The Ascension of the Lord

Seventh Sunday of Easter

(When the Feast of the Ascension is celebrated on Thursday)

“The Ascension of Christ”
by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, 1636

Catechism Links[1]

CCC 659-672, 697, 792, 965, 2795: The Ascension

Readings for The Ascension of the Lord[2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[3]

Readings and Commentary:[4]

Reading 1: Acts 1:1-11

In the first book, Theophilus,

I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught

until the day he was taken up,

after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit

to the apostles whom he had chosen.

He presented himself alive to them

by many proofs after he had suffered,

appearing to them during forty days

and speaking about the kingdom of God.

While meeting with them,

he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem,

but to wait for “the promise of the Father

about which you have heard me speak;

for John baptized with water,

but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

When they had gathered together they asked him,

“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons

that the Father has established by his own authority.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,

and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,

throughout Judea and Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth.”

When he had said this, as they were looking on,

he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.

While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going,

suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.

They said, “Men of Galilee,

why are you standing there looking at the sky?

This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven

will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”

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Commentary on Acts 1:1-11

These are the introductory comments of St. Luke, as he begins the Acts of the Apostles. Like any well-written story, he connects the events that have just taken place in his first volume, the Gospel of Luke, with what will follow.

Using the interval of days, Luke links the Resurrection, Christ’s glorification, and his ascension with the appearance of the Holy Spirit – the Paschal Mystery. Christ’s departure marks the end of his direct involvement with the Apostles, except for his appearance to Paul on the road to Damascus. The passage concludes with a unique description of the actual event of Jesus being taken into heaven.

CCC: Acts 1:1-2 512; Acts 1:3 659; Acts 1:6-7 672; Acts 1:7 474, 673; Acts 1:8 672, 730, 735, 857, 1287; Acts 1:9 659, 697; Acts 1:10-11 333; Acts 1:11 665

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

All you peoples, clap your hands,

shout to God with cries of gladness,

For the Lord, the Most High, the awesome,

is the great king over all the earth.

R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;

the Lord, amid trumpet blasts.

Sing praise to God, sing praise;

sing praise to our king, sing praise.

R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

For king of all the earth is God;

sing hymns of praise.

God reigns over the nations,

God sits upon his holy throne.

R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

or:

R. Alleluia.

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Commentary on Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Psalm 47 is a hymn of praise celebrating God’s enthronement and kingship over the people. The imagery in the second strophe (v. 6) strongly suggests the movement of the Ark of the Covenant being processed and installed as part of this celebration. The song concludes with a proclamation of the universal claim of God – King of all the earth.

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Reading II: Ephesians 1:17-23

Brothers and sisters:

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,

give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation

resulting in knowledge of him.

May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,

that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,

what are the riches of glory

in his inheritance among the holy ones,

and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe,

in accord with the exercise of his great might,

which he worked in Christ,

raising him from the dead

and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,

far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,

and every name that is named

not only in this age but also in the one to come.

And he put all things beneath his feet

and gave him as head over all things to the church,

which is his body,

the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

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Commentary on Eph 1:17-23

The selection provided is part of St. Paul’s introductory comments to the Ephesians. His focus in this passage underlines the enlightenment flowing from the Holy Spirit. The final sentences provide an understanding of the power assumed by the Lord as he ascends to the Father.

The prayer for enlightenment promotes the idea that only through an understanding of God’s great sacrifice can the hope offered by the savior be realized. The Apostle emphasizes the power and majesty of Jesus, placing his sacrifice in perspective: “…he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things.” How much love was shown to God’s creation by offering up one whose state is so exalted? St. Paul’s concluding verse also introduces his concept of the Church as the living body of Christ, a theme that he developed in earlier letters to other congregations (cf. Romans 12: 4f; 1 Corinthians 12:12ff).

CCC: Eph 1:16-23 2632; Eph 1:18 158; Eph 1:19-22 272, 648; Eph 1:20-22 668; Eph 1:22-23 830; Eph 1:22 669, 753, 2045

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Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee,

to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.

When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.

