Teaching about Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be open to being led by the Spirit to encounters that reveal truth and goodness at the core of our life experience.

Led by the Spirit

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Philip teaches the Ethiopian Eunuch.

* [8:26–40] In the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, Luke adduces additional evidence to show that the spread of Christianity outside the confines of Judaism itself was in accord with the plan of God. He does not make clear whether the Ethiopian was originally a convert to Judaism or, as is more probable, a “God-fearer” (Acts 10:1), i.e., one who accepted Jewish monotheism and ethic and attended the synagogue but did not consider himself bound by other regulations such as circumcision and observance of the dietary laws. The story of his conversion to Christianity is given a strong supernatural cast by the introduction of an angel (Acts 8:26), instruction from the holy Spirit (Acts 8:29), and the strange removal of Philip from the scene (8:39).

* [8:27] The Candace: Candace is not a proper name here but the title of a Nubian queen.

* [8:30–34] Philip is brought alongside the carriage at the very moment when the Ethiopian is pondering the meaning of Is 53:7–8, a passage that Christianity, from its earliest origins, has applied to Jesus; cf. note on Acts 3:13.

* [8:37] The oldest and best manuscripts of Acts omit this verse, which is a Western text reading: “And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he said in reply, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

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). (Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares He is 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 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mike Cherney wrestles with the questions and uncertainty that this season brings to him, and is  moved to pray a refection from Thomas Merton. 

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1958) pg. 79 (Cherney, 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 Acts 8:26-40 comments that the best way to learn to hear the Spirit’s voice is to try responding when you do feel a nudge. That’s likely what the first believers did.

Maybe the Spirit is telling you to open your Bible. Maybe he is telling you to contact someone who could use your help or inspiring you to a different work of mercy. It all starts with taking that first step. That’s what the entire Book of Acts is about. Because the first believers obeyed the voice of the Spirit, word spread about the transforming power of Jesus’ death and resurrection throughout the known world.

It just goes to show, you never know what can happen if, like Philip, you listen and obey!

“Lord, I want to listen for—and obey—your voice today!” (Meditation on Acts 8:26-40, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes the role of the Spirit in the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch that features explanation of the Song of the Suffering Servant in Deutero Isaiah and Baptism of the eunuch. The Holy Spirit guides the growth of the Church. Friar Jude reminds us of the connection of the Real Presence in the Bread of Life Discourse to the Word became flesh in the Prologue of John’s Gospel.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Mirabai Starr who considers the leap of faith required to accept the invitation to creativity.

A miraculous event unfolds when we throw the lead of our personal story into the transformative flames of creativity. Our hardship is transmuted into something golden. With that gold we heal ourselves and redeem the world. As with any spiritual practice, this creative alchemy requires a leap of faith. When we show up to make art, we need to first get still enough to hear what wants to be expressed through us, and then we need to step out of the way and let it. We must be willing to abide in a space of not knowing before we can settle into knowing. Such a space is sacred. It is liminal, and it’s numinous. It is frightening and enlivening. It demands no less than everything, and it gives back tenfold…. The thing is to allow ourselves to become a vessel for a work of art to come through and allow that work to guide our hands. Once we do, we are assenting to a sacred adventure. We are saying yes to the transcendent and embodied presence of the holy. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the events on our journey where a “leap of faith” led to new life experience and gratitude for the nudges of the Spirit.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/8?26 

Cherney, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/041824.html 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?44 

Meditation on Acts 8:26-40. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/04/18/938669/ 

Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Sacred Conversation. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-sacred-conversation/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). If Anyone Eats of This Bread, He Will Live for Ever. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=apr18 

Persecution Preaching and Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present the essential role of the Bread of Life in the energy and conviction of our witness in word and deed.

Bread of Life

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Saul persecutes the Church and Philip preaches in Samaria.

* [8:1] All were scattered…except the apostles: this observation leads some modern scholars to conclude that the persecution was limited to the Hellenist Christians and that the Hebrew Christians were not molested, perhaps because their attitude toward the law and temple was still more in line with that of their fellow Jews (see the charge leveled against the Hellenist Stephen in Acts 6:13–14). Whatever the facts, it appears that the Twelve took no public stand regarding Stephen’s position, choosing, instead, to await the development of events.

