Callling and Sending

First Reading: Acts 12:24—13:5a
Psalm: 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8 -- O God, let all the nations praise you!
Gospel: Jn 12:44-50

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off. - Acts 13:2-3

In today's reading, we hear the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey. There are three things that jump out with this reading: prayer, the call and the sending.

It is very important to note how this mission begins, with prayer. And not only prayer, but with fasting as well. These two actions go together and are of vital importance when one is seeking to know God's will. The question often comes up why fasting is necessary, why not just prayer? Simply, it is because in fasting from something that we draw away from the world and closer to Christ. Jesus Himself prayed and fasted in the desert before beginning His ministry. Later, He tells his disciples "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).

Within prayer and fasting comes the calling. These must come first, because it is only in the stillness of prayer and the emptying of ourselves through fasting that we can hear that call. It is always there and may poke and prod at us at other times too, but we do not hear it clearly. It becomes a faint tugging at our minds and hearts during the normal hum-drum of the day.

Finally comes the sending. It is tempting to put this step first; to get a start as soon as possible. Yet it is necessary that we wait until the sending, that we may have good direction. Even once called, it is still up to us to act. Prayer has strengthened us for the journey and the calling has directed us what to do. Our mission is clear and has been approved by the authority over us. However, it still remains our choice as to whether we will begin. May the Lord grant us the courage to take that step (and all subsequent ones) on the ministry to which we are called.

Heavenly Father, we give joyful thanks for the gift of this day. Thank you for sending powerful teachers to your servants on Earth. Lord, we offer a prayer for discernment, that we might discover Your will for us. Fill us with the graces necessary to pray, fast and listen for Your Word in our heart, and the humility and courage to follow where You lead. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

E Pluribus Unum

First Reading: Acts 11:19-26
Psalm: 87 -- All you nations, praise the Lord.
Gospel: Jn 10:22-30

I tell of Egypt and Babylon among those who know the LORD;
Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia: “This man was born there.”
And of Zion they shall say: “One and all were born in her;
And he who has established her is the Most High LORD.”
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: “This man was born there.”
And all shall sing, in their festive dance: “My home is within you.” - Psalm 87:4-7

There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. - Acts 11:20-21

My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. - John 10:27

One of the greatest things about Christianity is that it is for everyone. You need not be born into a certain ethnicity or a selected country. You need not belong to this or that social or economic circle. We are united by something greater than any earthly institution.

All three of the readings today highlight this Christian inclusiveness. The psalm mentions five nations whom the Israelites have had contact with, most of it not friendly. The Egyptians had enslaved them; the Babylonians and citizens of Tyre were pagans; the Philistines had (recently for the psalmist) fought with the Israelites for years over control of Judea. Yet, the psalmist prophesies that those born there will know the Lord. Even more, he says that they will recognize their true home as Zion, the Lord's mountain.

In Acts, we hear of the very first instance of the gentiles hearing the Word of God. In fact, it was this very instance that began the ministries of Paul and Barnabas. This was so revolutionary that they now needed a new word to describe the community. They couldn't be seen only as a sect of Judaism any longer. A new standard was needed under which all the followers of Jesus could be identified. Thus, it was in Antioch that they first came to be known as Christians.

Finally, in the gospel, we have a reiteration from Sunday's reading with Jesus' statement that He knows his sheep and they will follow Him. Just before this reading, we hear another wonderful verse: "I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd" (John 10:16). We are united in one faith, by one Lord. It is in Christ that the many become one, where the diverse people of the world become the Universal Church.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us another day to glorify Your name. Thank you for giving us a home, a family where we are always welcome and none are turned away. Lord, heal Your Church of all divisions; Holy Spirit, guide us in overcoming our differences; Jesus, gather Your flock and lead us home. We ask this through the same Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Acceptance

First Reading: Acts 11:1-18
Psalm: Ps 42:2-3; 43:3-4 -- Athirst is my soul for the living God.
Gospel: Jn 10:1-10

“If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?”
When they heard this, they stopped objecting and glorified God, saying, “God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too.” - Acts 11:17-18

Have you ever been in a situation where not everyone wanted you to be there? Perhaps at a party, overhearing someone whisper, "How did they get in?" Or maybe working at a job, "I can't believe that they hired him." Perhaps we've even said something like this ourselves. What spurs these comments? Is it not that they (or we) feel a touch of pride at being invited ourselves, and having others there lessens it?

