Understanding Theophany: Jesus and the Twelve Disciples

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic

Theophany of Jesus

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
Readings: Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24; Psalm 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 9, 10-11; Mark 6:7-13

Nothing to it

He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

From Fear to Joy

In our first reading today, in the Letter to the Hebrews, the distinction is made between the Moses’ experiences in the great theophany of Sinai and the experience of the “The Twelve’s” theophany of Jesus Christ. Theophany is a visible manifestation to humankind of God. The fear of Sinai was of two types: Awe at the magnitude of the presence and the fear of the environment.

For Moses and his people

  1. You approached that which could be touched
  2. A blazing fire and gloomy darkness
  3. A storm and a trumpet blast
  4. A voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them.
  5. Indeed, so fearful was the spectacle that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.”

It is important not to prescribe a difference in the people. People are people. We pretty much haven’t changed since Adam and Eve blamed each other for sin. So it isn’t a quality of us that is different. It is the delivery of the message. The message is the same: God Saves. God is present. God loves. The closeness, the voice and the tenderness are the changes. Moses was facing a desert wasteland. The Twelve faced a desert spiritual wasteland.

For those in the time of Jesus experiencing Jesus

  1. You have approached Mount Zion
  2. The city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem
  3. Countless angels in festal gathering
  4. The assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven
  5. God the judge of all
  6. The spirits of the just made perfect
  7. and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled Blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.

Jesus Summons and Dispatches

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits. The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Miracles Abound

Moses, Aaron and the people were saved by the Lord. Jesus all the more.

Jesus sent them out two by two to change the world. Free people from demons, heal their illness and share the divine joy to all they encounter. And all they had was a tunic, walking stick and sandals.

And what they had most of all was Jesus.

Now that’s trust.

Trust brings forgiveness

From fear to forgiveness

Brother Paul Miki, a Jesuit and a native of Japan, has become the best known among the martyrs of Japan. While hanging upon a cross, Paul Miki preached to the people gathered for the execution: “The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines, but I did not come from any other country. I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling only the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you to become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ’s example I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”

From the Franciscan Writing on the Japanese Martyrs: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paul-miki-and-companions/

Conclusion

Trust Jesus to get you through the desert of spiritual dryness. You don’t need a lot and you are empowered to heal and forgive.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020625.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

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