The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to meditate on the joy of following Jesus and our ways of expressing that joy in our lifestyle.
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes joy in the encounter of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.
* [8:26–40] In the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, Luke adduces additional evidence to show that the spread of Christianity outside the confines of Judaism itself was in accord with the plan of God. He does not make clear whether the Ethiopian was originally a convert to Judaism or, as is more probable, a “God-fearer” (Acts 10:1), i.e., one who accepted Jewish monotheism and ethic and attended the synagogue but did not consider himself bound by other regulations such as circumcision and observance of the dietary laws. The story of his conversion to Christianity is given a strong supernatural cast by the introduction of an angel (Acts 8:26), instruction from the holy Spirit (Acts 8:29), and the strange removal of Philip from the scene (8:39).1
Psalm 66 is praise for God’s Goodness to Israel.
* [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20).2
In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares “whoever believes has eternal life.”
* [6:35–59] Up to Jn 6:50 “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus; in Jn 6:51–58, the eucharistic theme comes to the fore. There may thus be a break between Jn 6:50–51.3
Barbara Dilly reflects on our call to proclaim the good news of our redemption through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as a fulfilled promise of God. The hymn “On Our Way Rejoicing” by John S. B. Monsell, is about rejoicing as in Psalm 66, where we are reminded to "Let all the earth cry out to God with joy!"
Verse 1:
On our way rejoicing, gladly let us go,
Christ our Lord has conquered, vanquished is the foe.
Christ without our safety, Christ within our joy,
Who, if we be faithful, can our hope destroy?
Refrain:
On our way rejoicing,
As we (homeward, forward, or onward) move. (changed for recessions or processions)
Hearken to our praises,
O, blest God of love.4
Don Schwager quotes “Studying the Scriptures with humility,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"My ambition as a youth was to apply to the study of the Holy Scriptures all the refinement of dialectics. I did so, but without the humility of the true searcher. I was supposed to knock at the door so that it would open for me. Instead I was pushing it closed, trying to understand in pride what is only learned in humility. However, the all-merciful Lord lifted me up and kept me safe." (excerpt from Sermon 51,6)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20 comments that Joy is not simply a passing feeling but a fruit of the indwelling Spirit and the product of God’s life in us (Galatians 5:22). Rather than distinct instances of feeling joyful, it’s possible to live in a state of underlying joy. This is a joy infused with hope—the expectation of good—even when our immediate circumstances aren’t themselves joyful. God’s life in us grows and matures, and as it does, our joy increases.
That means you can grow in joy as well. And you can begin by expressing it! Start with “Bless our God” (Psalm 66:8). Then open your heart to the Lord. Turn your thoughts to him frequently. Adore him in prayer, find him in the Scriptures, and celebrate him in the Eucharist. Tell him all the reasons for your gratitude: for giving you this day; for healing you, forgiving you, and comforting you. “Sound his praise” (66:8) by telling someone else about what God has done for you, even—and especially—those little blessings the Lord gives you each day.6
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the spread of Christianity from Jews in Jerusalem to Samaritan Jews and in this passage to “god-fearers”. The eunuch could not become a Jew because he was not fully intact. Friar Jude reminds us that the ”Bread of Life” discourse in John now turns to Jesus as “Real Presence”.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, on this Earth Day, introduces Sherri Mitchell, a Native American attorney and sacred activist for environmental protection and human rights, who shares some particular terms which offer us some much-needed Indigenous wisdom and compassion.
This understanding is very different than the belief that human beings are chosen above all others. That view creates countless distortions that not only elevate [humanity] inappropriately, but also diminish the rest of creation. The world is one unified system. It cannot be separated into fragmented, saleable parts. The Eurocentric view of property ownership requires us to see the land as being disconnected from us. This view separates us from the source of life. The Indigenous view recognizes the land as kin [as did my spiritual father, St. Francis], as part of the lineage of life that we are all connected to. Thus, we have an obligation to care for the land in the same way that we would care for our human relatives. . . .7
Our journey will reflect the joy of being in relationship with Jesus as we respond to the Spirit as our guide.
References
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