Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Thursday May 20, 2009 of the Sixth Week of Easter

Thursday May 21, 2009 of the Sixth Week of Easter
Readings: ACTS 18: 1-8 Psalm 98: 1-4 John 16: 16-20
Psalm Response: “The Lord has revealed to the nations His saving power”

His limited success in Athens, didn’t stem Paul’s enthusiasm for the Word. He attempted, in his convincing speeches to have the Jews recognize Christ as the Messiah but they would have none of it from Paul or anyone else.
In concert with what Christ told His missionaries, “When they do not listen to you, shake the dust from your clothes as evidence of their refusal to listen to My Word!”, Paul literally went out and shook the dust from his clothes. Declaring them to be on their own, he told them from now on he would go to the gentiles who would at least listen.
His message wasn’t entirely disdained, as some of the listeners, even a synagogue official believed and had his entire household Baptized!

The psalm is evidence the Word would continue to be spread throughout the land by songs, sermons and acts of charity all repeating the same message, “Love one another!”

Jesus makes a confusing statement to the disciples. How can He say, “You will not see me” and then say, “You will see me” and not confuse them? They were simple men, farmers and fishermen, not schooled in Scripture and Tradition.
However, He promises their sorrow would be turned into Joy as an indication of His resurrection without saying it outright.
Perhaps the writer of John recalls the words of Jesus in the other Gospels. “Those who are for you cannot be against you”; meaning there will be contradictions from other sources but they are to rely only on His word, and the reminders of the Advocate whom He will send.

Our assurances will come, not from hidden voices but from the voice of the Church. The Church doesn’t make hollow decisions. After many hours, weeks and months the decisions of the various councils have been discussed to a fair thee well before being certified by the Pope and circulated throughout the world and binding on us all!

No comments:

Post a Comment