May 9, 2020 // The Sunday Gospel
Actively loving others is the essence of our faith
Fifth Sunday of Easter
John 14:1-12
The Acts of the Apostles once more is the source of the first reading. The early chapters of Acts marvelously reveal to us the lives led by the early Christians. Obviously in this glimpse into events so long ago, is the critical place of the Apostles, and among them the equally critical place of Peter.
The Apostles led the community. The early Christians recognized the Apostles’ leadership. They listened to the Apostles. Indeed, reverence for the Apostles was so deep that the people placed their possessions at the Apostles’ feet, allowing the Apostles to control even the material assets of the community.
Peter was the leader whom the Apostles, and the people, acknowledged.
In Acts, this community was situated in Jerusalem. Although the very heart of Jewish life and a city extraordinarily unique in meaning for Jews, Jerusalem was not Corinth or Antioch. It most certainly was not Rome. In the total scheme of things, it was not a very important city.
Actually, the Romans maintained as their capital for Palestine the city of Caesarea, a seaport on the Mediterranean Sea. The ruins of this city now are in the suburbs of modern Tel Aviv. It is interesting, incidentally, that the only relic of the administration of Pontius Pilate as governor, aside from mention in the Gospels, is a stone carved with his name, a stone discovered in the ruins of Caesarea.
The vast Roman empire, under one system of laws, allowed for movement from place to place. Thus, nationalities mixed. So Acts refers to Jews, but also to “Greeks,” as Jews of the time called foreigners.
Care of the needy and widows was urgent. The Romans had no social safety net as modern societies have now. The Apostles responded to this fact by reminding Christians that their task was to teach the Gospel and to care for the needy. Such was the example of Jesus.
The Apostles chose seven holy men to be deacons. Their action revealed not just a move to organize the Christian community, it also showed that the Apostles had the right to innovate in the name of Jesus.
First Peter provides the second reading, centering Jesus as essential in salvation. The reading urges Christians to be true to Jesus.
St. John’s Gospel supplies the last lesson. It recalls the Lord’s discourse with the Apostles, alerting them as to what they should expect in the future.
Trouble will come, but Jesus was with them, “the way, the truth and the life.”
Reflection
Almost a month has passed since Easter. For weeks, the Church joyfully has told us of the Resurrection. He lives! Alleluia!
Before long, the season will end. We will return to life in 2020, with all its burdens and uncertainty, especially in economics and physical health.
The Church tells us not to lose heart. Jesus still is with us. He is our rock and our shield. He lives in the Christian community, if this community is the same as the community described in Acts.
Applying Acts to the present is most interesting. Which Christian community truly resembles the gathering of Christians in Jerusalem long ago, precisely in their reliance upon the Apostles with Peter at their head? Bluntly speaking, it is the Roman Catholic Church.
This modern community must profoundly be dedicated to the Lord by caring for the sick and the needy. Actively loving others is no charming sideline for Christians. It is of the essence of the religion.
The Church tells us, as the Easter season concludes, that Christ is with us. He lives. We must draw ourselves into this community the Lord created by replicating the faith and compassion of the Lord in fact, not just as an ideal.
Being in the community is infinitely more than joining a club.
The best news. Delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to our mailing list today.