Churches of Asia Minor after the time of persecution by the Roman Empire. The portion of the vision for consideration today is that of a great multitude of people of all nations clothed in white which has been “washed clean in the Blood of the Lamb” ( Revelation 7.14) gathered around the Shepherd in His flock and knowing the grace of loving one another as the tears of persecution and suffering are wiped from their eyes. The faith proclamation of Jesus from the Gospel of John that the Father has given Him all who are called to change to fullness of eternal life and all will be His Sheep is confirmed in the still challenging declaration that Jesus and Father are One.