Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Acts 6:8-15; PS 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29
Notes: Arianism is the denial of the divinity of Christ. Jesus is, Son of Man and Son of God.
The Council of Nicaea, 325 CE, gave us the Nicene Creed (amended in 381 CE) to state personally and in community, in a formal way, the true relation between the Father and the Son.
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-athanasius
Reflection (Franciscan)
Athanasius suffered many trials while he was bishop of Alexandria. He was given the grace to remain strong against what probably seemed at times to be insurmountable opposition. Athanasius lived his office as bishop completely. He defended the true faith for his flock, regardless of the cost to himself. In today’s world we are experiencing this same call to remain true to our faith, no matter what.
My Reflection
Ultimately Arianism makes the Signs and Wonders of Jesus Christ not personal but emanations of the Father alone. Arianism brings doubt to the Real Presence, the Supreme gift of the Lord Himself of Himself.
Arianism then is the problem Jesus describes to the people in our gospel reading today.
Jesus answered them and said,
“Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me
not because you saw signs
but because you ate the loaves and were filled.
- They wanted the Bread of the World.
- Jesus offers the Bread of Life.
First reading
Stephen, filled with grace and power,
was working great wonders and signs among the people.
All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him
and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
But they did not see the signs but the bread of the world they wanted.
Responsorial Psalm
Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
Alleluia Verse
One does not live on bread alone
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
Gospel Portion
Do not work for food that perishes
but for the food that endures for eternal life,
which the Son of Man will give you.
For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”
- The Bread of the World is insufficient.
- Jesus offers the Bread of Life.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 