Then Jesus approached and said to them,

“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

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Commentary on Mt 28:16-20

This passage from the Gospel of St. Matthew presents “The Commissioning” monolog that concludes this Gospel.  The doubting disciples are reassured that all the Lord had predicted, all the prophets had foretold, had come to pass and the Lord now assumed his place with the Father.  He then sends them out to continue his earthly mission.  His command to them is an important one. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”  In this statement, we receive the proper “form” and institution of the Sacrament of Baptism and the command to bring all nations to follow the Lord.  He finally reassures them that he will be with them always.

CCC: Mt 28:16-20 857, 1444; Mt 28:16-17 645; Mt 28:17 644; Mt 28:18-20 1120; Mt 28:19-20 2, 767, 849, 1223, 1257, 1276

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Reflection:

We ask the question on this solemn day, “Why was more not made of the Lord’s Ascension to the Father?”  While it is referred to in scripture in some places, it is not even mentioned in the Gospel of St. Matthew or St. John ’s for that matter.  In St. Mark’s Gospel it is given only one verse (and some scholars say this may have been a later addition, not even intended by the author when it was first published).  In the scripture St. Luke (Lk 24:46-53) speaks of the event.  But unlike the resurrection and even the birth of Jesus, about this event, the final event in the Lord’s presence among us, we are only given a few verses.  Even St. Paul’s support speaks of the Lord’s ascension as the necessary conclusion to Christ’s ministry on earth rather than a tremendous event.  Why is that, we wonder?

We look to our next most important source, the Patristic Fathers, the earliest theologians, those mighty minds that first considered the very nature of Christ and His Church.  We find little written about the importance of the Ascension of Christ from that source.  St. Thomas Aquinas did treat the subject in the Summa Theologica in the Third Part (Tertia Pars): considering the life of Christ he devotes a question to the topic (Question 57). While asking about the rationale and effect of Christ’s Ascension, he does not question the reason for its lack of prominence.

Having found little to answer the question from pre-existing sources, we must use our own understanding of Christ and of human nature to infer the reasons.  First, we look at the situation in real-time and set in its historical perspective.  We know that the Lord ascended on the fourth day following his resurrection from the dead (“The elevation of Christ into heaven by His own power in presence of His disciples the fortieth day after His Resurrection. It is narrated in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, and in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.”[5]). The disciples have just gone from anguish at the Lord’s death to joy at his promised resurrection.  The event that fulfilled God’s promise and was proof of salvation.  What is the last thing they would want?  They would not want to lose him again.

In a really enjoyable story, the ending is “…and they all lived happily ever after.”  The fact that Christ died and rose from the dead is the happy ending.  The Ascension of the Lord, even though it was foretold as well, was not something either the disciples or the early Church wanted to dwell upon.  It meant that Jesus, the man, the living proof of God’s inestimable love, was no longer with them in body.

The Ascension of the Lord is a happy day for us.  It is truly the happy ending that had to be.  Jesus returned as he said he would.  He left his final instructions with his friends before departing “to take his seat at the right hand of the Father.”  We rejoice today in that knowledge because it was necessary that he go on before us to prepare that place where we and all who walk in faith hope one day to follow.  Even though it does not consume volumes of scripture, we rejoice as the Lord returns to the Father for us.

Pax

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[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, Published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014

[2] The picture used today is “The Ascension of Christ” by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, 1636

[3] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

[5] The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume I. Published 1907. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York, Ascension, Written by John J. Wynne. Transcribed by Joseph P. Thomas.

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“The Visitation” by Tintoretto, 1588

Information about the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary  [1]

Readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary  [2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary: [3]

Reading 1: Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
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Commentary on Zep 3:14-18a

The Prophet Zephaniah begins this passage with an exaltation to praise to God. His invitation sounds in the present tense but then he says; “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem…” which places the event, the rejoicing over the Lord God being in their midst, in the future. In effect this is a prediction of events to come. Zephaniah also includes the effects of God’s presence as he continues; “a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love”.

We hear the expectation of the Messiah; “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst”. In this case the effects of the Messiah on the people are the focus. The prophet proclaims a renewal of God's loving adoption and the joy felt by the Father at his favorite creation.

