Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 13:44-52; PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Jn 14:7-14
Notes
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
Summary
Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The [leadership] answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
Reflection
It is a painful reminder of how we act effects how we are received. Not in all cases, of course, In the first reading the Apostles were subject to the effects of jealousy of the works and teaching. Jesus was criticized for his Sonship not his works even as he explained sacred Scripture to them. Therefore, the two facts remain side-by-side.
Sometimes we act and teach well and still receive condemnation from the world.
Sometimes we act poorly and teach poorly and properly receive condemnation from the world. The difference is always in the acts because you are not likely to teach poorly if acting rightly.
Personal Reflection
Easter is about the works of Christ (good in themselves) and the teaching of Christ (prediction of the Resurrection validating the teaching) which are proof of the trustworthiness of the divine promise of return and salvation. For our part, the way we live our lives validates or nullifies the same thing. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father (Jn 14:12).
People believe because of what we do.
Do good.
If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. (Jam 2:15-18).
First Reading
For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth. The women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Responsorial
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Gospel Acclamation
If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.
Gospel
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry