Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr

“St. Justin, Martyr, Patron of the Destitute”
from an antique holy card,
artist and date are UNKNOWN

Proper for theMemorial of St. Justin[1]

Readings for Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[2]

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11

Wishing to determine the truth
about why Paul was being accused by the Jews,
the commander freed him
and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene.
Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.

Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees,
so he called out before the Sanhedrin,
"My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees;
I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead."
When he said this,
a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees,
and the group became divided.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection
or angels or spirits,
while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.
A great uproar occurred,
and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party
stood up and sharply argued,
"We find nothing wrong with this man.
Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"
The dispute was so serious that the commander,
afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them,
ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst
and take him into the compound.
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage.
For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,
so you must also bear witness in Rome."
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Commentary on Acts 22:30; 23:6-11

In this passage about Paul’s return to Jerusalem, the Apostle has been recognized as the one who is converting many outside Jerusalem to the “Way,” and the Jews are furious. A riot has broken out in the Temple precincts (Paul takes a beating), and he is taken into custody by the Romans (probably saving his life).

The Centurion, learning that Paul is a citizen of Rome, allows him to speak to the Sanhedrin which is described in this selection. He has just recounted his conversion story to them, and now fuels an argument between the Sadducees and Pharisees over the concept of the resurrection, which the Pharisees believe in and the Sadducees deny. A second time Paul is rescued from Jewish violence by the Romans. Paul then hears from Jesus that he will be sent to Rome to bear witness there.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. (1) Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you."
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.

I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.

You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

Psalm 16 is a song of thanksgiving that has become prophetic. It speaks clearly of the resurrection accomplished now in Christ. It is one of trust in God. Each strophe ends with an affirmation of faithfulness. Key in the context of the Easter season is the idea of trust in God who has conquered death and offers the same gift. ("Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.") The psalmist prays that God will shield the faithful from harm, and expresses confidence in the Lord’s salvation, closing the passage with praise for God’s loving mercy.

CCC: Ps 16:9-10 627

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Gospel: John 17:20-26

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
"I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them."
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Commentary on Jn 17:20-26

Here is the final part of the “High Priestly Prayer” from the Lord’s final discourse. In this selection we are joined with the disciples as Jesus prays: “…also for those who will believe in me through their word.” Again the theme of unity between the Father, the Son, and his followers is emphasized and brought to a conclusion with: “…that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

CCC: Jn 17 2604, 2746, 2758; Jn 17:21-23 260, 877; Jn 17:21 820; Jn 17:22 690; Jn 17:23-26 2750; Jn 17:24 2749, 2750, 2750; Jn 17:25 2751; Jn 17:26 589, 729, 2750
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Reflection:

Jesus prays for us in this part of the “High Priestly Prayer” from St. John’s Gospel. We are the ones who receive his word through the disciples, and we are the ones who recognize that it was his authority that sent them into the world that we might experience his love.

Even as we hear this message we must ask ourselves the only question of importance: how do we live these words of faith? Our recognition that God loves us, and Christ, his Only Begotten Son, brought us understanding of his love, is at the heart of our faith. And faith, as we have been taught, is a gift from God freely given. (“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1) We come back then to what we do with faith? How do we share this gift?

St. Paul took the zealous approach of dedicating his life to spreading the word of God, even when doing so was dangerous to his life. For the vast majority of us, God does not ask us to place ourselves in physical danger as an act of faith. Rather, we are called to witness to his love though our actions and interactions with those around us. We are called to look for ways to express our faith by helping the poor, the downtrodden, and the marginalized. This frequently takes the form of helping those close to us, our family members, our friends, and our neighbors. In this day and age, we don’t have to look far or hard to find likely targets for God’s loving hand.

The prayer Christ offers today is for us on two levels. First, he prays that we recognize and accept the word of God passed down to us from the Apostles, that we take that word to heart. Second, Jesus’ prayer begs that we too are recognized by others as passing the love he shares with us on to others. In this way the love of God continues to grow in the world.

Pax

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[1] The picture used is “St. Justin, Martyr, Patron of the Destitute” from an antique holy card, artist and date are UNKNOWN

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[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.

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

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[2]

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 of 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.

CCC: Zep 3:14 722, 2676; Zep 3:17a 2676; Zep 3:17b 2676

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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.

CCC: Rom 12-15 1454, 1971; Rom 12:9-13 1971; Rom 12:11 2039; Rom 12:12 1820; Rom 12:14 1669, 2636

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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 found in his servant, enjoying 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 the blessings they receive.

CCC: Is 12:3 2561

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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 expression of confidence 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.