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Or: Romans 12:9-16

Brothers and sisters: Let love be sincere;
hate what is evil,
hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection;
anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal,
be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction,
persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,
exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you,
bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another,
do not be haughty but associate with the lowly;
do not be wise in your own estimation.
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Commentary on Rom 12:9-16

St. Paul gives a litany of instructions to those who wish to remain faithful to Christ’s teachings. He is speaking to a community that is one in faith in Christ. He tells the community that in their union the gifts of each must serve the needs of all and these gifts need to be exercised. In this selection the Evangelist gives a litany of exhortations to live the love of Christ, following his command to love one another sincerely and to forgive those who persecute them.

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Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

R. (6) Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
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Commentary on Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

This hymn of praise is a profession of faith; “My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.” It also does something interesting in that it challenges those who profess their faith in the Lord to proclaim it in the world; “…among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.”

This canticle emphasizes the peace and confidence of his servant in the salvation of God. He sings his praise to God and exhorts all of Israel to praise Him as they see his constant presence among them in his blessings upon them.

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Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."
And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."
Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.
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Commentary on Lk 1:39-56

The Gospel selection from St. Luke gives us the story of Mary’s journey from Nazareth, over the mountains to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to visit her cousin St. Elizabeth who was also with child. St. Elizabeth’s greeting gives us substance for the “Hail Mary” and Mary’s response is the great Canticle of Mary which exemplifies her faith and faithfulness, appropriate for the Mother of Jesus who is the Christ.

Mary’s meeting with Elizabeth follows the annunciation by Gabriel that she would carry the Son of God which proclaims the coming of the Lord and the faith of Mary before the nativity event. We note that Elizabeth is first to identify Jesus as Lord as she says” …how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” She not only professes the identity of the infant but foreshadows Mary’s leadership standing, elevating the stature of her much younger cousin with reverence. Elizabeth continues her praise of Mary by establishing that her (Mary’s) faith had allowed her to accept even the incredible role God had offered her.

In response we hear Mary’s humility as she gives us the Magnificat “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior...” This opening phrase establishes that the Blessed Mother gives herself to God eternally (her eternal self -Soul) and completely (the very core of her being -Spirit). What follows in her great song is an abject expression of faith in the Father’s omnipotence and her own humility and awe in the face of his request of her – to carry God’s only Son.

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Reflection:

As we reflect upon the Visitation, as sometimes happens, we consider the event in broad or general terms – Mary, the vessel of Jesus visits St. Elizabeth, the vessel of St. John the Baptist. The mothers greet each other but only after the Lord and St. John have already communed in spirit. St. John “leaped for joy” in the presence of the Lord, communicating his own exultation to his mother. 

We see this reaction in St. Elizabeth when she greets Mary, already knowing the identity of the child she carries. St. Elizabeth clearly recognizes the holiness of Mary. This is remarkable when we consider that St. Elizabeth is far older than her young cousin. We were told that she was barren “And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived * a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;” (Luke 1:36) when Mary received the news of her own conception from the Archangel Gabriel. Yet, her cousin not only differs to her but offers her worshipful praise “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”.

This meeting, as we look back upon it is much more than an encounter between faith-filled women; rather it is the Messiah, the Only Begotten Son of God, being introduced to the world in the persons of St. John the Baptist and, secondly, to his mother St. Elizabeth. It is for this reason we celebrate this event in solemn worship. It is, in essence, our first meeting with the Incarnation.

Our joy in this meeting is echoed by St. Elizabeth who gives us the words of the Hail Mary in her salutation. It is a reminder, not only of the Blessed Virgin’s own faith in God and acceptance of His will, but our own need to thank St. Mary for her obedience, St. Elizabeth for her understanding, and St. John for his recognition of this wondrous event.

Today we pray that our faith may be as perceptive as St. Elizabeth’s in recognizing Christ in our brothers and sisters and that St. Mary’s unwavering obedience to God might give us courage to obey him as well.

Pax

In other years: Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter

[1] The image used today is “The Visitation” by Tintoretto, 1588
[2] ALTRE
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

“Resurrection of Christ”
by Francesco Bassano,
1584-88

Readings for Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter   [1] [2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary: [3]

Reading 1: Acts 18:9-18

One night while Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision,
"Do not be afraid.
Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.
No one will attack and harm you,
for I have many people in this city."
He settled there for a year and a half
and taught the word of God among them. 