Today's readings are a beautiful continuation from Sunday's readings, with Paul preaching to the Gentiles, who rejoice, while the Jews throw him out because of jealousy. It is a great reminder that we are called to be Christians by God and led by Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We have no reason to be prideful, because it is not we who are leading. We have no cause to boast about being called to follow; all have received the invitation. We must be careful not to squabble about whether someone is worthy to attend. If we do, we may find that the host of the banquet hears our complaint and He will say to us, "My friend, did you not know? I invited them myself, to be my honored guest."

For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:26-28

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the great gift of this day. We celebrate the generosity through which we have been called to follow Jesus. Lord, guard our hearts, that we might not become prideful of our calling. Rather, grant that we become more like You, ready to accept all who call on Your name. Fill us with the desire that all will come to Your sacred heart and join in the eternal banquet of everlasting life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

False Prophets

First Reading: Acts 20:28-38
Psalm: Ps 68:29-30, 33-36
Gospel: Jn 17:11b-19

I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them. - Acts 20:29-30

Friends,

When is a lie most dangerous? When it has been mixed with truth. What lies are the most damaging? The ones that distort the Truth.

It seems that every other day we hear of a new scandal, or find that an old heresy is being revived. However, if we walk back through history, we find that it has always been so. In Paul's time, there were Jewish Christians who demanded that the Mosaic Law must be followed for salvation. Soon after, it was the Gnostics denied the Incarnation, working from the standpoint that matter is evil (all bad things come from the material world, right?). Arius used Christian terms, Christian scriptures and convincing arguments to make the case that Jesus was only a servant of God. As a priest and respected theologian, his arguments convinced many people to deny the Trinity, even prominent members of the Church.

Again and again, we see this pattern; someone who speaks well and has done a lot of studying (never mind what they were studying) emerges and draws away those who do not have a solid understanding of their faith. Neale Donald Walsch with his "Conversations with God" series is a modern-day example. Even today, I heard of a new one, Adidam.

Friends, we must remember two things as we continue our walk. First, it is of the utmost importance that we learn our faith. Not everyone is called to be a theologian, but all should spend some time to understand the basics; that is what Sunday is for. Second, we must be on our guard, to be on the lookout for false teachings. If some topic becomes an area of debate, do not rely upon who speaks best, or who has the most convincing arguments. Listen to what the leaders of the Church have to say, or read the Catcechism for yourself. Pay no heed to those who tell you that there is an easier way. An above all, pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day. We thank you for the many great teachers that you have sent to us, and the powerful leaders you have given us in our day. Lord, grant us wisdom, that we might be able to distinguish Truth from heresy. Give us knowledge, that we might confront those who seek to draw our brothers and sisters with smooth speech. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Seek and Find

First Reading: Acts 17:15, 22--18:1
Psalm: Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
Gospel: John 16:12-15

Friends,

In today's reading, Paul is speaking to the Athenians. He begins his dialog with a very remarkable statement:

You Athenians, I see that in every respect you are very religious. For as I walked around looking carefully at your shrines, I even discovered an altar inscribed, 'To an Unknown God.' What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you. - Acts 22b-23

There are at least three important themes in these opening statements that we must take note of.

First, Paul has spent time getting to know his audience. In his lifetime, Paul was fortunate enough to be able to preach to many different cities over three missions in multiple different cultures. However, he stays a time with them to understand their lives and style of thinking in order to speak to them well. This is an excellent example for those who are called (as we all are) to share the faith.

Second, Paul notes that the people of Athens are very thirsty for faith in something, but do not know exactly how to quench that thirst. They have multiple shrines and, presumably in an attempt to be fair to all, they even dedicate an altar to they know not who/what. In our own time, we can see something of this. Many people drop from a structured religion and go off to practice their own "spirituality." They don't want to abandon faith, but they don't want to be confined to any particular set of beliefs. Some even go so far as to say that Jesus' teachings are simply one set in a large pool and that all lead to salvation.

