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Daily Scripture

+ 7th Week of Easter

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Readings: Acts 20:17-27 Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21 John 17:1-11

I am in the world no longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. [John 17:11]

Shakespeare ‘penned’ the phrase quoted above. I didn’t understand it as a student of Shakespeare in high school but I began to understand it when I waved goodbye to my family as I sailed off to Italy on September 21, 1963 for a three-year stretch in Rome. In fact, it has multiple meanings and applications that I appreciate now more than ever before.

There is another phrase that perhaps gives credence to my thoughts so poorly expressed and it’s this: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Ah, that’s it. At times we need to separate from ‘the source’ in order to appreciate how important it is to stay connected.

The farewell speech of St. Paul in Acts and the farewell ‘prayer’ of Jesus in John’s gospel were more likely composed by the authors of these texts along the lines of the farewell speeches of great leaders of their times in order to attract the attention of Jesus’ followers.

The departure of Jesus and later that of Paul created ‘fallow’ time in the hearts of the neophyte believers that was absolutely necessary if they were to grasp the significance of Jesus’ message and the teachings of St. Paul.

We are once again in ‘fallow’ time as we prepare for Pentecost. It’s a time of discernment during which we are invited to ponder the words and deeds of Jesus so that in his absence, we may come to know his presence in the Spirit that remains within us and around us.

As we ponder, it is important to reflect on the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and reverence of the Lord. And the fruits of the Holy Spirit are qualities that are characteristic of a community living in Christ: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty self-control and chastity.

There is much to ponder as we wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Daily Scripture

Monday March 24, 2008

+ Easter Monday

“I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places…”

Readings: Acts 2:14, 22-23 Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11 Matt 28:8-15

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.” [Matt 9-10]

It was a popular song during World War II, “I’ll be seeing you…” A nostalgic reminder of sad times that have been echoed many times in Korea, Vietnam and even now find a new echo in Iraq and Afghanistan.

When someone close to us dies, no matter what the circumstances, we yearn for her return. My volunteer ministry at Atlantic Hospice brings me into close contact with those nearing death and their loved ones who stand at their side with mixed emotions—wanting them to be free of their pain yet wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible.

Anticipated or sudden death always leaves a hole in the hearts of relatives and friends as well as an empty place at their table.

Easter is really a feast of hope—not only hope for life beyond the grave but hope for life above the grave. It is the hope that the mission of Christ was not in vain and that his mission continues today amid the challenges that face us at every level—personal, professional and yes, even political. It is the confidence that our faith in Jesus can make a difference, indeed, that because it has made a difference in our lives in the past, it will continue to make a difference today.

The disciples of Jesus grieved the loss of their master. They were searching for his body rather than for his transformed presence. His ‘resurrection’ was not resuscitation. He was not to be found in the cemetery but in the streets of Galilee. His resurrection was neither a myth nor a trick, but only those with faith were able to recognize him in Galilee. Only those with faith will recognize him in Morristown, Madison, Paterson and Jerusalem.