The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine the transformation we are called by the Spirit to accept to become more fully able to “re-present” Christ on our journey.
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia and Paul’s Address in the Synagogue.
* [13:4–14:27] The key event in Luke’s account of the first missionary journey is the experience of Paul and Barnabas at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14–52). The Christian kerygma proclaimed by Paul in the synagogue was favorably received. Some Jews and “God-fearers” (see note on Acts 8:26–40) became interested and invited the missionaries to speak again on the following sabbath (Acts 13:42). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13, n.d.)
Psalm 89 praises God’s Covenant with David.
* [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52). (Psalms, PSALM 89, n.d.)
In the Gospel of John, Jesus teaches about receiving Him when we receive His messenger.
* [13:16] Messenger: the Greek has apostolos, the only occurrence of the term in John. It is not used in the technical sense here. (John, CHAPTER 13, n.d.)
Barbara Dilly comments that when invited by the synagogue officials at Antioch to speak a word of exhortation, Paul called the God-fearing there present in the synagogue to listen again to the story of how God loves them. God chose their ancestors to be his people. Then they were given land as an inheritance, a king, and a promise of a savior. Paul further reminded them that they, and all the people of Israel, were called by John to a baptism of repentance in preparation of receiving that savior. This gift of baptism was evidence of the kindness and faithfulness of God that is established forever. We are baptized into the life and death of Jesus, which frees us from our sins. But that is not the end of it. Through Christ, we are given this freedom so that we can live our lives with great spiritual maturity and abundance.
So, what would happen if more of us were to speak the words of exhortation and encouragement to bring out the best in others who need to live lives of greater spiritual maturity and abundance? Too often we just condemn or ignore others who have become discouraged or disgusted with Christian teachings when they seem to have lost their way. “Not my problem, I hear too many people say.” Yet, thanks be to God, many are indeed called by the Holy Spirit to agonize or struggle with the others for the faith. Thanks be to God; they have received the gift of exhortation as a gift of the Holy Spirit, and they are ready, willing, and able to use it. I pray today for all who exercise that gift. May they receive greater strength and courage. And may their numbers grow. (Dilly, 2023)
Don Schwager quotes “The Master wants his servants to reach their potential,” by Origen, 185-254 A.D.
"The Savior, who is Lord, does something that surpasses all other lords, who have no desire to see their servants rise up to their level. He is such a Son of the Father's goodness and love that, although he was Lord, he produced servants who could become like him, their Lord, not having the spirit of bondage, which comes from fear, but the spirit of adoption in which they too cry, 'Abba, Father.' So then, before becoming like their teacher and lord, they need to have their feet washed because they are still deficient disciples who possess the spirit of bondage to fear. But when they attain the stature of master and lord... then they will be able to imitate their master and wash the disciple's feet as the teacher. (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.120-22) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 13:16-20 comments that Jesus’ washing of the apostles’ feet speaks volumes to us as well. It tells us that he, the Lord of the universe, came to serve and not to be served. It also tells us that he expected his disciples to follow his example and become servants, too. And they did, proclaiming the good news of salvation far and wide, even at the cost of their lives.
For Christians, service is a way of life. It’s the way God wants us to approach the world: paying attention to the needs around us and trying to meet them. It’s also a privilege because we are imitating our Master. So on those days when you are tired of serving, when you can’t seem to take even a small break, picture Jesus kneeling down to wash the feet of his apostles. Let his example give you the strength to keep on serving in any way the Lord is calling you.
“Jesus, I want to serve your people today. Give me the grace to do it.” (Meditation on John 13:16-20, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler expands upon the mention of John (John Mark) in Acts to comment on the rift in their relationship that was later reconciled. Our discipleship is based on serving others. Friar Jude notes that Luke and John present Jesus as a sage who knows who is to betray Him.
Rev. Dr. Barbara Holmes, CAC teacher, writes that our Western habits of acquisition and clinging make life’s transitions more challenging.
Letting go may be the only path toward rebirth. The truth of the matter is that we are clutching at nothing! The stripping has already begun. When the worst happens, our addictive desire for control and the futility of our desires are fully exposed. If we are wise, we open our minds, our hands, and our hearts, and let go.
However, I do not want to mislead you: Letting go has consequences. Finally, the striving is over, the effort to salvage and fix, be or do something, is over. It is as if we have been clinging to the wall of a mountain of our own making, a mountain of expectations, striving, and goals. When that mountain disappears, we plummet….
When we let go, the only constants are God’s love and God’s promise that we will never be left alone. We let go of our public persona and our striving and pursuits. Sometimes it takes a crisis to remind us that we are not in control. This space that I name contemplative is a place of breaking, relinquishment, and waiting. [1] (Holmes, 2023)
We have gifts of word and action to be messengers of the full life that Jesus offers in relationship with the Love of God.
References
Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13?13
Dilly, B. (2023, May 4). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/050423.html
Holmes, B. (2023, May 4). Letting Go of What We Have Known — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/letting-go-of-what-we-have-known-2023-05-04/
John, CHAPTER 13. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/13?
Meditation on John 13:16-20. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/05/04/671709/
Psalms, PSALM 89. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89?2
Schwager, D. (n.d.). The One Who Receives Me. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=may4
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