Called by Name

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to listen and hear how we are called by name to a deeper relationship with Christ.

Called to Love and Service

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents the first converts after Peter’s speech.

* [2:1–41] Luke’s pentecostal narrative consists of an introduction (Acts 2:1–13), a speech ascribed to Peter declaring the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic significance (Acts 2:14–36), and a favorable response from the audience (Acts 2:37–41). It is likely that the narrative telescopes events that took place over a period of time and on a less dramatic scale. The Twelve were not originally in a position to proclaim publicly the messianic office of Jesus without incurring immediate reprisal from those religious authorities in Jerusalem who had brought about Jesus’ death precisely to stem the rising tide in his favor. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

Psalm 33 praises the greatness and goodness of God

* [Psalm 33] A hymn in which the just are invited (Ps 33:1–3) to praise God, who by a mere word (Ps 33:4–5) created the three-tiered universe of the heavens, the cosmic waters, and the earth (Ps 33:6–9). Human words, in contrast, effect nothing (Ps 33:10–11). The greatness of human beings consists in God’s choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Ps 33:12–22). (Psalms, PSALM 33, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene.

* [20:11–18] This appearance to Mary is found only in John, but cf. Mt 28:8–10 and Mk 16:9–11.

* [20:16] Rabbouni: Hebrew or Aramaic for “my master.”

* [20:17] Stop holding on to me: see Mt 28:9, where the women take hold of his feet. I have not yet ascended: for John and many of the New Testament writers, the ascension in the theological sense of going to the Father to be glorified took place with the resurrection as one action. This scene in John dramatizes such an understanding, for by Easter night Jesus is glorified and can give the Spirit. Therefore his ascension takes place immediately after he has talked to Mary. In such a view, the ascension after forty days described in Acts 1:1–11 would be simply a termination of earthly appearances or, perhaps better, an introduction to the conferral of the Spirit upon the early church, modeled on Elisha’s being able to have a (double) share in the spirit of Elijah if he saw him being taken up (same verb as ascending) into heaven (2 Kgs 2:9–12). To my Father and your Father, to my God and your God: this echoes Ru 1:16: “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” The Father of Jesus will now become the Father of the disciples because, once ascended, Jesus can give them the Spirit that comes from the Father and they can be reborn as God’s children (Jn 3:5). That is why he calls them my brothers. (John, CHAPTER 20, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard comments that gardens attract lovers.  In the garden, Jesus and Mary Magdalen meet for the first time after Jesus’ death and resurrection.  In her grief, Mary does not recognize Jesus. Then Jesus speaks her name, “Mary.” That’s all – just her name, “Mary”. And Mary knows it is Jesus. The risen Christ greeting his beloved Mary.

I invite you to listen in the silence of your heart for Jesus speaking your name.  The Beloved speaking the name of His loved one.  Easter morning and the un-nameable is complete. In love, Jesus speaks my name, speaks your name, speaks our names- the homeless, the broken, the scabbed, the doubter, the gawker and the faithful. I am loved, I belong and I am dignified.

…. Listen for Jesus speaking your name. (Howard, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “The Easter Alleluia,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Because there are these two periods of time - the one that now is, beset with the trials and troubles of this life, and the other yet to come, a life of everlasting serenity and joy - we are given two liturgical seasons, one before Easter and the other after. The season before Easter signifies the troubles in which we live here and now, while the time after Easter which we are celebrating at present signifies the happiness that will be ours in the future. What we commemorate before Easter is what we experience in this life; what we celebrate after Easter points to something we do not yet possess. This is why we keep the first season with fasting and prayer; but now the fast is over and we devote the present season to praise. Such is the meaning of the Alleluia we sing." (excerpt from commentary on Psalm 148, 1-2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 20:11-18 asks “Why are you weeping? What worries, problems, or disappointments are weighing on your soul?” Whatever they are, know that Jesus sees them and wants to help us work through them. He wants to help draw our attention to his presence with us. He is there, standing right in front of us. He is risen, and heaven is opened for us!

