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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

Tuesday January 25, 2005

+ Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

Readings: Acts 22:3-16 Mark 16:15-18

We are all in the process of conversion.

“The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see that Just One and hear his own voice speaking, because you have seen and heard…. It is time you were baptized and had your sins washed away while invoking his name.” [Acts 15-16]

It was just about fifty-one years ago when our high school chaplain walked into the principal’s office to let her know that certain priests, sisters and brothers would be arriving shortly to address juniors and seniors on the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Sr. Agatha must have been having a difficult day with the junior and senior boys because her immediate response was, “Glory be to God, Father, these boys are only in the process of conversion!”

How true it was. Although five boys from our junior class were eventually ordained to the priesthood, we did not have a clue at the time that such might be the case. We were indeed only in the process of conversion!

It is also true to say that the process of conversion is never over. We should be comfortable in our faith but never complacent. There is so much more to learn about our faith and much more to do as active members of our Church. This is not to suggest that we ought not be confident in God’s grace. It is rather a healthy reminder to take our spiritual journey seriously, keeping an open mind to the many ways that God continues to reveal himself to us ordinary ways every day.

The daily reading of the Bible, prayer, frequent participation in the Eucharist and of course engagement in active Christian service are essential for disciples of Christ. A diet of good reading also helps, not just books and periodicals that touch our fancy but those that challenge us to think and stretch our imagination.