The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder the Presence of God especially in those situations where we are disturbed by a transition that may upset our plans.
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles begins Paul’s address to the Gentiles.
* [13:46] The refusal to believe frustrates God’s plan for his chosen people; however, no adverse judgment is made here concerning their ultimate destiny. Again, Luke, in the words of Paul, speaks of the priority of Israel in the plan for salvation (see Acts 10:36). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13, n.d.)
Psalm 98 praises the Judge of the World.
* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (Psalms, PSALM 98, n.d.)
In the Gospel of John, Jesus Last Supper discourses have Philip ask for a theophany.
* [14:7] An alternative reading, “If you knew me, then you would have known my Father also,” would be a rebuke, as in Jn 8:19.
* [14:8] Show us the Father: Philip is pictured asking for a theophany like Ex 24:9–10; 33:18. (John, CHAPTER 14, n.d.)
The readings today for Canada commemorate St. Francois de Laval.
Vivian Amu comments that it is difficult to recognize God's face or see God's presence when our personal crosses or the cross of someone we love seems too heavy to bear; this is when God's silence becomes noticeable, and God's face becomes blurry and unrecognizable. It seems like it makes even more sense to say then, “Show us the Father, and that will be enough for us," just as Philip said to Jesus.
I am often told that I look just like my mother, that we smile the same way, we worry about the same things, we pray the same way, and we are both profoundly intuitive by nature. This used to upset me a little because I didn't want to be like anyone else; I didn't want to be mistaken for anyone else. However, I see now that it makes sense for people to see me in my mother and my mother in me because I am from my mother, and my mother is in me. My care for others and my work of choice allow others to see something of my parents in me. When people see us, may they also see from where we came and the image of the God who created us in our faces, our work, and how we treat each other.
Merciful and loving God, may we see you, recognize you, know you, and trust that you are always right in front of us. Amen. (Amu, 2023)
Don Schwager quotes “The Father's portrait in the Son,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.
"By means of this image the Lord showed Philip the Father. Yes, he who looks on the Son sees, in portrait, the Father. Notice what kind of portrait is spoken of. It is truth, righteousness, the power of God. It is not silent, for it is the Word. It is not insensible, for it is Wisdom. It is not vain and foolish, for it is power. It is not soulless, for it is the life. It is not dead, for it is the resurrection." (excerpt from ON THE CHRISTIAN FAITH 1.7.50) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:7-14 asks how do we get to know Jesus? We spend time with him—and we listen. Jesus told his disciples, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27). We are part of his flock, and we can expect to hear from him when we sit in his presence.
As you listen, thoughts may arise that encourage you, comfort you, or gently correct you. He might tell you something new about himself or simply touch you with his love. Jot down what you’re hearing so that you don’t forget. Thank Jesus for sharing his heart with you and helping you know him better.
This is how you can connect with Jesus. This is how you can get to know him. And knowing him, you will know his Father as well. Because you don’t learn about God by following a manual. You come to know him by spending time with his Son, Jesus.
“Jesus, show me the Father as I turn to you.” (Meditation on John 14:7-14, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the joy expressed by Paul after the rejection of his kerygma by the leaders of the synagogue sent him to preach in the marketplace to the Gentiles. The mystery of the Trinity is prominent in the declaration of Jesus to Philip about knowing the Father. Friar Jude reminds us that God is not a Divine Miracle Machine, but a loving Father that responds to our deepest needs.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces artist and retreat leader Christine Valters Paintner who suggests the ancient monastic practice of statio as a way to remind ourselves of the holiness of transitions. Paintner reminds us that thresholds, physical places of transition, are ubiquitous in our everyday lives, and that we can use them for our spiritual practice.
In the days ahead, become aware of all the times you cross a threshold. This might be moving from one space to another—entering through a doorway, transitioning from one activity to the next, or tending the thresholds of the day, especially at dawn and dusk. Pause at each and offer a short blessing, simply becoming aware of the possibilities alive in the moment. See if the threshold helps call forth the thinness of this moment, making the voice of the divine more accessible. (Rohr, 2023)
We seek the wisdom of the Spirit when our comfort is disturbed by a change of direction or a circumstance that raises anxiety and are alerted to the opportunity to experience the Presence of God.
References
Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 6, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13?44
Amu, V. (2023, May 6). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 6, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/050623.html
John, CHAPTER 14. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 6, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?
Meditation on John 14:7-14. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 6, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/05/06/672738/
Psalms, PSALM 98. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 6, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98?1
Rohr, R. (2023, May 6). Transitions: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/transitions-weekly-summary-2023-05-06/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Lord, Show Us the Father. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 6, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=may6
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