Greetings on this the Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21; Jn 14:27-31a
Notes
The world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Summary
The story of the first mission of the Church is fascinating in details and scope. It starts with disregard, rejection and even violence. Nevertheless the Lord added to their numbers. The first missionary trip ended with great fruitfulness, and institutional stability.
Reflection
The Apostles faced many difficulties in presenting the Good News. Paul was stoned and presumed dead. They were rousted out of every lace of faith and honor. They became outcasts among the people. But, like Stephen, their faith and conviction about the Good News in the person of Jesus was not to be denied. Everywhere they went people heard and decided for themselves which way is the true way. Just like we all must do. Decide.
Once we decide we must be the friend that makes known.
Personal Reflection
This past week was attending to two different cases of people in need. The first a broken family. A family struggling with autonomy and parenting. The second a broken body from a fall. The fall revealing a fragile body toward the end of her days. In both cases I have only the reassurances of Jesus that we are wonderfully made, and precious in the sight of the Lord. An abiding belief of the Church in the benevolence of the Lord. Lived. Witnessed.
What do I make known? What news do I transmit to others? Certainly the news of the day whether economic, political, international, local and a host of other topics are a part of our every day conversation. Yet at the essence, what news do I transmit? What has primacy in my thoughts and interactions among the people?
I know what it should be as revealed in the psalm, acclamation and gospel.
- Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
- Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory.
- The promises of Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
Less FoxNews.
More Jesus.
First Reading
First Mission Begins in Cyprus. and then the End of the First Mission.
- But when the disciples gathered around him, he got up and entered the city.
- After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples,
- They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith.
- They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord.
- They called the Church together and reported what God had done with them.
Responsorial
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Gospel Acclamation
Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry