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.

Mercy

First Reading: Acts 12:24-13:5a
Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Gospel: Jn 12:44-50

Friends,

And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day - John 12:47-48

Today's reading speaks to us of God's great mercy.

At first, it is difficult to follow; Jesus is saying he won't condemn people who don't obey him? He's come to save us and not to punish those that didn't obey his commands? Then why should we bother being good at all? It is only once the second part of the statement comes in that the first part becomes easier to understand (another good reason for always taking verses in context!)

Jesus tells us in the second half of his statement that those who reject him, or do not accept his words are subject to judgment and condemnation. However, those who fail to hear his commands and yet fail to obey will not be condemned, because they have not rejected Jesus or thrown away his teachings. How can this be? Is one who is sinning not rejecting the teachings of Jesus?

There are some important things to note to clarify the issue. Sometimes, in order to obey a command of Jesus, we are forced to break another (hopefully, the lesser evil is chosen). See the story of Irena for an excellent example. More commonly, we make a mistake, we stumble, we fall. If we come back to Jesus and confess that we've made a mistake in breaking one of his commandments, then we are forgiven and not condemned. It is only those who are too proud to admit a mistake to God, or who refuse to acknowledge his teachings, that have something to worry about when the time comes for judgment. Jesus understands that we do not live in a world free from all troubles. That is why we are so fortunate to have a high priest who can sympathize with us.

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for the gift of this day. We ask You to guide us in our journey of faith, especially when we are faced with difficult situations. We thank You for Your great mercy, and for coming among us to save us. We beg pardon for those who do not accept You. May your infinite love and mercy change their hearts. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

By Their Fruits

First Reading: Acts 11:19-26
Psalm: Ps 87:1b-7
Gospel: Jn 10:22-30

Friends,

Today's gospel is an interesting situation. Jesus is at the temple and the people insist that he declare himself if he truly is the Christ.

Jesus answered them, "I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify to me. - John 10:25

When dealing with people, we often like to question. "Did you do this or that?", "Where do you stand on such and such an issue?", or any of a vast number of things that can be asked about ourselves. The ones that I hear the most often from people that I meet are "What's your name (who are you)?", "Where are you from?" and "What do you do?"

The question asked of Jesus today covers the first two. They knew that they should be on the lookout for a Messiah, a messenger from God that would deliver them. Thus, they wanted to know both "who are you" and "where are you from". However, they seemed to keep missing the third question, which is unfortunate. It is the most important one of all.

When you want to know if someone is trustworthy, do you march up to them and ask them plainly? More likely, you would observe their dealings with others and then make a decision to trust or not. If someone were to ask whether you are a good person, you could give a simple yes or no, but the answer is meaningless if it is not backed up with examples. In any case, at some point, a leap of faith has to be made on whether to trust someone from the evidence of their works.

Jesus tells us "By their fruits you shall know them" (Mt. 7:16a), and again, at the Last Supper:

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

Do our own actions speak of our beliefs? The priest at my home parish has a saying that he likes to ask us. I leave it as a reflection for the day: 'If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?'

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of this day. As we continue our walk of faith, help us to be the light for the world. Let Your love shine in us, so that all may know wonder at Your name. Grant that our actions testify to the truth of our faith. 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.