CCC: Lk 1:41 523, 717, 2676; Lk 1:43 448, 495, 2677; Lk 1:45 148, 2676; Lk 1:46-55 722, 2619, 2675; Lk 1:46-49 2097; Lk 1:48 148, 971, 2676, 2676; Lk 1:49 273, 2599, 2807, 2827; Lk 1:50 2465; Lk 1:54-55 706; Lk 1:55 422

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Reflection:

As sometimes happens when we reflect upon the Visitation,  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 the reaction in St. Elizabeth when she greets Mary, already knowing the identity of the child her cousin 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 defers 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 person of St. John the Baptist, and secondarily 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 on this date: Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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[1] The image used today is “The Visitation” by Tintoretto, 1588

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[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.

Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

“St. Paul at Ephesus” by, Gustave Doré,1865

Readings for Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter[1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[2]

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Acts 20:17-27

From Miletus Paul had the presbyters
of the Church at Ephesus summoned.
When they came to him, he addressed them,
"You know how I lived among you
the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia.
I served the Lord with all humility
and with the tears and trials that came to me
because of the plots of the Jews,
and I did not at all shrink from telling you
what was for your benefit,
or from teaching you in public or in your homes.
I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks
to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus.
But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.
What will happen to me there I do not know,
except that in one city after another
the Holy Spirit has been warning me
that imprisonment and hardships await me.
Yet I consider life of no importance to me,
if only I may finish my course
and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus,
to bear witness to the Gospel of God's grace.

"But now I know that none of you
to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels
will ever see my face again.
And so I solemnly declare to you this day
that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you,
for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God."
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Commentary on Acts 20:17-27

This passage begins Paul’s farewell speech at Miletus. The steady and lively growth of Christianity has started to spark significant resistance from multiple sources. Paul now feels compelled to return to Jerusalem, but wants to make sure he has left a final message with the leaders in the region of Ephesus. Here he begins his discourse, reminding them of his fidelity to the message he received from Jesus.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21

R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance;
you restored the land when it languished;
Your flock settled in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Blessed day by day be the Lord,
who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation.
God is a saving God for us;
the LORD, my Lord, controls the passageways of death.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia. 
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Commentary on Ps 68:10-11, 20-21

Psalm 68, a hymn of thanksgiving, praises God for salvation and all that he has provided to the people. The Father lifts them up even in the face of death. The psalmist recalls all that God has done for his faithful people and enjoins them to sing his praise, giving the Lord what is due to him from a grateful people.

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Gospel: John 17:1-11a

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said,
"Father, the hour has come.
Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,
just as you gave him authority over all people,
so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.
Now this is eternal life,
that they should know you, the only true God,
and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
I glorified you on earth
by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.
Now glorify me, Father, with you,
with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

"I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world.
They belonged to you, and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now they know that everything you gave me is from you,
because the words you gave to me I have given to them,
and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you,
and they have believed that you sent me.
I pray for them.
I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me,
because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours
and everything of yours is mine,
and I have been glorified in them.
And now I will no longer be in the world,
but they are in the world, while I am coming to you."
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Commentary on Jn 17:1-11a

Raising his eyes to heaven, Jesus begins what is known as the “High Priestly Prayer.”  In this first section, the Lord begins a petition for the disciples (those he has at that time and those to come), speaking directly to the Father (not to the disciples, they are just overhearing this prayer). The emphasis is clearly that the disciples have become what the Lord wanted, faithful believers, and he asks the Father to support them. He intercedes for those who were given to him by the Father (“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world.” the Apostles and their followers). The Lord singles out the faithful for the Father’s special care, asking that they be glorified with him as he departs the world.

CCC: Jn 17 2604, 2746, 2758; Jn 17:1 730, 1085, 2750; Jn 17:2 2750; Jn 17:3 217, 684, 1721, 1996, 2751, Sans; Jn 17:4 1069, 2750; Jn 17:5 2750; Jn 17:6-10 2751; Jn 17:6 589, 2750, 2750, 2812; Jn 17:7 2765; Jn 17:8 2812; Jn 17:9 2750; Jn 17:10 2750; Jn 17:11 2747, 2749, 2750, 2750, 2815, 2849
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Reflection:

As we listen today to the words of St. John we hear the Lord in prayer, completing his discourse to the disciples just before they go out to Gethsemane. It sounds as if Jesus is summing up what he has been saying to the assembly, reassuring us and them that, while it seems to be the end, it is not, and all that the Father has given him will be saved.

This feels like we have come full circle, from the joy of Easter and the promise of salvation we received with the feast of the Ascension, back to our trepidation before the Lord’s Passion. It has a melancholy feeling, hearing the Lord speak this way, almost out of phase from where we want to be. We have to look deeper to feel the power and majesty in these words.

If we have been drawn into the story as it has unfolded over the past seven weeks, we feel the endings. We hear Paul, now returning to Jerusalem, telling the leaders of the Church he started in Ephesus that he will not be seeing them again. We see Jesus with his disciples, having given them, among other things; the Vine and the Branches, the Shepherd and the Sheep, the greatest Commandment, now praying to the Father:

Father, the hour has come.
Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,
just as you gave him authority over all people,
so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.

