May 13

May 13, 2014:  Tuesday, 4th week  of Easter

Readings

• Acts 11:19-26  The disciples scattered by the persecution were preaching only to Jews, some among them started proclaiming Jesus to Greeks too.  Many turned to the Lord.  When Barnabas arrived at Antioch, he rejoiced and encouraged them to remain faithful; then he brought Saul from Tarsus to Antioch, where they taught for a year.

• Ps 87:1b-7  "All you nations, praise the Lord."  Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!

• Jn 10:22-30  Jews gathered around Jesus and said, “If you're the Christ, tell us.”  Jesus answered them, “I told you and my works testify, but you don't believe because you're not my sheep.  They hear my voice and follow me; I give them life, and they'll never perish.  The Father and I are one.”

Pope Francis

• Be docile, not closed (homily):  The readings show two groups of people:  those docile to the Spirit and those content with their intellect alone:

• Those dispersed with the seed of the Gospel didn't say, "let's go to Jews, then Greeks, then pagans, then everyone."  No; they were docile to the Spirit.  The Spirit can lead gently.  Allow yourself to be led; don't resist.  The Spirit works in us and the Church today; pay attention to what's happening and what comes to your mind and heart.

• The doctors of the law were all mind and no heart.  They thought religion was about laws; they couldn't imagine a Holy Spirit.  They argued with Jesus, seeking explanations, not love, beauty, or harmony.  Proud, they thought they knew it all and rejected what didn't fit into their intelligence.  Jesus said, "You don't believe because you're not my sheep!"  They became detached from the people and so couldn't believe.  The gift of faith comes when you're in his people, the Church.  They'd isolated themselves; they didn't believe in the people of God, only their own things; their system of commandments chased people away and wouldn't let them into the Church.

One group was gentle, humble, and open to the Spirit; the other, proud, self-sufficient, detached, intellectual, closed, resistant to the Spirit—not merely stubborn but hardhearted!  Ask for docility to the Spirit to move forward, be creative, and be joyful.  When there's lots of seriousness, the Spirit is lacking.  Ask for the grace of obedience and that the Spirit will help us defend ourselves from the evil spirit of self-sufficiency, pride, arrogance, and closure of the heart.

Music

• Speak life/ TobyMac (1st reading)

• Good Shepherd Sunday playlist; thanks again, Fr. Fleming

Reflections

• Creighton:  I want to be discerning but not judging but have been too judgmental.  Encourage instead: "Speak life when the sun won’t shine and you don’t know why.  Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted; watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope, speak love, speak life." (TobyMac)

• DailyScripture.net:  The gospel took place during the Feast of Dedication (=Festival of Lights, Hanakkuh), in December, when day is short and night long, and Jesus said he's  the Light of the World (Jn 8:12).  We sheep should trust the Shepherd as Jesus trusted the Father.  Sheep without a shepherd are defenseless and get lost, but the shepherd guards them from danger and leads them to food, drink, and rest; they recognize his voice and heed his call.  We're sheep who stray and fall prey to destructive forces, but Jesus came to lead us to peace, joy, and communion with God and others.

• Passionist:  We're called to preach to the nations, spreading Christ's love and mercy in word and deed.  How am I doing at that?  Do I listen to and follow Christ the Good Shepherd?

• Universalis:  Our Lady of Fátima; St. Erconwald abbot, bishop

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Dove" pin:  Disciples were docile to the Holy Spirit; Barnabas was Spirit-filled. (1st reading)

• Tie with happy people (instead of my abacus):  Many were added to the Lord 

• "Sheep" tie bar:  "My sheep hear my voice... and follow me" (gospel)

• White shirt:  Easter season

Dress your life!