Trust in Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to focus on the relationship we have with those close to us as we trust in Love to bring us together as one.

Our relationship

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles, describes the clever assertion of Paul before the Council in Jerusalem.

 * [23:11] The occurrence of the vision of Christ consoling Paul and assuring him that he will be his witness in Rome prepares the reader for the final section of Acts: the journey of Paul and the word he preaches to Rome under the protection of the Romans.1

David M. Neuhaus SJ has written about getting to know Saint Paul today.

Psalm 16 is a song of Trust and Security in God.

 * [Psalm 16] In the first section, the psalmist rejects the futile worship of false gods (Ps 16:2–5), preferring Israel’s God (Ps 16:1), the giver of the land (Ps 16:6). The second section reflects on the wise and life-giving presence of God (Ps 16:7–11).2

In the Gospel of John, Jesus prays that ‘‘the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’

 * [17:1–26] Climax of the last discourse(s). Since the sixteenth century, this chapter has been called the “high priestly prayer” of Jesus. He speaks as intercessor, with words addressed directly to the Father and not to the disciples, who supposedly only overhear. Yet the prayer is one of petition, for immediate (Jn 17:6–19) and future (Jn 17:20–21) disciples. Many phrases reminiscent of the Lord’s Prayer occur. Although still in the world (Jn 17:13), Jesus looks on his earthly ministry as a thing of the past (Jn 17:4, 12). Whereas Jesus has up to this time stated that the disciples could follow him (Jn 13:33, 36), now he wishes them to be with him in union with the Father (Jn 17:12–14).3

Steve Scholer wonders if death were imminent for us, what would our own personal High Priestly Prayers be like? Would they be about the praise and glory we offered up to God during our lives and how we shared our faith with others so they, too, could know God and experience his endless love? Or would they more likely be focused on our shortcomings?

 Unlike Jesus, we were born sinners and sinners we will die. But wouldn’t it be nice if our final prayers were less about our faults and regrets and more about the humble pride that comes from living the life Christ taught us to live?
Maybe each of us should set aside some time and write our own High Priestly Prayer and focus on the good we are doing for those we love and for those we don’t even know, so that we may all be one. Note how we are spreading the Gospel, so that others might find the joy and love we have found in knowing Christ.4

Don Schwager quotes “Prayer of unity for all who believe,” by Cyprian of Carthage - first martyr bishop of Africa, 200-258 A.D.

 "The Lord's loving-kindness, no less than his mercy, is great in respect of our salvation in that, not content to redeem us with his blood, he in addition prayed for us. See now what the desire of his petition was, that just as the Father and Son are one, so also we should abide in absolute unity. From this, it may be evident how greatly someone sins who divides unity and peace, since even the Lord himself petitioned for this same thing. He no doubt desired that his people should in this way be saved and live in peace since he knew that discord cannot come into the kingdom of God." (excerpt from THE LORD'S PRAYER 30.1)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 17:20-26 comments that the quest for unity is not limited to theological dialogues or occasional joint prayer services. It starts with Jesus helping you love the people right in front of you. Even if you don’t agree with them, you can still perceive the grace of God in their lives. Because unity on a grand scale starts with everyday unity with the people you know.

 Think about Jesus looking at the faces of each of his disciples. Now place yourself there too. But not just you—imagine someone you are not at peace with. Maybe you and your spouse see things differently on a sensitive issue. Whenever the topic arises, a wall seems to cut you off from one another.
Jesus is gazing into your eyes. He is praying that you be united. Can you come to agreement? Can you exchange views and understand each other’s position? What might Jesus pray for you—and for the other person? How might he encourage you to be one?
Don’t give in to discouragement. Remember, Jesus himself is praying for you!
“Lord, make us one!”6

Friar Jude Winkler describes how Roman soldiers rescue Paul from a dispute he provoked in the Sanhedrin. Jesus Priestly Prayer is for disciples who will believe in the future. Friar Jude reminds us to give witness to our relationship of Love in the Trinity by our speaking and doing.

StAnthonyCompanions · May 28, 2020

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, teaches the Fifth Conversion to solidarity is a choice to walk with the poor and oppressed, to be taught by them, and to love them as equals, each of us bearing the Divine Indwelling Spirit within.

