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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

Saturday April 24, 2010

+ Saturday, 3rd Week of Easter

They’re not going back!

Readings: Acts 9:31-42 Psalm 116:12-17 John 6:60-69

“As result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you also want to leave? Simon Peter answered him, ‘Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’” [John 6:66-69]

Studying in Rome from 1963 – 66 during three of the four sessions of the Second Vatican Council was an unforgettable experience. For me as for many it was life-altering experience. I knew that on my return to the diocese that indeed life would never be the same.

Yes, there were difficult adjustments. For many ‘traditional’ Catholics, change was difficult and for some, impossible. In fairness to them, and in the words of Bishop Casey, I think, “we may have stripped a few gears” implementing changes, especially with regard to the liturgy. Good things done the wrong way can create havoc among the innocent and even destroy faith. Change for the sake of change is never a good reason for change.

To be sure, there were good reasons for the ‘new way’ but bishops and pastors didn’t always have the patience or take the time to explain the connection the new way and the old way and of course. In truth the changes were more a restoration than an innovation—a return to biblical beginnings.

At any rate, once the rationale became clear and we were able to get beyond some of the barbaric experiments including music suited more for Sesame Street than for worship, the changes fell into place and became a source of enrichment for faith and a source of motivation for Christian service.

Over the last few years, there has been a movement on the part of many bishops to undo the reforms of Vatican II. However, Catholics who caught the rhythm of Vatican II are not returning to the old ways because as with the disciples of Jesus, they have heard the words of Jesus in a new way. “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”