Third, Paul begins to explain to the Athenians the message of the gospels. He is not satisfied with them simply trying to be religious. It is not enough for them to worship "unknown gods." His later comments tie in some of the things he has learned during his time in Athens, but they do not soften at all the central points of Christianity. He does not try to win over people to Jesus by compromising, or mixing his teachings with those of the pagans so that the people are more likely to accept them. Indeed, many of the scholars to whom he is talking laugh him right out of the arena when he preaches the resurrection (Acts 17:22). Likewise, we must preach the Truth and take care that it not become tainted with softened teachings.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day. We thank you for the example of the apostles; a model to follow when sharing your word. Lord, we pray that, when we speak to our brethren who do not yet know you, it is your words that are upon our lips. Guide us to be charitable in our dialog and just in our teachings, but also firm. Protect us from watered-down teachings and lead us truly through the Holy Spirit. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Compassion

First Reading: Acts 16:22-34
Psalm: Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8
Gospel: Jn 16:5-11

Friends,

When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted out in a loud voice, "Do no harm to yourself; we are all here." - Acts 16:27-28

In today's reading, Paul and Silas are publicly beaten and jailed. What was their crime? Healing a child possessed by a demon. In the night, an earthquake frees them from the prison, but they do not flee. Why? There are a few accounts in the book of Acts where the apostles are freed from prison by miraculous events. This one, however, is unique in that those freed do not immediately escape from the prison, but stay.

To understand why, we must remember what the laws and customs of the time demanded. At that time, a Roman official charged with watch over a prisoner was subject to death if their prisoner escaped. When Peter and the apostles were imprisoned in Jerusalem, they were confined by the temple guard, so they were not captives of the Romans. Thus, their captors were not subject to this punishment, only an embarrassment that their prisoners were not there in the morning. However, in this case, the jailer is an official within a Roman colony and is very much subject to Roman law. The seriousness of the case is seen when the guard thought it better to take his own life than to be publicly executed.

Paul, as a Roman citizen, knew what the penalty would be for the jailer if they were to leave the prison. It was certainly within his ability to make an exit and leave the guard to his fate, but he does not. His actions suggest to us a compassion toward those who had wrongly beaten and arrested him. Furthermore, we recognize the power of this two verses later: "Then he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'" (Acts 16:30) If Paul had left, he would have missed the opportunity to bring this man and his family to Christ. As it happened, many more souls were saved, and who knows how greatly their descendants have benefited the Church since then?

In our own lives, do we seek vengeance for the wrongs done to us? Personally, I know that I must work on this in the little things sometimes. Another driver speeds past, cutting me off and nearly causing an accident. When I see them later, signaling to get back into my lane, with a mile of stopped traffic ahead of them, it is difficult not to feel smug that their getting their comeuppance. But the little voice in the back of my mind still asks me, "Are you feeling happy that they are suffering?", and I am forced to stop and ask for forgiveness myself. As Christians, we are not called to settle the score on our own. We are called to be compassionate, to turn the other cheek, and to forgive those who have wronged us.

If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. - Matthew 6:14-15

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day. We are thankful that you are willing to forgive our transgressions against you. We pray that you help us, in turn, to forgive others who have done something to harm us, whether intentionally or not. Give us the gift of your charity, that we might leave justice in your capable hands, and humility, to recognize and apologize for our own sins against others. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Counsel

First Reading: Acts 15:1-6
Psalm: Ps 122:1-5
Gospel: Jn 15:1-8

Feast day of Our Lady of Fatima

Friends,

Do you remember being a child and asking your parents questions? "Why is the sky blue?" was a favorite in our house. Now that we're older, where do we go for our answers to all of our questions? The library? The internet? Someone with experience? If we disagree with someone, how do we determine who is right?

Most often, we will seek out a wise counsel. Someone who is very learned in the subject that we are interested in at the moment. For instance, scientists when discussing the sciences. If a question or dispute arises in the area where a particular scientist is very reputable, they might be asked to give their opinion of the matter. They are consulted because they have a put a lot of time and thought into the problem, studied it from a number of angles, and presumably have the best current understanding of the issue.

In the reading for today, a dispute has arisen among the Christians between those of Jewish heritage and those of the Gentiles. The Jewish Christians want to continue observing the Mosaic law, including circumcision. The others feel that this is not necessary. Only one way to settle the dispute: go back to those who are the most knowledgeable on the subject, the apostles. This would be the first of many counsels that the Church would hold to settle differences within the body of Christ, according to his word (see Matthew 18:15-17).