 I hope you can see how living out the Gospel is always a process of what Paulo Freire calls humanization, [3] a movement toward greater freedom, dignity, inclusivity, and possibility. We are one, and through solidarity we more clearly identify and name the systems that separate us. We find in ourselves and in the other the true “image of God” in which we are created and connected.
The dialogue that leads to solidarity is a way that oppressors and oppressed begin to recognize each other as subjects in their full humanity, as both learn and teach in this active encounter of faith and love. Here is Freire, in his own words:
Dialogue cannot exist without humility.How can I dialogue if I regard myself as a case apart from others—mere “its” in whom I cannot recognize other “I”s?How can I dialogue if I consider myself . . . the owner of truth and knowledge . . .?How can I dialogue if I am closed to—and even offended by—the contributions of others?Self-sufficiency is incompatible with dialogue.At the point of encounter [in dialogue] there are neither utter ignoramuses nor perfect sages; there are only people who are attempting, together, to learn more than they now know. [4]7

Our relationship with people can be an experience of the Love of the Trinity as we are challenged to practice meaningful dialogue in humble respect of the other.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 23 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 28, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/23
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 16. Retrieved May 28, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/16
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 17 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 28, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/17
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved May 28, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 28, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). 7th Week of Easter - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily .... Retrieved May 28, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/05/28/
7	(2020, May 28). The Fifth Conversion — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 28, 2020, from https://cac.org/the-fifth-conversion-2020-05-28/

Prayer at Leave Taking

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to imagine the time of leave taking and the opportunity to express our thanksgiving for life shared with others and our prayer to God that our relationship continue to be a source of life even as we part.

Taking leave

In the reading from Acts, Paul concludes his farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus at Miletus.

 * [20:16–35] Apparently aware of difficulties at Ephesus and neighboring areas, Paul calls the presbyters together at Miletus, about thirty miles from Ephesus. He reminds them of his dedication to the gospel (Acts 20:18–21), speaks of what he is about to suffer for the gospel (Acts 20:22–27), and admonishes them to guard the community against false prophets, sure to arise upon his departure (Acts 20:28–31). He concludes by citing a saying of Jesus (Acts 20:35) not recorded in the gospel tradition. Luke presents this farewell to the Ephesian presbyters as Paul’s last will and testament.1

Psalm 68 declares awesome is God in his sanctuary.

 * [Psalm 68] The Psalm is … prayer that the defeated enemies bring tribute to the Temple (Ps 68:29–32);... invitation for all kingdoms to praise Israel’s God (Ps 68:33–35).2

In the Gospel of John, Jesus completes His prayer for His disciples.

 * [17:1–26] Climax of the last discourse(s). Since the sixteenth century, this chapter has been called the “high priestly prayer” of Jesus. He speaks as intercessor, with words addressed directly to the Father and not to the disciples, who supposedly only overhear. Yet the prayer is one of petition, for immediate (Jn 17:6–19) and future (Jn 17:20–21) disciples. Many phrases reminiscent of the Lord’s Prayer occur. Although still in the world (Jn 17:13), Jesus looks on his earthly ministry as a thing of the past (Jn 17:4, 12). Whereas Jesus has up to this time stated that the disciples could follow him (Jn 13:33, 36), now he wishes them to be with him in union with the Father (Jn 17:12–14).3

Tamora Whitney shares that we are living in hard times now.

 In both the Gospel and the reading we are reminded that the world is a dangerous place. But Jesus, and later Paul, pray for all of us, that we will be spared from the dangers. Jesus is praying for his disciples, and reminds us that he has lived with them and taught them and protected them. He gave them what they needed while he was here, and now that he is going to heaven, they have what they need to continue in his name. And they have the knowledge that they are never really alone. Paul is living that example in Miletus. He has lived with the people there and taught them and protected them. But now he is moving on and will not be there physically for them, but he has left them with what they need to continue. Jesus prays for the protection of his disciples, and Paul prays for the protection of the people in Miletus, because they both know that it’s a dangerous world, but through their teachings their people have knowledge and the knowledge that they are cared for.
In these dangerous times, we are isolated and scared. Simple things are now not so simple. It’s easy to feel very alone. I know I do. But we are never really alone.4

Don Schwager quotes “The Bond of Christian Unity in Love,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

 "Christ wishes the disciples to be kept in a state of unity by maintaining a like-mindedness and an identity of will, being mingled together as it were in soul and spirit and in the law of peace and love for one another. He wishes them to be bound together tightly with an unbreakable bond of love, that they may advance to such a degree of unity that their freely chosen association might even become an image of the natural unity that is conceived to exist between the Father and the Son. That is to say, he wishes them to enjoy a unity that is inseparable and indestructible, which may not be enticed away into a dissimilarity of wills by anything at all that exists in the world or any pursuit of pleasure, but rather reserves the power of love in the unity of devotion and holiness. And this is what happened. For as we read in the Acts of the Apostles, 'the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul' (Acts 4:32), that is, in the unity of the Spirit. This is also what Paul himself meant when he said 'one body and one Spirit' (Ephesians 4:4). 'We who are many are one body in Christ for we all partake of the one bread' (1 Corinthians 10:17; Romans 12:5), and we have all been anointed in the one Spirit, the Spirit of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 11.9.18)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 17:11-19 notes that Jesus included us in his prayer... With love and compassion, he asked his Father, “Keep them in your name. Protect them. Consecrate them.”

