Going to the Father

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek the help we need from our relationship with Christ and to welcome with gratitude the efforts of people in our environment to come to our needs.

Community of Faith

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the Ministry of Apollos

* [18:24, 25] Apollos appears as a preacher who knows the teaching of Jesus in the context of John’s baptism of repentance. Aquila and Priscilla instruct him more fully. He is referred to in 1 Cor 1:12; 3:5–6, 22.

* [18:26] The Way [of God]: for the Way, see note on Acts 9:2. Other manuscripts here read “the Way of the Lord,” “the word of the Lord,” or simply “the Way.” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 47 praises God’s Rule over the Nations.

* [Psalm 47] A hymn calling on the nations to acknowledge the universal rule of Israel’s God (Ps 47:2–5) who is enthroned as king over Israel and the nations (Ps 47:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 47 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises Peace for the Disciples.

* [16:25] See note on Jn 10:6. Here, possibly a reference to Jn 15:1–16 or Jn 16:21. (John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mary Lee Brock comments that seeing the collaboration of Priscilla and Aquila inspires her to appreciate the good that can come when we make the time and effort to work together.

As I watch our hard-working students and colleagues celebrate the milestone of graduation, I ask for the grace to be open to God’s call to collaboration, especially when there are challenges.  I pray for courage to raise important issues in a respectful manner.  I celebrate when difficult conversations lead to learning, growth and compassion.  I am grateful for the many fruits collaborative ministry has yielded. (Brock, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Offer prayers in Christ's name,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 376-444 A.D.

"He urges the disciples to seek for spiritual gifts and at the same time gives them confidence that, if they ask for them, they will not fail to obtain them. He adds the word Amen, that he might confirm their belief that if they ask the Father for anything they would receive it from him. He would act as their mediator and make known their request and, being one with the Father, grant it. For this is what he means by 'in my name'. For we cannot draw near to God the Father in any other way than through the Son. For it is by him that we have access in the one Spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:8). It was because of this that he said, 'I am the door. I am the way. No one comes to the Father but by me' (John 10:7; 14:6). For as the Son is God, he being one with the Father provides good things for his sanctified people and is found to be generous of his wealth to us... Let us then offer our prayers in Christ's name. For in this way, the Father will most readily consent to them and grant his graces to those who seek them, that receiving them we may rejoice." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 11.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 18:23-28 comments that Paul travels throughout Galatia “bringing strength to all the disciples” along the way (Acts 18:23). Then, we meet Apollos, a believer with great zeal but little understanding of the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila spend time “fertilizing” his faith, and as a result, he becomes an even more powerful witness to Christ. So much so that when they send him out to preach, he is able to give “great assistance to those who had come to believe” (18:27).

Today, thank God for the ways that your faith already builds up the people around you. But also consider if he is inviting you to spend a little extra time with him so that you can become an even more effective witness to his love. You don’t have to memorize the entire Bible, and you don’t need a theologian’s training. You just need to take one small step. He does the rest.

“Here I am, Lord; I’m ready to learn. How can I become a better witness to your love?” (Meditation on Acts 18:23-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the arrival of Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, who is instructed in the Way by Priscilla and Aquila, and who preaches powerfully. The language and knowledge in the Book of Hebrews suggests an author other than Paul. Martin Luther thought Apollos may be a candidate. Friar Jude reminds us that the Gospel of John teaches that eternity begins with our encounter with Christ and His Resurrection and return to the Father.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Kaitlin Curtice who writes about the sacred legacy of home.

I believe some of the most powerful places on earth are the rocking chairs on front porches, the benches nestled around dinner tables, the stones set up around firepits, and the rug at the base of a child’s bed. They are the places where we tell stories, where we examine what it means to be human and decide how much kindness we will show ourselves and one another. 

Those are the places where we learn who God is and who God isn’t, where we are taught what kind of lives to live, where we learn about how the children and the elders are connected and find the Sacred in their everyday experiences because they are leaning in and listening with their whole beings. 

May we always return to the places where the stories begin, to challenge them, to accept and honor them, and to whisper to ourselves and one another that we are always, always arriving. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the growth we have experienced through communion with human and Divine influences on our journey.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/18?23 

Brock, M. L. (2024, May 4). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/051124.html 

John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?23 

Meditation on Acts 18:23-28. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/05/11/961602/ 

Psalms, PSALM 47 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/47?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Homecoming: Weekly Summary. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/homecoming-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=may11 

Present in Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary invite us to contemplate the Presence of God in Love.

A gathering of Friends

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describe accusations before Gallio that precede Paul’s return to Antioch.

