End with authority

In the end the question of authority is addressed by the authors of the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. The passage from the Book of Acts is the end of this volume and Luke describes the situation of Paul as he has traveled on the journey, as noted by Friar JudeWinkler, from the spiritual capital of the world, Jerusalem, to the political capital of the world, Rome. Luke is expressing to the Roman rulers of this time that the followers of Jesus deserve to be treated as lawful adherents to the fulfillment of the ancient Jewish tradition who have been mistreated by a small group of Jewish leaders who have failed to understand the message of Paul and the other Apostles. The passage from the Gospel of John is one of two endings where the author may be setting straight some errors about the death of the beloved disciple which had arisen in the community. Friar Jude resonates with many who preach and teach when he describes how easy it is to be misheard. The wisdom of Psalm 1 which advises prudence in our choice of companions reminds us that the end of the novena for Pentecost is drawing close. The gifts of the Spirit enlighten our understanding of authority and order as experienced in obedience to the Will of God, in a world which uses authority for oppression and control.