 Keep them: Jesus asked his Father to hold you securely to himself.He will do it! Your heavenly Father will never turn his back on you. He will never abandon you to whatever may come... Protect them: … Whatever you are dealing with, you can walk in the confidence of knowing that the Father is with you at all times… Ask the Holy Spirit to show how he has protected you and helped you grow.Consecrate them:...You have been set apart! Your life here is not an accident. It is not pointless or meaningless. It is ordained by God for something only you can accomplish.6

Friar Jude Winkler fleshes out details of the threats to the Ephesus community from heretics and false evangelists. Paul separates his ministry from the activity of Sophists. Friar Jude reminds us that our ministry is not detached but is consecrated in Truth through our relationship with Jesus and the Father.

StAnthonyCompanions · May 27, 2020

A post by Franciscan media comments on Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Saint of the Day for May 27, noting that laboring patiently, Augustine wisely heeded the missionary principles—quite enlightened for the times—suggested by Pope Gregory: purify rather than destroy pagan temples and customs; let pagan rites and festivals be transformed into Christian feasts; retain local customs as far as possible. The limited success Augustine achieved in England before his death in 605, a short eight years after his arrival, would eventually bear fruit long after in the conversion of England. Augustine of Canterbury can truly be called the “Apostle of England.”

 Augustine of Canterbury comes across today as a very human saint, one who could suffer like many of us from a failure of nerve. For example, his first venture to England ended in a big U-turn back to Rome. He made mistakes and met failure in his peacemaking attempts with the Briton Christians. He often wrote to Rome for decisions on matters he could have decided on his own had he been more self-assured. He even received mild warnings against pride from Pope Gregory, who cautioned him to “fear lest, amidst the wonders that are done, the weak mind be puffed up by self-esteem.” Augustine’s perseverance amidst obstacles and only partial success teaches today’s apostles and pioneers to struggle on despite frustrations and be satisfied with gradual advances.7

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments when we come from a social location that has put us in systems and relationships where options are limited, we are often humiliated and looked down upon at every stage of our life. Under those conditions, it is much harder to keep putting our best foot forward.

 The work of solidarity is to close the distance these systems have put between us by joining and accepting others as fully human—in our struggles and gifts alike. This work requires a commitment to relational accompaniment. What is needed, according to Paulo Freire, is for us to “stop making pious, sentimental, and individualistic gestures, and risk an act of love.” [3]8

The steps of our conversion throughout life include times when relationships are continued apart and we are nudged by the Spirit to act in Love toward those who are marginalized in our society.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 20 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 27, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/20
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 68 - United States Conference of Catholic .... Retrieved May 27, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 17 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 27, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/17
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved May 27, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 27, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Meditations - The Word Among Us. Retrieved May 27, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/05/27/
7	(n.d.). Saint Augustine of Canterbury - Franciscan Media. Retrieved May 27, 2020, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-augustine-of-canterbury/
8	(n.d.). The Third and Fourth Conversions — Center for Action and .... Retrieved May 27, 2020, from https://cac.org/the-third-and-fourth-conversions-2020-05-27/

Protected and courageous

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of the gifts of protection and courage that we associate with the Holy Spirit for our mission as disciples of Christ.

On the Way

The reading from Acts tells how Paul introduces the Holy Spirit to believers in Ephesus.

 * [19:1–6] Upon his arrival in Ephesus, Paul discovers other people at the same religious stage as Apollos, though they seem to have considered themselves followers of Christ, not of the Baptist. On the relation between baptism and the reception of the Spirit, see note on Acts 8:16.1

Psalm 68 praises the Father of orphans and protector of widows.

 Ps 68:2 is based on Nm 10:35–36, and Ps 68:8–9 are derived from Jgs 5:4–5. The argument develops in nine stanzas (each of three to five poetic lines): 1. confidence that God will destroy Israel’s enemies (Ps 68:2–4); 2. call to praise God as savior (Ps 68:5–7);2

In the Gospel of John, Jesus consoles the Apostles to take courage; He has conquered the world!’

 * [16:30] The reference is seemingly to the fact that Jesus could anticipate their question in Jn 16:19. The disciples naively think they have the full understanding that is the climax of “the hour” of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension (Jn 16:25), but the only part of the hour that is at hand for them is their share in the passion (Jn 16:32).3

Barbara Dilly shares that her baptism calls her to daily repentance. It calls her to daily awareness of and openness to the Spirit that fills her with hope and guides her life. And while Christianity calls us all to an outward focused ministry of teaching and preaching, she has learned that faith is also an equally inward call.

