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| Transformation time |
In the Acts of the Apostles the travels of Paul and Barnabas to return to Antioch and the appointment of presbyters in the Greek communities are works in the name of Jesus.
* [14:23] They appointed presbyters: the communities are given their own religious leaders by the traveling missionaries. The structure in these churches is patterned on the model of the Jerusalem community (Acts 11:30; 15:2, 5, 22; 21:18).The Gospel from John describes Jesus promise to be with the disciples and to be shalom in their journey until He returns.
* [14:27] Peace: the traditional Hebrew salutation šālôm; but Jesus’ “Shalom” is a gift of salvation, connoting the bounty of messianic blessing.Chas Kestermeir, S.J. is inspired to ask where Jesus is present to us.
Whether we see Him or not, He actually is present to us in those around us in all their weakness and need to be loved: “What you do for the least of my brothers...” (cf. Matthew 25:40). And that is especially true for each of us: He is more present to us than we are to ourselves....May 1st is the Optional Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker and the liturgy for this feast vindicates the right to work. In many of the documents of the Church, reference is made to the Christian spirit that should permeate one's work, after the example of St. Joseph. The Catholic Culture website notes there is a special dignity and value to the work done in caring for the family.
COLLECT PRAYERO God, Creator of all things, who laid down for the human race the law of work, graciously grant that by the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage we may complete the works you set us to do and attain the rewards you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Don Schwager reminds us of the peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)? What kind of peace does Jesus grant as his gift to his disciples?
The peace of Christ is more than the absence of trouble. It includes everything which makes for our highest good. The world's approach to peace is avoidance of trouble and a refusal to face unpleasant things. Jesus offers the peace which conquers our fears and anxieties. Nothing can take us from the peace and joy of Jesus Christ. No sorrow or grief, no danger, no suffering can make it less.Friar Jude Winkler points to the travelog of Paul and Barnabas to show the work they did without ever losing faith. In the Gospel Jesus is leaving peace or shalom that is profound like the lion lying with lamb. Satan has no power over Jesus and the disciples if they live in the Love and obedience to which they are called.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, references James Finley and Martin Buber to express that love demands a transformation of consciousness.
Think of Paul’s famous “I live no longer, not I, but with the life of Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). This is not fantastic religious poetry, it is the heart of the experience of human and divine love. What we allow ourselves to see is what we eventually become.We must be liberated from ourselves, which is done by somehow becoming the other.
References
(n.d.). Acts, chapter 14 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 1, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts14:230
(n.d.). John, chapter 14 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 1, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john14:36
(2018, May 1). Optional Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker - May 01, 2018 - Liturgical .... Retrieved May 1, 2018, from https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2018-05-01
(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 1, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
(2018, April 28). Daily Meditations Archive: April 2018 - Center for Action and .... Retrieved May 1, 2018, from https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/2018/04/
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