But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,
the Jews rose up together against Paul
and brought him to the tribunal, saying,
"This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law."
When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews,
"If it were a matter of some crime or malicious fraud,
I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews;
but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and titles
and your own law, see to it yourselves.
I do not wish to be a judge of such matters."
And he drove them away from the tribunal.
They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official,
and beat him in full view of the tribunal.
But none of this was of concern to Gallio.

Paul remained for quite some time,
and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria,
together with Priscilla and Aquila.
At Cenchreae he had shaved his head because he had taken a vow.
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Commentary on Acts 18:9-18

We see in this story from St. Paul’s stay in Corinth the strong link that existed between the Jewish faith and Christianity in this early period of the development of the Church.  The proconsul, Gallio, rejected the charges of the Jewish leadership against Paul saying that it was an internal affair of the Jewish religion.  Christianity continues to flourish in spite of resistance, receiving help in this instance from Rome herself.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. (8a) God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth. 
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He brings people under us;
nations under our feet.
He chooses for us our inheritance,
the glory of Jacob, whom he loves.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia. 
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Commentary on Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Psalm 47 is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise.  It acclaims God king in all the earth.  This selection focuses on the omnipotence of God over all peoples and nations.

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Gospel: John 16:20-23

Jesus said to his disciples: 
"Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn,
while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived;
but when she has given birth to a child,
she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy
that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you."
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Commentary on Jn 16:20-23

In this passage we see an analogy used by Jesus comparing his death and resurrection to the initiation of new life through the human birth process.  He uses this comparison to contrast the pain of child birth with the anguish of grief the disciples will suffer when he leaves them to return to the Father.  He concludes by comforting them saying “whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”

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Reflection:

For those of us who have doubts about our faith at times, this passage from St. John’s Gospel is a real comfort.  Jesus is continuing his farewell speech to the disciples and undoubtedly sees how distressed they are becoming over his explanation that he will be leaving them.  In spite of the picture generally painted in St. John’s Gospel of the disciples understanding and accepting Jesus’ nature and role, in this instance, as he tells them he is leaving, they are clearly having some problems understanding just how he is going to be present to them in the resurrection.

He first explains that initially there will be the grief of parting as he leaves this world and goes back to the Heavenly Kingdom.  But this grief will be forgotten when he is reunited with them first in his resurrection and then in the Holy Spirit he will leave them as a guide.  He uses the analogy of giving birth to a child and how the joy experienced in the life that results from that that birthing process over-shadows the pain the mother suffers.  He tells them that at this time (this speech is part of his discourse at the Last Supper), they are afraid of what is to come and, having understood that he will soon be leaving, they are in pain.  But there is rejoicing to come and the pain they are feeling will be forgotten. (A father speaking to his child might say – “Don’t cry, I will be right back.”)

The passage concludes with a promise that “…whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you."  The clear implication to the disciples is that even in the parting that will come; the Lord will still be present and active.  If this were not so, how could he make that promise?

The problem we face sometimes is that our attitudes are like the family pet that is left at home.  Once the door closes and their master is no longer visible, they start whimpering because they want to go too or are concerned that their master will not return.  Jesus promises that we will be reunited with those who have gone before us in faith.  He pledges the Father’s love and the joy of the Heavenly Kingdom.  On that day even our most persistent doubts will be put to rest as the Lord tells us “On that day you will not question me about anything.”

In the intervening time, our instructions are ironically similar to those left with a child by their parents when they leave for a short time (and although it can be construed as a bit demeaning to a pet as the master leaves) “Be good, I’ll be right back.”

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture used today is “Resurrection of Christ” by Francesco Bassano, 1584-88
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

“The Ascension of Christ”
by Pietro Perugino 1496-98

When the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated

Readings for Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter [1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary: [3]

Reading 1: Acts 18:1-8

Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus,

who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla

because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome.

He went to visit them and, because he practiced the same trade,

stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.

Every sabbath, he entered into discussions in the synagogue,

attempting to convince both Jews and Greeks.