This message applies not only to your literal death, but also to the “little deaths” you experience throughout your life: the ending of a relationship, for instance, or a necessary move from a familiar home. Jesus can bring new life out of situations like these. He can bring peace to your heart as you turn to him and tell him why you are weeping. He can convince you that sorrow and death don’t have the final word. Even in your darkest times, he is there, planting seeds of new life in you and working to lead you toward joy, both in this life and the next.

“Jesus, help me to remember that you are always with me, even when you seem absent.” (Meditation on John 20:11-18, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler describes the Baptism offered by Peter as our entrance into the life of the Trinity. The number of converts enumerated in the text may have been an exaggeration when the population of Jerusalem at the time is considered. Friar Jude connects the experience of Mary, when called by name, to the Song of Songs as the Apostle to the Apostles represents the Church searching for her lover.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces contemplative theologian Beatrice Bruteau (1930–2014) who describes the profound effect that our participation in the eternal life of God can have on us. For Bruteau, resurrection starts in our lives now and transforms our engagement with the world.

Our joy is not confined to ourselves but radiates out to all. Just as Jesus intended to enter into us, that his joy might be in us and our joy might be full (John 15:11), so neither can we contain our joy: our peace and happiness envelop all those around us. When we interact with people—or circumstances—we do not feel drained of energy, as we did when we were still obliged to protect and defend our ego-self. Perceiving creative action and interaction as reality itself, we feel ourselves fully living, full of the richness of God’s life, the interior fountain that never fails.  

The divine life now becomes natural for us, no longer something to be compared to an alternative. We are really “saved” when we no longer think of ourselves as “saved,” because there is no alternative. This is when profound incarnation takes place. The reality of God is intensely perceived as present in everything.… The kingdom is hidden right here, even in the passions and illusions of our superficial consciousness. When we are shaken awake, we see it. (Rohr, 2023)

We ask the Spirit to assist us in recognizing the name by which we are called to join the workers in the field of the Lord.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/2?36 

Howard, J. B. (2023, April 11). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/041123.html 

John, CHAPTER 20. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/20? 

Meditation on John 20:11-18. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/04/11/654773/ 

Psalms, PSALM 33. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/33?4 

Rohr, R. (2023, April 11). A New Energy and Joy — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-new-energy-and-joy-2023-04-11/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=apr11 

Reconciliation and Consequences

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek reconciliation with those from whom we have become distant or estranged.

Reconcile 

 

The Book of Deuteronomy describes how Moses dies and is buried in the Land of Moab.

This is the landc about which I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, “I will give it to your descendants.” I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you shall not cross over.1

 

Psalm 66 offers 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

 

The Gospel of Matthew shares ways of reproving another who sins.

* [18:15–20] Passing from the duty of Christian disciples toward those who have strayed from their number, the discourse now turns to how they are to deal with one who sins and yet remains within the community. First there is to be private correction (Mt 18:15); if this is unsuccessful, further correction before two or three witnesses (Mt 18:16); if this fails, the matter is to be brought before the assembled community (the church), and if the sinner refuses to attend to the correction of the church, he is to be expelled (Mt 18:17). The church’s judgment will be ratified in heaven, i.e., by God (Mt 18:18). This three-step process of correction corresponds, though not exactly, to the procedure of the Qumran community; see 1QS 5:25–6:1; 6:24–7:25; CD 9:2–8. The section ends with a saying about the favorable response of God to prayer, even to that of a very small number, for Jesus is in the midst of any gathering of his disciples, however small (Mt 18:19–20). Whether this prayer has anything to do with the preceding judgment is uncertain.3 

The Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries is not available today.

 

Don Schwager comments that the Lord Jesus wants to set us free from resentment, ill-will, and an unwillingness to forgive. The love of Christ both purifies and sets us free to do good to all - even those who cause us grief. The call to accountability for what we have done and have failed to do is inevitable and we can't escape it, both in this life and at the day of judgment when the Lord Jesus will return.

