May 24, 2017

May 24

May 24, 2017:  Wednesday, 6th week, Easter

See about a dozen connections with today?
Legend below

Listen

For Psalm 148
Pope Francis
General audience:  In the Risen Jesus’ journey of hope with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the Lord walks with them unrecognized and listens as they tell of how the cross shattered their hopes.  He slowly opens their hearts to a new hope by explaining how the Scriptures were fulfilled in the Messiah's suffering and death.  Later, in the breaking of the bread, he's revealed as the Risen Lord.  When he disappears, the disciples return to Jerusalem to bring back the good news.  The account shows us Jesus’ “hope therapy” based on patient accompaniment that gradually opens us to trust in God.  It also shows us the importance of the Eucharist, in which Jesus “breaks” our lives like bread and offers them to others.  We're a bit like those two disciples, sad and disappointed though only a step from happiness.  Hope involves defeat and suffering.  We all have hard, dark times, with just a wall in front of us, but the Lord accompanies us at every step. Like the disciples, we are sent forth to encounter others, hear their joys and sorrows, and offer them words of life and hope based on God’s love, which accompanies us at every step.  More
Meeting with President Trump:  Satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and the USA, as well as the joint commitment to life and freedom of worship and conscience.  We hope there will be serene collaboration regarding healthcare, education, and assistance to immigrants.
The discussions enabled an exchange of views on various themes relating to international affairs and the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, especially regarding the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities.
Read
  • Acts 17:15, 22-18:1  Paul:  “I saw your altar, ‘To an Unknown God.’  What you unknowingly worship, I proclaim.  God gave life so we may find him.  As your poets say, ‘We're his offspring.’  God isn't an image we fashioned; he raised Jesus from the dead, established a day of judgment, and demands we repent.”  When they heard about resurrection, some scoffed, but others said, “Some other time....”  Paul left for Corinth. but some joined him and became believers.
  • Ps 148:1-2, 11-14  "Heaven and earth are full of your glory."  Praise the Lord who has lifted up his people! 
  • Jn 16:12-15  “I have more to tell you, but you can't bear it now.  When the Spirit comes, he'll lead you to truth, taking what's mine and declaring it to you.” 
Reflect
    • Creighton:  Paul affirms the people of Athens, then draws on the wonder of creation to describe who God is.  The disciples on the road to Emmaus came to know God in the breaking of the bread.  God wants us to know him and has gone to great lengths to reveal himself to us through his Word, the Eucharist, the church, prayer, family, friends, creation, etc…  How has God made himself known to you, your family, your community, and our world?
      St. Paul Preaching in Athens/ Raphael
    • One Bread, One Body:  "Harvesting with basket or combine?"  Paul met the Athenians where they were and received a lukewarm response to his preaching, though some were converted.   When we try to be relevant to the world, we can meet lukewarmness and meager results too.  But in Thessalonica, Beroea, Corinth, and the province of Asia, many came to believe through Paul.  Why were the Athenians such a hard crowd?  Maybe Paul didn't preach Christ crucified, didn't use scripture, and/or was working alone rather than in community?  St. Paul, pray that we reap great harvests...
    • Passionist:  "God's presence":  God's being so close to us should be a major “wow moment” for us.  “The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man to his friend.”  God is present when we encounter him by faith.  “I am as sure as I live that nothing is so near to me as God.  God is nearer to me than I am to myself; my existence depends on the nearness and presence of God” (Meister Eckhart).  “I believe prayer is our powerful contact with the greatest force in the universe” (Loretta Young).   How often God speaks of “not being far from us.”  “In him we live and move and exist.”  “O my Lord!  My true God!  How can I dare to remain in your presence!  Angels tremble before you!” (Paul of the Cross)
    • DailyScripture.net:  "The Spirit will guide you into all truth":  Truth is God's gift, not something we create or discover.  It's the Spirit's role to reveal what's true, right, and good.  Some fear truth because they think it'll inhibit their freedom, but Jesus said the truth will set you free.  It liberates us from what's false, misleading, doubtful, or deceptive.  The closer we draw to God, hear his word, and understand his will for us, the better we'll know him and his love, wisdom, and providence.
      Jesus said he'd send the Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth; he knew we'd need ongoing guidance after he returned to his Father.  "When he says, 'He will teach you all truth,...' I do not think the fulfillment is possible in this present life. For who... can know all truth when even the apostle says, 'We know in part'?  But it is effected by the Holy Spirit,... that we shall attain to the fullness of knowledge the same apostle references ('then face to face'; 'I shall know even as I am known'), talking about the future.  This is what the Lord promised when he said, 'He will guide you unto all truth.'" (Augustine, Tractates on the Gospel of John 96.4) When the Spirit was poured out upon Jesus' first disciples, they began to carry out the mission Jesus entrusted them, to proclaim the truth of the Gospel and make disciples.  Through the same Spirit's guidance, we too proclaim the same faith.  Do I listen attentively to God and let his Spirit give me understanding of God's truth and will?
      • Our Lady, Help of Christians:  Mary, Help of Christians was chosen as Patroness of Australasia, but we need her help too.  Her intercession and example indeed help us.
      • St. Aldhelm, abbot, monastery founder, while bishop, writer, poet, songwriter, renowned for learning and sanctity.  He sang and preached in public places to attract people to the faith; too bad his Old English music hasn't survived.  [I can't find his Latin works online either.]
    Dress legend
    • '?' tie pin:  Altar inscribed ‘To an Unknown God’ (1st reading)
    • 'Stone' tie pin, silver and gold accessories:  God isn't like an image fashioned from gold, silver, or stone (1st reading)
    • 'Hands' pin:  God doesn't dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands nor is served by human hands because he needs anything (1st reading)
    • 'Dove' pin, red in suspenders:  The Spirit of truth (gospel)
    • Tie with horns, 'angel with trumpet (a horn)' pin:  God has lifted up the 'horn' of his people (psalm)
    • 'Angel' pin:  Praise God, you his angels... (psalm)
    • 'Crown' tie bar:  ...and kings (psalm)
    • White shirt, socks:  Easter season
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