 Am I living my faith in Christ through showing love, compassion, humility, patience and forgiveness of others?  Or am I still living in the habits of my sins?  For most of us, living in the Spirit requires much more faith and devotion than simply living by a set of doctrinal rules.  Paul’s letters to newly formed Christian communities seemed often to be about liberating Christians from seeking to define the Christian community by a set of rules to moving them to something higher.  Those letters speak well to us.4

Don Schwager quotes “In Christ we have peace,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

 "When [Jesus] says, 'These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have peace,' he refers not only to what he has just said but also to what he had said all along, either from the time that he first had disciples, or since the supper, when he began this long and wonderful discourse... He declares this to be the object of his whole discourse, that is, that in him they might have peace. And this peace will have no end but is itself the end of every godly action and intention." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 104.1.15)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 16:29-33 emphasizes God doesn’t want his peace to come and go. He wants us to know it all day, every day. Few of us really do, but we can work toward it. Scripture tells us, “Seek peace and follow after it” (1 Peter 3:11). Don’t return insult for insult. Bite back hurtful words. Don’t let anger fester. Seek forgiveness and reconciliation with people. Speak the truth and do what you know is right. And make it a habit to turn back to the Lord during the day—frequently.

 Because Jesus has conquered the world, it is possible to live in the peace we long for (John 16:33). Perhaps you could give yourself a “peace check” every so often during the day. If you find yourself feeling troubled, anxious, or unsettled, ask the Lord to give you his peace. At the same time, do whatever you can to bring peace into a troubled situation. It may take some work on your part to live in peace, but you weren’t meant to do it on your own. After all, Jesus has already done the heavy lifting!
“Jesus, Prince of Peace, reign in my thoughts and emotions today, no matter what situations I face.”6

Friar Jude Winkler describes how Baptism invites us into the life of the Spirit. Speaking in tongues may be an “ecstatic utterance” technically called “glossolalia” like in life when we don't have the words. Friar Jude reminds us that in the Gospel of John, Jesus, in charge, hands over His Spirit, in His Hour of Glory on the Cross.

StAnthonyCompanions · May 25, 2020

A post by Franciscan Media on Saint Bede the Venerable, Saint of the Day for May 25, comments that from the time of his ordination to the priesthood at 30—he had been ordained a deacon at 19—till his death, Bede was ever occupied with learning, writing, and teaching. Besides the many books that he copied, he composed 45 of his own, including 30 commentaries on books of the Bible.

 His Ecclesiastical History of the English People is commonly regarded as of decisive importance in the art and science of writing history. A unique era was coming to an end at the time of Bede’s death: It had fulfilled its purpose of preparing Western Christianity to assimilate the non-Roman barbarian North. Bede recognized the opening to a new day in the life of the Church even as it was happening.7

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that about fifty years ago, a Brazilian educator named Paulo Freire (1921–1997) wrote a book titled Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Freire worked for literacy among the poor in Brazil and Chile. His work became influential among many liberation theologians and those struggling against unjust systems. This book continues to impact his thinking about what it means to be in solidarity with those on the margins. It challenges many of our preconceived ideas about Christian “charity,” “service,” and “mission.” It is some of the most humbling subject matter he covers in the Living School curriculum. Many selfless and goodhearted students have dedicated their lives to Christian “service.” Yet they recognize the ways those vocations, as they are currently designed, often reinforce dehumanizing systems of oppression and marginalization. That paradox is often what drives them to study with the Living School.

 The First Conversion to solidarity is to have basic compassion for the poor in general, or one poor person. Throughout this discussion, I will be using the word “poor” in a very specific way—those who are powerless, dismissed, or considered lesser in society. This is far larger than mere economic poverty. Sadly, there seems to be many Christians who don’t even have basic compassion for the poor. In the United States, we are pretty much trained to blame people who are poor, immigrants or refugees, victims, or gay, lesbian, or transgendered people. Far too many seem to think, even if to themselves, that if “those people” would simply work a little more, do things the right way, change their minds, stay hidden, or just “pray a little harder,” we’d all be better off. The first conversion is where we must begin. Our hearts must be softened, and we must experience basic sympathy, empathy, and recognition of another person’s pain.8

The necessary peace to examine our role as followers of Jesus is a gift of the Spirit enabling us to be committed to act in His Way.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 19 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 25, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/19
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 68. Retrieved May 25, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 16 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 25, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/16
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Meditations - The Word Among Us. Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/05/25/
7	(n.d.). Saint Bede the Venerable - Franciscan Media. Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-bede-the-venerable/
8	(2020, May 25). The Five Conversions — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://cac.org/the-five-conversions-2020-05-25/