Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 11:19-26; PS 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7; Jn 10:22-30
Notes
Today, Passover started (4 PM last night). Passover 2024. Blessings!
During the Passover the Jewish people celebrate their common faith. They celebrate in particular their liberation. Celebrating their liberation from slavery in Egypt, the saving work of the Prophet Elijah against the false god Baal, and, for the diaspora, their common homeland Israel. Elijah, by word and deed, led the people back to the Lord with mighty signs and wonders.
Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you straddle the issue? If the LORD is God, follow him; if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him. So Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, and there are four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal (1 Kngs 17:21-22).
You shall call upon the name of your gods, and I will call upon the name of the LORD. The God who answers with fire is God.” All the people answered, “We agree!” (v24).
At the time for offering sacrifice, Elijah the prophet came forward and said, “LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD! Answer me, that this people may know that you, LORD, are God and that you have turned their hearts back to you.” The LORD’s fire came down and devoured the burnt offering, wood, stones, and dust, and lapped up the water in the trench. Seeing this, all the people fell prostrate and said, “The LORD is God! The LORD is God!” (v 36-39).
The bond between the exile and the holy city was so strong as to override the exile’s citizenship of lesser cities (USCCB commentary PS 87:5). Each proclaims their home to be Zion regardless of where they were born. Zion is home, in heart, if not in the body. Thus exile loses its power of oppression. Exile becomes a minor distraction to the fact my home is with the Lord, wherever I am.
And all shall sing, in their festive dance: “My home is within you.” (PS 87:7).
Summary
The present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery along with her children, but the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother (Gal 6:25b-26).
In today’s gospel portion the question Elijah presented to the people, the leadership presents to Jesus. “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” And yet he already answered them in word and deed. By the 10th chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus had already performed 6 of the 7 signs of the gospel account.
The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
We have a home. In the heart of the Church and in the heavenly Jerusalem. The LORD loves us. Wherever we were born. However we learned faith. Whatever our life circumstance.
Reflection
We often ask the Lord the wrong question. We claim suspense and divine obfuscation. But the Lord has proven time and again his loving care for all. “How long will you straddle the issue?”, asked Elijah. How long will we refuse to see the Signs of Love and Acts of Mercy? Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe”.
- See.
- Believe.
- Come home.
Spiritual homecoming is far superior to physical homecoming. Jerusalem is an International City of special significance. Do not destroy her with possessiveness. Rather, like in the Feast of the Dedication, renew oneself, dedicate oneself, to the healing power of love.
Personal Reflection
Wherever I travel in this world. I am at home in the parishes of the world. Anyplace I go, home, tabernacle, Jesus is present.
First Reading
It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Responsorial
All you nations, praise the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel
The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter.
“How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.
My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry