Reflection on the Daily Readings for 5/08/09 by Fr. Bertrand Buby, SM

Today’s Readings


Scripture: Fri. of 4th week of Easter.  Acts 13:26-33.  Psalm
2:6-7.8-9.10-11. John 14:1-6. Lectionary # 283:

Paul, now filled with the Holy Spirt, preaches with boldness and zeal
in the synagogues of Antioch in Pisidia. His preaching is a combination of
retracing salvation history from his own scriptures and leading into the
Paschal Mysteries that Jesus underwent and then commanded that the apostles
preach (see Matthew 28:16-20).  This takes place on sabbath after sabbath.
And as long as he is allowed by the attendants of the synagogue he will
preach.  When this changes then his mission to the Gentiles comes into full
force.  Today the prophets and Psalm 2 are the starting and finishing
points of his speech or sermon.  He sees Christ as fulfilling what has been
said in these scriptures.  We too are nourished by what we hear from the
word of God. The living voice of Paul comes through both in his epistles as
well in what he preaches in the Acts of the Apostles. Peter is no longer
center stage; it is Paul who will lead us through the rest of the Acts of
the Apostles.

Jesus continues to reveal himself to us in the Gospel of John.
Today's revelatory message is very consoling and illuminating for Jesus
says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father
but through me."(John 14:6). These words are fitting for this season of
Easter which celebrates with joy and enthusiasm the spirit of the Risen
Lord.  Our songs and responses are filled with joy, love, and peace.
Alleluias are added like icing on a cake.

Our readings are from the second part of John called the book of
Glory (doxa in Greek). It is also the book of love (agape) which we see
especially in chapters 13-17.  Jesus addresses us as his intimate friends.
His words help us to understand the mysteries that he undergoes for us in
this Easter season.  We are able to interpret the death and resurrection of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Jesus is always revealing himself in
this Gospel and his message today is that he is our way, our life, and the
truth.  We are led to think about these three words and make them come
alive in what we do and say today in Jesus' name. This is what Paul was
doing in the first reading.  Yes, Christ has died, Christ is risen, and
Christ will come again. Amen.