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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.

Friday April 16, 2010

+ F*2nd Week of Easter*

The Gameliel factor

Readings: Acts 5:34-42 Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 John 6:1-15

Ganeliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people said to the Sanhedrin: “If this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” [Acts 5:34, 38-39]

Gameliel was Pharisee but a wise man. Not all Pharisees were antagonistic. As many Pharisees, Gameliel respected the Law and truly believed that God was in charge and so advised the Sanhedrin wisely. Too bad his wisdom did not prevail over time. Nevertheless, what he said was true, if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy it; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.

For their part, the Apostles decided to ride out the storm and counted their wounds as a blessing.

Sometimes we just have to be content to live in the ‘now’ or in the words of Richard Rohr, “in the naked now.” We can’t change yesterday and tomorrow provides no guarantees of anything. If we breathe in the present moment, tomorrow will take care of itself. It is a radical surrender to God’s presence moment by moment.