The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder the events on our journey that resonated with our discovery of greater fullness in our lives.
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.
* [8:1–40] Some idea of the severity of the persecution that now breaks out against the Jerusalem community can be gathered from Acts 22:4 and Acts 26:9–11. Luke, however, concentrates on the fortunes of the word of God among people, indicating how the dispersal of the Jewish community resulted in the conversion of the Samaritans (Acts 8:4–17, 25). His narrative is further expanded to include the account of Philip’s acceptance of an Ethiopian (Acts 8:26–39). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8, n.d.)
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). (Psalms, PSALM 66, n.d.)
In the Gospel of John, in the Bread of Life Discourse, Jesus proclaims ‘I am the bread of 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. (John, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)
Suzanne Braddock is challenged to experience all the interruptions of the day as if they are holy, from an angel of God, leading her to respond with an open heart to whatever is asked of her.
The ill-timed phone call, the child tugging at me, the flat tire, the numerous ways our days are punctuated with holy interruptions we can reframe to see the hand of God inviting us to a closer journey with him. Then the words of the gospel ring true – “whoever believes has – HAS, not “will have” –eternal life.” It can begin now for us – we are already “Home Free.” We, too, can go on our way rejoicing. (Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries, n.d.)
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) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20 comments that our heavenly Father is always ready to bring light and life to us—and to everyone seeking him. He wants us to know him. His deepest desire is that his love, peace, and strength would find a place in our hearts. So he may lead us to a particular Scripture passage or put a person like Philip in our path to show us his faithfulness. He may provide a helping hand in the middle of a trying time or answer a prayer.
Just as the Lord knew where this official was and what was stirring in his heart, he sees you and knows you as well. Even as you are seeking him, he is already working to answer you. He hears your prayers, whether they are for yourself or for a loved one. And that knowledge can bring you comfort and hope! “Thank you, Lord, that you do not refuse our prayers. Even now, in your kindness, you are sending an answer.” (The Word Among Us, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes the spread of Jesus' Way from Aramaic through Hellenistic Jews, to Samaritans and in the text today to an Ethiopian eunuch. Philip interprets the Songs of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah in the light of Jesus' mission. Friar Jude reminds us of the richness of symbols of Lady Wisdom, the Word made Flesh, and the matrimonial symbols of marrying our God.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, is convinced, with Pope Francis, that even owning nuclear weapons is a spiritual problem. The way forward will depend on spiritual transformation at a corporate level. Yet now Ukraine and the whole world are held hostage because Russia and the United States own nuclear weapons. He comments on our focus on smaller issues which allow us to feel in control and even holy, while we tolerate war and the proliferation of nuclear weapons that create widespread death and destruction. Once we squelch spiritual energy in the name of hard-headed intellect and will, three not-so-obvious demons will move in to take the place of Spirit: expedience, law, and propriety.
Expedience is an early stage of moral development, but it finds no support in the words of Jesus.…their real concern is for family embarrassment, future marriage prospects, or setbacks caused by an unplanned pregnancy…. Law. For many people, this is what religion is all about: law and order, control, doing what we’re told, and obeying the commandments. Paul clearly taught the opposite in the whole book of Romans… propriety. Being proper like everybody else on the block seems always to have been a substitute for real transformation….Self-serving behavior takes the place of other-serving love. (War Is a Spiritual Problem — Center for Action and Contemplation, 2022)
We are challenged to look beyond and see the work of the Spirit inviting us to live in the fullness of life as we work with Jesus in transformation of the world.
References
Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/8?26
Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. (n.d.). OnlineMinistries. Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/050522.html
John, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?44
Psalms, PSALM 66. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?8
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture ... Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=may5
War Is a Spiritual Problem — Center for Action and Contemplation. (2022, May 5). Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://cac.org/war-is-a-spiritual-problem-2022-05-05/
The Word Among Us. (n.d.). The Word Among Us. Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2015
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