Notice that the apostles do not give an answer immediately. They hear discussion and debate on the subject. They are willing to weigh the merits of both arguments. However, they also add in another element, the teachings with which they are so familiar. Just as a prominent scientist weighs theories against each other, he must also take into account everything else known about the subject before he endorses one theory or another.

We should take this as a lesson for ourselves and not be quick to take sides, but learn what each side has to say. Take the time to discover why people support one belief or another. Above all, discuss with respect. Remember, each side held strongly to their side of the argument, but all of them wanted to follow the teachings of Jesus.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day. We pray that we might be respectful in our discussions with those who do not believe what we do. Help us to keep patience and humility in our hearts when speaking to those who disagree, and ward off anger and pride. Give us the grace to see others that differ with us as brothers and sisters in our Lord and to treat them as such, correcting where we must, loving at all times. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Getting Up

First Reading: Acts 14:19-28
Psalm: Ps 145:10-13ab, 21
Gospel: Jn 14:27-31a

Friends,

From the very first, we are taught that, if we fall down, the most important thing is that we get back up again. There are a number of phrases out there that emphasize the general idea: "Winners never quit, quitters never win", "No pain, no gain", et cetera... We are always encouraged to go just that little bit more when we think that we've got nothing left. If you embrace this mentality there are two things that are certain: first, you will fall short of the goal sometimes, and second, if you persist, you will excel.

One could say that it is a model of faith. A good friend likes to remind me that you should be careful when praying for patience, because you will be tested. I tried it a few times, and those were particularly trying weeks (though I was learning patience by the end). We do our best to avoid bad habits, but occasionally we slip up. We try to avoid temptations to sin, but somehow it just keeps happening. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans an all-too-familiar thought:

The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. - Romans 7:18b-19

Fortunately, Paul also knew something about getting back up after a failure. In today's reading, he is stoned by a crowd that earlier was attempting to declare him a god. He is then dragged outside of the city and left for dead. When he is surrounded by his friends, he gets back up and re-enters the city. He even returns publicly later to encourage the faithful to persevere.

Jesus himself fell three times on his way to Calvary. He knows the walk and how difficult it is for us to get back up when everything seems too much. But he got up, both on the Via Dolorosa and from the grave. And, like an older brother helping his younger siblings in their trials, he has come to help us get up and carry on, so that when we finish our journey here, we will be honored for completing the race.

Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Thank you for sending your son, our Lord, to help us get back up in times of difficulty. We are grateful for his example, and that of the saints, to guide us and encourage us through our own trials. We pray that we might be an example for others, and that our perseverance in faith be a beacon to those who are in darkness. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

False Gods

First Reading: Acts 14:5-18
Psalm: Ps 115:1-4, 15-16
Gospel: John 14:21-26

Friends,

In today's reading, we hear of Paul and Barnabas working miracles in Lystra. They are mistaken by the locals as Greek gods. Sacrifices are prepared for them; they restrain the locals, but only just.

In our culture, there are many people that are treated as though they were gods. They seem not to be subject to the rules that 'mere mortals' must follow. Crowds hang on their words and actions. An appearance at one event or another sways loyalties. Newspapers and television shows are filled with their various triumphs and hardships. In this, are we guilty of idol worship? Similarly, when we find that we have a desirable talent, what do we do with it? Do we lord it over others, do we boast, do we seek special favors or treatment?

In the gospels, whenever Jesus was becoming very popular in a particular city, he would quietly move on to another area. He does this so the crowds do not carry him off to make him king (see John 6:14-15). His mission is to direct the people back to God, and to fulfill the will of the Father. Jesus always gives thanks and praise to the Father for the works he does, and humbly submits to the Father's will. It is because he was able to do this perfectly that he was given the name above all names.

In a similar way, we can look to the saints. They did not seek to make a name for themselves by performing works, but to give thanks to God with their words and actions. It is only because they did this that works could be done through them and, as a result, their names are remembered through the ages as great men and women.