* [8:3] Saul…was trying to destroy the church: like Stephen, Saul was able to perceive that the Christian movement contained the seeds of doctrinal divergence from Judaism. A pupil of Gamaliel, according to Acts 22:3, and totally dedicated to the law as the way of salvation (Gal 1:13–14), Saul accepted the task of crushing the Christian movement, at least insofar as it detracted from the importance of the temple and the law. His vehement opposition to Christianity reveals how difficult it was for a Jew of his time to accept a messianism that differed so greatly from the general expectation. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

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]). (Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares He is 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 | USCCB, n.d.)

Gladyce Janky notes that Lydia of Thyatira, with the Apostle Paul, co-founded the first Christian home church in Europe (Acts 16:15). Lydia brings her entire household together for a celebratory meal.  Everyone wants to hear about her journey, expecting tales about the sights, sounds, and people.  Imagine their surprise when the conversation focuses on one encounter.

I want to tell you about a Prophet named Jesus, a man sent by God.  He spoke about why God sent him -to bring everyone to God.  Jesus accepts anyone God sends to him  – even you and me if we listen to his message.  He called God Aba and talked about the last day.  Jesus says, “I am the bread of life,” offering anyone who listens God’s healing nourishment.  The temple authorities follow Jesus throughout Judea, seeing the miracles he performs and hearing his teachings, but refuse to “see” him.  I know what it is like to be not seen and how I felt in Jesus’ presence.  His message has entered my heart.  My soul did not feel hungry for the first time, and I  found water that quenches my thirst.  This Jesus is changing everything, or maybe he is simply calling us back to how the world should be – focused on God.  When Jesus comes to Thyatira, he will be welcome in this household so that you can eat the living bread and drink the water God offers.   

Everyone who believes in the Son has eternal life,
And I shall raise him on the last day, says the Lord (Jn 6:40). (Janky, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Possessing the Scriptures,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When you understand anything in the Scriptures, it is love that is manifesting itself to you. When you fail to understand, it is love that is hiding itself from you. Those, therefore, who possess charity possess both what is manifest in the divine words and what is hidden in them." (excerpt from Sermon 350,2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 8:1-8 comments that over the centuries, the hope in the risen Lord has continued to sustain God’s people as they preached the good news. Today believers in nearly every nation on earth continue to proclaim the gospel, no matter how dangerous the situation. Nothing, not even direct opposition or violence, can overcome their hope in Christ. How can we sustain a vibrant hope in the Lord? By rooting ourselves in the word of God and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus each day. As we draw near to him in prayer, we will experience his goodness, his mercy, and his care for us. Then we will become more confident that he will remain faithful to his promises, whether we are living in peaceful or stormy times.

Do you know someone who has lost hope? The early Christians couldn’t be silenced even when they were being persecuted. Don’t be silent, either! Share with that person the hope that is in your heart, a hope that never runs dry because its source is Jesus himself!

“Jesus, help me to share the reason for my hope.” (Meditation on Acts 8:1-8, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the persecution of the Hellenistic Jews that started with Stephen. The Gospel is spread from Aramaic speaking Jews to Greek speaking Jews and then to the heretical Jews in Samaria. Friar Jude notes that Jesus Bread of Life discourse speaks of both realized and future eschatology emphasizing Presence in the Eucharist now.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Brazilian liberation theologian Leonardo Boff who witnesses the presence of the Holy Spirit in the creativity of the arts.

The arts are very much like the Spirit. They are intangible. They are ends in themselves. They have an intrinsic value…. Art, music, and poetry in themselves are priceless. They are unique creations, not serial productions. They are like a gift we give to a loved one, valuable for its own sake. Somehow they escape the limits of time and bring us a foretaste of eternity.   

Inspiration is in the air and settles on people without regard for their skin color, their social background, or their educational level. How many illiterate artists have emerged in [Brazil], in marginal communities, and were never noticed: poets, artisans, painters, singers, musicians, mystics? Boasting is not the Spirit’s way; it is like water that quietly runs along the ground, fills the vessels it is poured into, and always chooses to run downhill.  

That is why the Spirit does not have its own figure, as the Father and the Son do. It is portrayed as a dove, but what is important is the radiant light it gives off. It is the Breath (Spiritus in Latin) that reveals life, sustains life, and renews life in every way.   

The universe and all beings are saturated with Spirit. To recognize its presence in every corner of the cosmos is the work of spirituality, of life in the Spirit. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the action of the Spirit that continues to inform our journey and lead us to live in gratitude for the Bread of Life.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/8?1 

Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/041724.html 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?35 

Meditation on Acts 8:1-8. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/04/17/938113/ 

Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Spirit Inspires. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-inspires/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Will Raise You up at the Last Day. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=apr17