May 12, 2019

4th Sunday of Easter C
Acts 13: 14, 43-52; Revelation 7: 9, 14-17; John 10: 27-30
How do I feel when people disagree with me? Am I instant on letting ‘my thoughts’ be heard first? Do I listen
intently to the other person and not formulate my own response to them before they finish talking? Do I feel
that I am always right or most of the time am right? Who is the judge of right and wrong in this matter? Whose
side is God on? Do I really listen to God? Or do I prefer the sound of my own voice? Today’s readings put this
‘difficulty’ into its proper perspective.
The first reading from the Acts starts with verse 14 telling of Pauls’ arrival in Pisidia. Paul and Barnabas are on
their first missionary journey to the western provinces of Roman Empire in Asia Minor, present day Turkey. On
the Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas go into the local synagogue. After the Torah readings and the prophetic
readings of the day, the synagogue officials invite Paul to share his thoughts. Paul never hesitates to speak
about God’s love for all and His plan for salvation fulfilled in Jesus. Paul explains how Jesus was the absolute
fulfillment of the readings they have just heard. “The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the
people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt.” Then God freed the people with amazing signs and wonders and
led them while putting up with them for forty years in the desert. “When He had destroyed seven nations in the land
of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance.” They entered the Promised Land, “one flowing with milk and
honey”. God assigned Judges to help them up to the time of Samuel the prophet. Then, seeing that all the
neighboring countries had kings, they wanted their own kings. God gave them Saul, then removed him and
replaced him with David. Then God promised that from David’s descendant, He would provide a savior, Jesus.
Paul shares how John the Baptist, “…heralded His coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of
Israel.” The people of Jerusalem and the religious leaders failed to recognize Jesus and they condemned Him to
death. Paul adds, “…and by condemning Him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after
sabbath.” There was no basis for His death penalty but they asked Pilate to permit them to crucify Him. Paul
and Barnabas and the Apostles are witnesses to this. This message was well received and these two were
invited back the next Sabbath.
For this appearance “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they
were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul had said.”
Sunday Homily Helps for today was written by James Auer, who has written many popular books for teens and
adults on living as Catholics. He shares how Paul and Barnabas’ encounter with the Jewish people reflects tragic
interactions that so often happened among people who believe differently within the same church.
The cast of characters:
a) Paul and Barnabas’ enthusiastic preaching about Jesus had resulted in much controversy.
b) The Jews, refers to those who did not accept Jesus as the promised Messiah
c) Many Jews believed. The first believers in Jesus were Jews as Jesus was. Some kept aspects of their
Jewish faith while maintaining Jesus as the promised Messiah.
d) The Gentiles. If you’re not a Jew you’re a gentile. A gentile might be black, Hispanic, white, or Asian and
might be a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Hindu, or an atheist.
e) Women of prominence and leading men. These were most likely Jews who got along well with the
occupying Romans; who were influential and listened to.
So what happened…what was at stake:
a) Paul and Barnabas were ‘on fire’ with the Gospel of God’s love and God’s plan.
b) Why didn’t the Jews accept Jesus? Some were so passionately attached to their Jewish faith that they saw
Jesus as a heretic as well as His followers. Paul certainly was a member of this group before Jesus appeared
to him. Others were silent because they were afraid, maybe of being singled out or maybe because of some
reprisals.
c) The gentiles who accepted the Gospel message were excited to get to know a God who loved them enough
to become one of them and die for them…this was a no-brainer to them.
d) Now the women of prominence and leaders of the community wanted to keep their status. They took
whatever side best accomplished this.
So what can we learn: where is my faith located? Holding on to my convictions is good but am I pig-headed in
refusing to try to understand those who believe differently? How do I best show God’s love? This love is all
encompassing, is all caring, is all forgiving, is all merciful is always loving!
In the Gospel we hear of the eight-day feast of the Dedication which celebrates the Maccabees’ reconstruction
and rededication of the temple and its altar. Jesus is teaching and the Jews have confronted Him. They want a
plain answer, Is He the Messiah? Jesus declares He has already told them but they just don’t believe Him.
Jesus describes those who believe in Him as His sheep. The issue is not who is right or who is wrong. The
answer is rooted in faith. Those who do not believe that Jesus and the Father are one will never understand nor
believe. Those who accept Jesus and understand His works and the works of God accept Jesus out of faith.
Thomas Merton says that Faith is a Gift from God…Faith is also a Mystery…and Faith is a Relationship. Am I
the most important person in my life? Do I realize that life is all about God and not me? Do I realize that I am
a sinner and struggle with sin each day, and God forgives me if I ask? Do I believe that God created me and
loves me right now just the way that I am and He is always helping me to see that love and to live in that love
by loving others with His help?
Today is Mother’s Day. Connections a newsletter for the weekly gospel gives these marvelous comparisons,
“The vocation of motherhood is very much an extension of the vocation of the Good Shepherd. In their total and complete
love for their children, moms (and dads!) are the hand of God leading us through the rocky roads of life and catching us
when we fall; in the wisdom of their experience and in their constant and patient support, they are the ‘voice’ of the Good
Shepherd calling us to the safety and forgiveness of home. Christ speaks in many voices—including our own. We can be
the ‘voice’ of Christ’s compassion, comfort, forgiveness and peace even our smallest and simplest words and acts of
kindness and generosity. Today may we give thanks for our mothers who are the very voice of the Good Shepherd in our
lives, assuring us with hope, mending our brokenness, be it our limbs or hearts, loving us unconditionally and completely,
as God assures and heals and loves us from the moment of our birth.”
Sacred Space 2019 states:
“Once again, Lord, your words ease our aching hearts. You know us; You give us your best gift, which is eternal life; You
will defend us from anyone who tries to snatch us away from You. What more can we ask?
On my side is the invitation to follow You. But do I think of myself as Your follower? My daily prayer helps me keep You
always in view, to listen to Your voice, and to deepen the relationship that exists between us. Thank You for this graced
time.”