When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia,

Paul began to occupy himself totally with preaching the word,

testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.

When they opposed him and reviled him,

he shook out his garments and said to them,

“Your blood be on your heads!

I am clear of responsibility.

From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

So he left there and went to a house

belonging to a man named Titus Justus, a worshiper of God;

his house was next to a synagogue.

Crispus, the synagogue official, came to believe in the Lord

along with his entire household, and many of the Corinthians

who heard believed and were baptized.

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Commentary on Acts 18:1-8

This passage contains the threads from several different stories converging in Corinth.  First,  Aquila and Priscilla were probably already Christians since their home, according to 1 Corinthians 16:19 became a meeting place for the local community.  They were probably expelled from Rome because of in-fighting among the Jews about the identity of the Messiah.

It is clear from this account that the Church in Corinth was not established without significant resistance from the local Jewish community.  Paul clearly went after that group, and was successful in forming the nucleus of membership among the Corinthians.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (see 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

or:       

R. Alleluia.

Sing to the LORD a new song,

for he has done wondrous deeds;

His right hand has won victory for him,

his holy arm.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

or:

R. Alleluia.

The LORD has made his salvation known:

in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness

toward the house of Israel.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

or:

R. Alleluia.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation by our God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

break into song; sing praise.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

or:

R. Alleluia.

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Commentary on Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

Psalm 98 (much like Ps. 96) is a song of thanksgiving for God’s salvation. The Hebrews saw God’s acts on their behalf as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies. We see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.

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Gospel: John 16:16-20

Jesus said to his disciples:

“A little while and you will no longer see me,

and again a little while later and you will see me.”

So some of his disciples said to one another,

“What does this mean that he is saying to us,

'A little while and you will not see me,

and again a little while and you will see me,’

and 'Because I am going to the Father’?”

So they said, “What is this 'little while’ of which he speaks?

We do not know what he means.”

Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them,

“Are you discussing with one another what I said,

'A little while and you will not see me,

and again a little while and you will see me’?

Amen, amen, I say to you,

you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;

you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

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Commentary on Jn 16:16-20

In spite of Jesus’ repeated attempts, the disciples are still uncertain about his departure and how long he will be gone.  Since they have already heard what the prophets had predicted about the length of time he would be in the tomb and had heard the Lord himself give the number of three days, they are concerned here about when he will return to them after the resurrection.  The Lord, in characteristic form does not give them a specific time frame but instead paints a picture of the events surrounding his return.

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Reflection:

The message of St. John’s Gospel is one of hope. That short statement; “…you will grieve, but your grief will become joy” sums up the Christian experience and expectation.  Have we not all questioned at times why life seemed so unfair?  Haven’t there been times when we all wondered at God’s purpose in giving us the life he has so graciously bestowed upon us?  In these times of doubt and pain we grieve for the hurts of life; hurts we receive and hurts visited upon others.

Out of these questions, in answer to them, comes Jesus who is the Christ (as St. Paul reminds us in his evangelization of the Corinthians).  He, in no uncertain terms, tells us that while we may mourn and grieve in this life, wait but a time and we will rejoin him in his Heavenly Kingdom.  He tells us that while we may be parted for a time, we will be joined to him eternally in the life of heaven.

It is this message of hope, communicated in our time on earth by the Advocate he left for us, that we must recall in times of strife or grief.  We look within to find the strength of the Holy Spirit to buoy us up and bring us knowledge of his great consolation.  This great prize is what we have received.  This interior hope is what allows us to continue against all the trials that are put into our lives.

What must we do to tap into this indwelling strength; this pillar of hope?  We listen to his word and find in sacred scripture that which feeds that spirit of holiness.  We speak to God in prayer and he opens that core of strength.  We received the Sacraments of the Church that provide graces specific to each that sing in harmony with the voice of scripture and the warmth of prayers answered.  All these things are open to us, gifts left by Him who is parted from us only for a short while.  All we need to do is ask and believe and we will be given the great prize of eternal life.

Pax

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[1] ALTRE

[2] The picture used today is “The Ascension of Christ” by Pietro Perugino 1496-98

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL).  This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.