And from Paul:

But now I know that none of you
to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels
will ever see my face again.
And so I solemnly declare to you this day
that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you,
for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God

Our Easter Celebration is nearly over for another year and it is time for new beginnings. In a few short days, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at the great feast of Pentecost. It is a signal that we need to reach into that holy place within us and draw anew on that power he left us, given in Baptism, strengthened and sealed in Confirmation, nourished with the Eucharist, demonstrated in Matrimony and Holy Orders, and revitalized in Reconciliation and Anointing. We are, after all, a sacramental people and it is the coming Spirit that makes us whole and one with him.

Pax

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[1] The picture is “St. Paul at Ephesus” by, Gustave Doré,1865

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[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.

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

“Triumph of with Angels and Cherubs” by Bernardino Lanino, c. 1570s

Readings from Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter[1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[2]

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos was in Corinth,
Paul traveled through the interior of the country
and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples.
He said to them,
"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?"
They answered him,
"We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
He said, "How were you baptized?"
They replied, "With the baptism of John."
Paul then said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance,
telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,
that is, in Jesus."
When they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul laid his hands on them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Altogether there were about twelve men.

He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly
with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.
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Commentary on Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos stays in Corinth, strengthening the Church there, Paul goes down to Ephesus. In this passage, he describes the difference between the Baptism of John, which was for repentance, and the Baptism of Jesus (for forgiveness). It is important to note that the gift of the Holy Spirit is given in the sacrament of Baptism demonstrated here.

CCC: Acts 19:5-6 1288; Acts 19:6 699
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab

R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;
as wax melts before the fire.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the LORD.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab

Psalm 68 gives praise and thanksgiving for God’s salvation. It is from God alone that salvation comes, replacing the losses suffered by the poor (widows and orphans) with his justice and presence.

CCC: Ps 68:6 238
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Gospel: John 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus,
"Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God."
Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world."
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Commentary on Jn 16:29-33

Here, in St. John’s Gospel, we see the disciples already presume the hour the Lord predicted is upon them, and they are already prepared in fullness. Jesus must dissuade them from this notion. He tells them that they will fail in their faith but even in doing so he gives them great solace as he essentially forgives them in advance for deserting him when he is confronted in the garden. Even as they confess that they believe in him, Jesus knows they will flee when he is taken prisoner.

CCC: Jn 16:28 661, 2795; Jn 16:33 1808
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Reflection:

“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world."

We have been given this interesting statement made by the Lord from the Gospel of St. John. He makes this statement almost as an afterthought. The disciples think they have finally understood Jesus. They think he is coming into his power, and that they are prepared to take up the tasks he has set before them. The Lord sees this as a two-fold danger. First, his disciples have not seen what must come for Jesus to ascend to the throne of heaven. They still believe that he will defeat the forces that conspire to kill him. When they see this apparent defeat a short time later, as Jesus predicts, they will flee to their homes, afraid, and their faith tested and found wanting.

While they certainly would not want to hear this prediction, Jesus must tell them in advance so that when it happens they will understand that it is not the end of his mission, but their beginning.

The second danger the Lord sees is the disciples’ overconfidence in their own preparation. Jesus knows, and in fact has been trying to tell them, that they will not be ready to take on what he has asked of them until they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. They are asked to take the Word of God, the Good News, the Gospel of Christ into the world. How can they do this without having the counselor and guide indwelling? How can they know the mind of Christ without the Lord being in them?

All of this leads to that final verse: “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." They will find peace when the Holy Spirit calms their fears, and they will finally understand the Resurrection. But what must the Savior mean “…I have conquered the world”?

Many other translations of sacred scripture say “I have overcome the world.” There is a difference using these two similar words. But, rather than focus on the intent of the translators, let us ask what was meant by the phrase. The Vatican Council said of that statement: "The Lord Jesus who said 'Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world' (John 16:33), did not by these words promise complete victory to his Church in this world. This sacred Council rejoices that the earth which has been sown with the seed of the Gospel is now bringing forth fruit in many places under the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, who is filling the world" (Presbyterorum ordinis, 22).[4]

By the Lord’s act of preparing and sending his Word into the world, he has already overcome, indeed has conquered, the physical world, replacing the desires of mankind for what is of the world with the promise of salvation and eternal life. The world cannot withstand what it cannot touch.

Today we pray that, like those early disciples, we will not be overcome with fear when it seems our efforts on the Lord’s behalf seem to be defeated. And we also pray that our dependence on the Holy Spirit will give us the humility and strength to accomplish the work God places before us.

Pax

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[1] The picture today is “Triumph of with Angels and Cherubs” by Bernardino Lanino, c. 1570s

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[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.

[4] The Navarre Bible, Gospel and Acts, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, pp. 672

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.