* [18:12] When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia: Gallio’s proconsulship in Achaia is dated to A.D. 51–52 from an inscription discovered at Delphi. This has become an important date in establishing a chronology of the life and missionary work of Paul.

* [18:13] Contrary to the law: Gallio (Acts 18:15) understands this to be a problem of Jewish, not Roman, law.

* [18:18] He had his hair cut because he had taken a vow: a reference to a Nazirite vow (see Nm 6:1–21, especially, 6:18) taken by Paul (see also Acts 21:23–27). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 47 praises God’s Rule over the Nations.

* [Psalm 47] A hymn calling on the nations to acknowledge the universal rule of Israel’s God (Ps 47:2–5) who is enthroned as king over Israel and the nations (Ps 47:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 47 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus invites us to ask the Father in His Name.

Edward Morse comments that today’s gospel provides a comforting message from our Lord that resembles God’s message to Paul.

He reminds us to persevere, promising us that grief and anguish from current trials will surely become joy.  He does not deny that grief and anguish are part of life.  We must endure hardships, some of which emanate from the threats, intimidation, and violence in a world that is often dominated by those seeking to wield coercive power.  But our Lord will be with us, and he will not abandon us.  “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” (Morse, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “ Alleluia will be our whole joy,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"I trust I will not weary you if I mention what you know already: that we say ALLELUIA daily and that we take delight in it daily. For you know that ALLELUIA means "Praise God" and by this expression we, agreeing in speech and thought, exhort one another to praise God. Only the one who displeases God in no respect praises God in security. Furthermore, in this time of journeying we say ALLELUIA for solace on our way. ALLELUIA is the song of the traveler for us; but we are advancing through a laborious path to a peaceful country where all our activities will be laid aside and nothing will remain for us except the ALLELUIA. Let us sing now, not for the delights of peace, but for comfort in our labor. Sing as travelers are accustomed to sing; comfort your labor by singing; do not love inactivity; keep singing and keep progressing. ...If you are advancing; progress in well-doing, progress in good faith, progress in good deeds. Keep singing and keep advancing. While we are here let us sing ALLELUIA though we are still beset with cares, so that in the future we may sing it there (in heaven) in tranquility. After the labors of this world there will be unceasing repetition of ALLELUIA. ..There ALLELUIA will be our food; ALLELUIA will be our drink; ALLELUIA will be our peaceful action; ALLELUIA will be our whole joy." [excerpts from Sermon 255 (1); Sermon 256 (1 and 3); Sermon 252 (9)] (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 16:20-23 comments that for now, we see Jesus by faith. We trust that he sees us in our joys and sorrows, and we believe that he walks beside us through them all. But one day, Jesus will return. On that day, he will see us, and we will behold our Lord, face-to-face, in all his glory.

Today, let Jesus’ promise encourage you: he will see you again—and not just in heaven! Whether your life is currently filled with peace or with grief and trials, Jesus sees you. He knows everything about you. If you are struggling, you may feel alone or wonder if God really cares about what happens to you. But that feeling can fade as you pray and imagine yourself standing face-to-face with Jesus. You can let his loving gaze cut through your shadowy doubts. You can let him speak these words to you: I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are intimately aware of you. They are thinking of you always, with love. Rest in Jesus’ words and let them fill your heart with joy.

“Jesus, I trust in your promise.” (Meditation on John 16:20-23, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Paul usually stayed in one place for a short period of time. Two exceptions are Corinth and Ephesus. Time in Corinth is well dated by Gallio to the early 50’s. The Nazarite vow of Paul indicates his continued observance of Jewish traditions. Friar Jude reminds us of the theme in Luke that the Christians are observant of Roman Law. 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Felicia Murrell who acknowledges that our first homes are not always safe. For Murrell, home offers unconditional love.  

Love is home.  

Home is both an external dwelling and an internal abode. Home is the place where we belong, our place of acceptance and welcome. There, in this shame and judgment-free embryonic cocoon of love, we practice unconditional acceptance; we learn to relate to ourselves and the world around us.  

And home is a soft place for the body to land, a safe place for the soul to fully disrobe. Home is the place where our failures don’t kill, our sins can’t crush, and even when we are at our worst, we’re safe. Home is a place where we are free to take our deepest, fullest, least encumbered breath.  

At home, there’s no need to guess whether we’re in or out, welcomed or not. Home always prepares a place with us in mind.  (Rohr, n.d.)

The consolation of the Holy Spirit is our companion as Love that overcomes fear.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/18?9 

Meditation on John 16:20-23. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/05/10/960490/ 

Morse, E. (2024, May 10). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/051024.html 

Psalms, PSALM 47 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/47?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Love is home. Wikipedia. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/love-is-home/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy. Daily Scripture Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=may10