Feed My Sheep

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to act in Love towards everyone, even those who threaten to do us harm.

Feed My Sheep

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Festus consults King Agrippa concerning Paul.

* [25:9–12] Paul refuses to acknowledge that the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem has any jurisdiction over him now (Acts 25:11). Paul uses his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to the jurisdiction of the Emperor (Nero, ca. A.D. 60) (Acts 25:12). This move broke the deadlock between Roman protective custody of Paul and the plan of his enemies to kill him (25:3).

* [25:13] King Agrippa and Bernice: brother and sister, children of Herod Agrippa I whose activities against the Jerusalem community are mentioned in Acts 12:1–19. Agrippa II was a petty ruler over small areas in northern Palestine and some villages in Perea. His influence on the Jewish population of Palestine was insignificant. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 25, n.d.)

Psalm 103 offers thanksgiving for God’s Goodness.

* [Psalm 103] The speaker in this hymn begins by praising God for personal benefits (Ps 103:1–5), then moves on to God’s mercy toward all the people (Ps 103:6–18). Even sin cannot destroy that mercy (Ps 103:11–13), for the eternal God is well aware of the people’s human fragility (Ps 103:14–18). The psalmist invites the heavenly beings to join in praise (Ps 103:19–22). (Psalms, PSALM 103, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus and Peter dialogue about feeding His Sheep.

* [21:15–17] In these three verses there is a remarkable variety of synonyms: two different Greek verbs for love (see note on Jn 15:13); two verbs for feed/tend; two nouns for sheep; two verbs for know. But apparently there is no difference of meaning. The threefold confession of Peter is meant to counteract his earlier threefold denial (Jn 18:17, 25, 27). The First Vatican Council cited these verses in defining that Jesus after his resurrection gave Peter the jurisdiction of supreme shepherd and ruler over the whole flock.

* [21:15] More than these: probably “more than these disciples do” rather than “more than you love them” or “more than you love these things [fishing, etc.].”

* [21:18] Originally probably a proverb about old age, now used as a figurative reference to the crucifixion of Peter. (John, CHAPTER 21, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J (2009) comments that In the Greek original text of this story, the author uses two different words for "love."

The first is agape, a very special kind of love. So, in effect, two times, Jesus asks, "Do you love me with the kind of self-sacrificing love by which God loves you?" Peter answers with the word phileo, which is "brotherly love" (the name for Philadelphia - city of brotherly love - contains this root). In effect, Peter answers three times, saying, "Yes, Lord, I love you with a special friendship." The third time Jesus uses Peter's word. Even if our love for Jesus is a special closeness, and hasn't become a self-sacrificing love yet, he still asks us to feed his sheep. And the first point for our reflection today is this: if I am feeling that I'm not feeding his sheep generously enough, then the reason may be that I need to grow in gratitude and love for Jesus' love for me first. A grateful lover of Jesus will love his sheep. (Alexander, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Do you love me? Feed my sheep,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Christ rose again in the flesh, and Peter rose in the spirit because, when Christ died in his passion, Peter died by his denial. Christ the Lord was raised from the dead, and out of his love he raised Peter. He questioned him about the love he was confessing and entrusted him with his sheep. After all, what benefit could Peter confer on Christ by the mere fact of his loving Christ? If Christ loves you, it is to your advantage, not Christ's. And if you love Christ, it is to your advantage, not Christ's. And yet Christ the Lord wanted to indicate how people ought to show that they love Christ. And he made it plain enough by entrusting him with his sheep. 'Do you love me?' 'I do.' 'Feed my sheep.' All this once, all this a second time, all this a third time. Peter made no other reply than that he loved him. The Lord asked no other question but whether he loved him. When Peter answered, our Lord did nothing else but entrust his sheep to him." (excerpt from SERMON 229n.1.4) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 21:15-19 comments that we can accomplish Jesus' purposes as we stay close to his love and keep trying to love him in return.

Do you love me? That question and invitation will come to you every day, perhaps multiple times and in various ways. Often your response will involve making some kind of sacrifice, whether time or resources. So whenever it comes, know that it’s Jesus giving you another chance to answer him. Don’t pass up the opportunity! Show him your love by the way you care for his people. Tend his sheep and feed his lambs wherever you find them. Believe that as you do, you are sharing the love of Christ himself with the people around you. You may not wield worldly power or authority, but you are changing lives in the most important way possible.

“Lord, you know that I love you! Help me show that love in my actions today.” (Meditation on John 21:15-19, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts for today. Paul was arrested for crimes against Jewish life by Felix who was subject to taking bribes. Festus realizes Paul has not offended Roman Law. Paul as a Roman citizen appeals to be tried by Caesar because he would not make it to Jerusalem alive. The hidden message in the dialogue with Peter concerns Eros (romantic love), Philia (brotherly love), and Agape (God's divine love or unconditional love). The third time Jesus uses the love to take Peter where he is at. Friar Jude notes that Jesus role as the Good Shepherd is handed to Peter to guide the flock in Love.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM introduces Diana Gruver who writes of finding solace and hope through others who share their experiences. Theologian and minister Monica Coleman finds comfort and healing in the spirituals of the Black church.

Thus I’m convinced that when Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” from the cross (Matthew 27:45–46), he wasn’t making a profound theological statement about the hidden God. Jesus was quoting Psalm 22, the spirituals of his people. He was in pain, and he began to sing. In my sanctified imagination, I see the people at the foot of the cross joining him as we do today in my faith community: slowly at first, one voice, then another, humming, then forming words. It sounds like this:  

Sometimes I feel like a motherless child.  

sometimes I feel like a motherless child.  

sometimes I feel like a motherless child.  

a long way from home…. 

