Hope on an alternate path

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine our attitudes and to grow in gratitude.

Alternate Path

In the Acts of the Apostles Paul offers to during his house arrest the Christian message that has been denounced by some.

* [28:17–22] Paul’s first act in Rome is to learn from the leaders of the Jewish community whether the Jews of Jerusalem plan to pursue their case against him before the Roman jurisdiction. He is informed that no such plan is afoot, but that the Jews of Rome have heard the Christian teaching denounced. Paul’s offer to explain it to them is readily accepted.

In the Gospel from John, the author seeks to clarify the relationship of the community to the return of Christ.

* [21:23] This whole scene takes on more significance if the disciple is already dead. The death of the apostolic generation caused problems in the church because of a belief that Jesus was to have returned first. Loss of faith sometimes resulted; cf. 2 Pt 3:4.

Edward Morse comments that today’s readings challenge us to examine our attitudes toward the benefits that others have or enjoy and to grow in gratitude.

Today’s gospel suggests a different standard, that seeks to shift our focus away from looking at the benefits that others have or enjoy, but to look instead with expectation to our own relationship with God.  Can we trust God’s provision for us rather than clamoring for the same provision he makes for another? Can we accept perceived inequality, recognizing that we don’t have all the facts and the future is yet to fully unfold?   
I am challenged by these readings.  I know that I need to find a path toward more gratitude, and less grumbling; toward more trust in God’s provision, and less doubt and worry; toward persisting in doing just deeds, even when injustice surrounds us.  This path is not easy, but it is the path we are called to follow.

Don Schwager quotes Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D., on the situation of Peter follows and John remains.

"The Lord either said what he said to Peter about his martyrdom, or he said it about the gospel of John. As regards the martyrdom and this 'Follow me,' [he means] suffer for me, suffer what I did. Because Christ was crucified, Peter too was crucified... while John experienced none of this. That is what is meant by, 'It is thus that I wish him to remain.' Let him fall asleep without wounds, without torment, and wait for me. You, Peter, 'Follow me,' suffer what I did. That’s one way these words can be explained..."As regards the Gospel of John, though, this is what I think is meant: that Peter wrote about the Lord, others too wrote; but their writing was more concerned with the Lord’s humanity... But while there is something about the divinity of Christ in Peter's letters, in John's gospel it is very much to the fore... He soared above the clouds and soared above the stars, soared above the angels, soared above every creature and arrived at the Word through which all things were made." (excerpt from Sermon 253.5.5)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 finds in the situation of Paul in Rome a question for our mission.

Maybe you have been meaning to call a friend, but can’t seem to find the time. Perhaps you feel that you should gather your family for a few minutes of prayer, but you’re not sure how to proceed. Or maybe you’ve noticed someone at work who could use a friendly word, but you feel sheepish in starting a conversation. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you just a bit more courage or insight or patience. Then take a deep breath, and take whatever you think the next step should be. Start small, and lean on his strength. As you do, you’ll discover that, like Paul, God will give you what you need to proclaim his goodness to the people around you.

What opportunities might present themselves to us today?

Friar Jude Winkler shares some of the background of the Jewish community in the Trastevere section of Rome, the political capital of the world in Jesus time. Luke reaches the objective of his writing when the Good News arrives in Rome with Paul. The addition to the Gospel of John in Chapter 21 is to clarify the authority of Peter and the confusion about Jesus return connected to the life of the Beloved Disciple.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, quotes John O’Donohue and introduces the concept of Visio Divina to present the understanding that the imagination works through suggestion, not description. Description is always direct and frequently closes off what it names. Suggestion respects the mystery and richness of a thing. All it offers are clues to its nature. Suggestion keeps the mystery open and extends us the courtesy of inviting us to see the thing for ourselves.

Our patience with art, poetry, and literature is often rewarded with new insight. Our trust in the guidance of the Spirit is essential as we encounter challenges from unfamiliar territory.
References


(n.d.). Acts, chapter 28 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 19, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/acts/28:16

(n.d.). John, chapter 21 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 19, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/21

(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved May 19, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 19, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/

(n.d.). Saint John I, Pope and Martyr (Optional Memorial) - Mass Readings .... Retrieved May 19, 2018, from https://wau.org/meditations/

(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 19, 2018, from https://cac.org/richard-rohr/daily-meditations/daily-meditations-archive/