In our own lives, we would do well to remember Jesus' words during the Last Supper:

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me, you can do nothing. - John 15:5

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day. We praise you for your great works and thank you for the many gifts that you have bestowed upon us. Lord, help us to seek humility in our lives; to recall that all glory is due to you and not to us. Gently remind us that our works, and the works of great men and women, are not done by us, but through us. Guide us, that we might not be drawn away by false gods. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Accusations

First Reading: Acts 11:1-18
Psalm: Ps 42:2-3; 43:3-4
Gospel: Jn 10:1-10

Friends,

Today, we listen to Peter as he gives an account for his association with the Gentiles. It begins with the believers in Christ that still follow the Mosaic law confronting Peter in a very accusatory way. The reading goes on to say that Peter "began and explained it to them step by step," telling the circumsized believers what he had seen and how the Holy Spirit had descended on the Gentiles. I particularly liked the closing of his explanation

If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God? - John 10:17

In our own walk, do we sometimes accuse others of some perceived wrong before getting both sides of the story? Are we quick to judge the actions of others? I certainly have sometimes. It sneaks in with the littlest issues. Someone might be late for a meeting and I'll begin to get angry. "Don't they know that this is important? Why aren't they more considerate?" Later, when I meet up with the person, I hear that they were sorry to be late, but they had to do something of great importance (I once had someone tell me that they were helping a friend that had lost their home). When I get an explanation as to why, it is most often a very humbling experience. I feel ashamed that I was angry with my friend and disappointed with myself for not considering they might have a good reason.

Friends, we must do our best to give the benefit of the doubt to our brothers and sisters. If we have misjudged them, we should ask forgiveness. If they are truly in need of correction, then we must do so in a gentle but firm way. In either case, we should seek to understand all we can to avoid any rash judgments and condemnations. In this manner, we will spread the teachings of our Lord and at the same time, make sure that those teachings do not lose their meaning in our lives.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of this day. We thank You for the many gifts that you have given us. Lord, grant that we might be patient with our brothers and sisters. Help us to avoid rash judgments and accusations, that we might seek out justice and the truth with a loving heart. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Love Your Enemies

First Reading: Acts 9:1-20
Psalm: Ps 117:1bc, 2
Gospel: Jn 6:52-59

Friends,

Today's gospel is very important. It is at the very heart of an age-old disagreement between Catholics and our Protestant brothers. I am not well-versed enough to elaborate on the topic. I highly recommend reflecting on its words, getting a copy of the direct Greek translation if you can, and discussing it with a spiritual adviser.

Sometimes, it is difficult for us to see how treating another in a Christian way helps the cause of Christ. In today's reading, we hear Ananias responding to God's unusual request that he assist the very man who had made it his mission to tear down the Church.

But Ananias replied, "Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man, what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name."
But the Lord said to him, "Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel, and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name." - Acts 9:13-17

In our own times, there are many people who attack our faith. Some do it openly, cursing the Church and the name of Jesus. Others seek to undermine teachings of the church and attack those who defend those teachings. In response, many Christians lash back, hurling insults and other un-Christian sentiments. They, and we, are often quick to forget that those who disagree with us and seek to attack us are the very ones that Jesus has asked us to pray for:

But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. - Luke 6:27-28

This is the very thing that is emphasized in the reading, and it shows why this command of our Lord is so important. We do not know how God plans to use each of us for His glory. We most certainly do know that He has not given up on them, that He still loves them, just as He loves us. In any case, we are not given permission to stop treating them with love and respect. God alone has the right to judge them and give them the reward that they have earned.

Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Rather, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. - Romans 12:19-21

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for the gift of this day. We pray for the gift of patience when dealing with people who seek to harm us, that our example might be an offering to Your glory. Help us to love as You love and leave the rest in Your hands. Jesus, we trust in you! Amen.

A Learned Teacher

First Reading: Acts 8:26-40
Psalm: Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20
Gospel: Jn 6:44-51

Friends,

In today's reading, Philip is again being sent to preach the gospel to those outside of Judaism. He meets an Ethiopian returning home after a visit to Jerusalem who just happens to be reading the scriptures and helps him to understand their meaning and fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

We rely on teachers to help us interpret the world that we live in. Students can read the math textbook, but they often will make no progress without a teacher's help. You can hand a new employee the store manual, yet, there is always someone there to help train them as well.

Jesus tells us in the gospel that we shall be taught by God, through the one who comes down from heaven. He also promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit, to guide and direct our journey; a promise fulfilled at Pentecost.

Reflect for a time today on who is a teacher in your faith life. Who can you go to when you have questions? Seek them out, as well as those who first taught you of our Lord's love, and thank them.

Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Thank you for blessing us with teachers on our journey. Bless those teachers with the gift of discernment, that they might share what they have been given with all. Guard their minds and hearts from being swayed by the devil and his angels. Bless also those that listen to those who bring the word of Truth. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Acceptance

First Reading: Acts 8:1b-8
Psalm: Ps 66:1-7a
Gospel: Jn 6:35-40

Friends,

Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. - John 6:37-38

Have you ever been at mass, or at a church sponsored event, and seen someone that did not look like they belonged there? Maybe they had dirty clothes. Perhaps they had a lot of piercings or tattoos. Maybe they hadn't shaved or showered for a while. In any case, they looked out of place among the other congregants. What did the people around them do? Did they back away, ignore them, whisper to their neighbors?

Not long ago, I might have been one of those parishioners, grumbling to myself something like, "Don't they know that this is church and they should be presentable?" After all, I'd dressed in my nice clothes, bathed and was sitting quietly. Apparently, I'd forgotten to polish my halo. I had a difficult time seeing past the exterior appearance to the person. But God always brings down the proud. Later that year, for a few weeks, I had to make a choice: either skip mass or go wearing clothes that I'd been in all day. Around tigers. And their droppings.

Recently, I was helping a friend who is just coming back to Christ. He has many tattoos all over his arms and face, some of them are pagan symbols. He was cleanly dressed and shaved. Bald. When we took our seats for the mass, we both noticed a few glances in our direction. There wasn't a lack of people in the church, but as more came in, they avoided sitting near us. Just before the homily, my friend turned to me and said that he felt uncomfortable, that people were judging him and maybe he should go.

Jesus tells us in today's gospel that He will not reject anyone who comes to Him, because they have been sent by His Father. The gospels tell us over and over again that He spent much of his time around those who were seen as the lowest of the low. Our job, as the body of Christ, is to accept our brothers and sisters, even the dirty and unsightly ones, with open arms and say "Welcome home."

This is not to say that we should encourage people to attend mass in muddy overalls or the like. There is definitely something to be said for someone who grooms themself before approaching the altar of God. However, we must remember that it is of utmost importance to make that approach (humbly), regardless of our appearance.

The reading for today emphasizes this. Philip (another early deacon) goes to the Samaritans, whom the Jews considered ritualistically unclean. They were taught from a very young age to hate each other, each group believing that it had the truth from the scriptures (sound familiar?) It must have been difficult for Philip to overcome the social conditioning that he had against the Samaritans, but overcome it he did, to do the work of God. Later on, Paul did the same thing in his preaching to the Gentiles. These early Christians followed the command of Jesus to love one another, rather than blindly follow the social norms of the day. Let us follow their lead.

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for the gift of this day. Thank you for the many blessings which we enjoy. Lord, grant that we might see You in the lowly of our world. Help us to look past appearances and accept brothers and sisters of all races and languages that wish to walk with You. Guard us from pride and guide us humbly back to Your graces. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Martyrs

First Reading: Acts 7:51 - 8:1a
Psalm: Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab
Gospel: Jn 6:30-35

Friends,

Today, we hear of the martyring of St. Stephen, first among the deacons and the first to die in defense of Christianity, after Jesus Himself.

There is a question that I like to ask people who are lukewarm in their commitments or who struggle with apathy: Is there anything in your life that you feel is worth dying for? The question usually knocks people back on their heels. Try it for yourself; is there something that you feel so strongly about that you would be willing to give your life to defend it? Your family? Your country? Your faith?

Jesus mentioned in the gospel yesterday that the work of God is to believe in the one that He sent. That belief is not without hardships. He tells us himself:

If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. - John 15:18-19

This is the wake-up call for Christians who are looking for a way to make Christianity an easy road to walk. It is as true today as it was for the early Christians. We are mocked and ostracized when we dare to stand up for our beliefs. We are called names, turned away from work, threatened and in some places in the world, even killed. On top of everything, those who stumble in their belief are held up by the world and heralded as the ones we should emulate.

As Christians, we can recognize that our beliefs are difficult, but that they are a small price to pay for God's mercy. We are called to love those who hate us and bless those that curse us (Luke 6:27-28). This is the commandment of Jesus and a testimony for our own faith:

This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:35

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of this day. We pray that You bless us with the grace needed to love as You love. Grant us the faith of the early church and guard us against compromising on that which has true value. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.