They remind me that if you stay in a spiritual long enough, you’ll hear God, you’ll feel hope. In the depths of depression, I can think of no greater spiritual gift. (Rohr, 2023)

We are prompted by the Spirit to live a Way of Love that is demonstrated in the actions we take toward the people on our journey.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 25. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/25?13 

Alexander, A. (2023, May 26). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052623.html 

John, CHAPTER 21. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/21?15 

Meditation on John 21:15-19. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/05/26/689853/ 

Psalms, PSALM 103. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/103?1 

Rohr, R. (2023, May 26). Finding Hope in the Depths of Depression — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/finding-hope-in-the-depths-of-depression-2023-05-26/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture ... Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=may26 

Trust and Security in Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today reinforce our understanding that God has our back as we trust in Love to carry out the mission of our journey.

Love and Trust

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul appears before the Council.

* [23:5] Luke portrays Paul as a model of one who is obedient to the Mosaic law. Paul, because of his reverence for the law (Ex 22:27), withdraws his accusation of hypocrisy, “whitewashed wall” (cf. Mt 23:27), when he is told Ananias is the high priest.

* [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. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 23, n.d.)

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).

* [16:1] Miktam: a term occurring six times in Psalm superscriptions, always with “David.” Its meaning is unknown.

* [16:10] Nor let your devout one see the pit: Hebrew shahath means here the pit, a synonym for Sheol, the underworld. The Greek translation derives the word here and elsewhere from the verb shahath, “to be corrupt.” On the basis of the Greek, Acts 2:25–32; 13:35–37 apply the verse to Christ’s resurrection, “Nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.” (Psalms, PSALM 16, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, the Prayer of Jesus concludes.

* [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).

* [17:24] Where I am: Jesus prays for the believers ultimately to join him in heaven. Then they will not see his glory as in a mirror but clearly (2 Cor 3:18; 1 Jn 3:2).

* [17:26] I will make it known: through the Advocate. (John, CHAPTER 17, n.d.)

Tom Quinn asks “What was it that motivated Paul so intensely that he would lay down his life?”

We have been told that Jesus loves us. We are the Father’s gift to Jesus, and he wants us to share in the peace, love, and glory of God. Paul’s writing and encouragement, sometimes from prison, shows that he was willing to give his life for his faith. I hope that I (we) will never have to face this test of faith. “Keep us safe, O God,” the alleluia prayer comes to my mind again. What can we do, Lord? Guide us on our way. Stand at our shoulder and give us the courage, literally the heart, to persist. Give us strength.

This gospel makes me glad, and I rejoice in it. I pray for this: I try to imagine what Jesus is offering us. Eternal love, peace, union with God, Freedom from the fetters of humanness? Who can comprehend being one with God? No one living can answer this. The ultimate gift of God may be that someday we will be worthy, open-minded, and ready to experience true union with God. We will then certainly receive the answer. (Quinn, 2023)

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) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 17:20-26 comments that in those final moments, Jesus prayed to his Father—not just for his disciples, but for the entire Church. Each person who would come to believe in him was on his mind and in his heart.

That they may see my glory that you gave me (John 17:24). Jesus wanted you to know who he is: the Son of God seated in glory with the Father. Every time you experience his presence in prayer or at Mass, you taste that glory. Every time you understand the Scriptures better, you sense his glory. And every time you forgive or reach out to your neighbor, you are showing his glory to the world around you.

Just as he did over two thousand years ago, Jesus is still praying for you today.

“Jesus, thank you for praying for me. I know that your Father hears every word.” (Meditation on John 17:20-26, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the arrest of Paul in Jerusalem by the Romans who wanted to know what was going on. Paul uses his preaching of the Resurrection to divide Sadducees and Pharisees in the Council. Friar Jude reminds us of Jesus' prayer that we be one in Him, lifted up to the Father in the Love between Father and Son, the Trinity.

James Finley notes that therapeutic work can help us trust in the divine depth dimension of our lives. He presents a model offered by psychologist Carl Rogers (1902–1987). The clinician’s unconditional positive regard for you incarnates the abyss-like infinite positive regard of God for you as the beloved. The presence of the clinician then becomes an incarnate manifestation of the welling up of this depth dimension, letting you know that you’re invincibly precious in all your wayward ways. To summarize Thomas Merton, there is something within you that is not subject to the brutalities of your own will, for it is that in you that belongs entirely to God. [2]

The truth is that God is infinitely in love with you and infinitely aware of who you are. With infinite wisdom, God lovingly understands you through and through forever. Congruence is truthfulness, compassionately stated. You can be truthful with yourself. What is the truthfulness with yourself? It’s that you’re an infinitely precious, broken person. This infinite love for you permeates your brokenness through and through. It’s with you unexplainably forever. (Finley, 2023)

We pause and contemplate the events of our life and come to better appreciate the Presence of God in ups and downs of our journey.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 23. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/23 

Finley, J. (2023, May 25). Infinite Love in Our Brokenness — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/infinite-love-in-our-brokenness-2023-05-25/ 

John, CHAPTER 17. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17?20 

Meditation on John 17:20-26. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/05/25/688810/ 

Psalms, PSALM 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/16?1 

Quinn, T. (2023, May 25). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052523.html 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=may25