But while we have the opportunity today, we must not give up on praying for those who cause us offense. With God's help we must seek to make every effort to win them with the grace and power of God's healing love and wisdom. Do you tolerate broken relationships or do you seek to repair them as God gives you the opportunity to mend and restore what is broken?4 (copyright © 2021 Servants of the Word, source:  dailyscripture.net, author Don Schwager) 

Don Schwager quotes “If someone has done you injury,” by Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD).

"If someone has done you injury and you have suffered, what should be done? You have heard the answer already in today's scripture: 'If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.' If you fail to do so, you are worse than he is. He has done someone harm, and by doing harm he has stricken himself with a grievous wound. Will you then completely disregard your brother's wound? Will you simply watch him stumble and fall down? Will you disregard his predicament? If so, you are worse in your silence than he in his abuse. Therefore, when any one sins against us, let us take great care, but not merely for ourselves. For it is a glorious thing to forget injuries. Just set aside your own injury, but do not neglect your brother's wound. Therefore 'go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone,' intent upon his amendment but sparing his sense of shame. For it might happen that through defensiveness he will begin to justify his sin, and so you will have inadvertently nudged him still closer toward the very behavior you desire to amend. Therefore 'tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother,' because he might have been lost, had you not spoken with him. " (excerpt from Sermon 82.7)4 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Deuteronomy 34:1-12 comments that we all have times when it feels as if we’re stuck in the desert and our promised land seems far out of reach. Our debt may not have diminished much, despite our best efforts, or our distant family member may still refuse to take our phone calls. Through it all, we yearn for some kind of sign that we’re on the right path and that we’ll finally get there.

But sometimes the journey matters more than the destination. Sometimes we learn lessons along the way that bring us closer to our one true promised land: heaven. Sometimes we have to leave our dreams in God’s hands and trust that he will continue to work even after we have gone to be with him. Just ask Moses, who never entered the Promised Land but who had to leave it to Joshua to finish the journey.5

 

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the special apocalyptic nature of Moses' death and the connection to striking the rock twice at Meribah. The reference to the Church in Matthew is rare. Friar Jude notes that communal prayer extends Love to our brothers and sisters.

 

Franciscan Media shares about Saint Clare, that contemporary accounts glow with admiration of Clare's life in the convent of San Damiano in Assisi. She served the sick and washed the feet of the begging nuns. She came from prayer, it was said, with her face so shining it dazzled those about her. She suffered serious illness for the last 27 years of her life. Her influence was such that popes, cardinals, and bishops often came to consult her—Clare herself never left the walls of San Damiano.

The 41 years of Clare’s religious life are scenarios of sanctity: an indomitable resolve to lead the simple, literal gospel life as Francis taught her; courageous resistance to the ever-present pressure to dilute the ideal; a passion for poverty and humility; an ardent life of prayer; and a generous concern for her sisters.6

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares what Beatrice Bruteau calls a Communion Paradigm.

Jesus gathers people into communities in which . . . each person does the same thing that Jesus originally did: loving another person on the level beyond any description, beaming full attention (with all one’s heart, soul, mind, strength) of positive regard. This can awaken the sense of selfhood in one who has not yet known it, and in this way the community expands. . . . [In the community] all people are absolutely equal and each is absolutely unique. The sharing within the community is thus richly textured and very creative. Being unified, loving, and creative, the community is the “outreach” of God, the very Presence of God as world.. . . . Here I am I by virtue of being in-you/with-you/for-you, not outside and not against—not even separate7 

Our life is made full in community and we grow love by seeking reconciliation with those who are separated from us.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Deuteronomy, CHAPTER 34 | USCCB. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/34
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66
3	(n.d.). Matthew, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/18
4	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=aug11
5	(2021, August 10). Saint Clare, Virgin (Memorial) - The Word Among Us. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/08/11/190580/
6	(2017, July 20). Saint Clare of Assisi | Franciscan Media. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-clare-of-assisi
7	n.d.). Daily Meditations Archives — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://cac.org/a-communion-paradigm-2021-08-11/