--- title: Daily Scriptures Reflection for 5/7/12 description: Daily Scriptures Reflection for 5/7/12 --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2012/05/07/daily-scriptures-reflection-for-5712#) # Daily Scriptures Reflection for 5/7/12 May 7, 2012 8:55:02 AM  |  by [Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/guest) Scripture: Lectionary # 285. May 7, 2012. Acts 14:5-18. Psalm 115:1-2.3-4.15-16. John 14:21-26 [Monday's Readings](http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050712.cfm) Today’s first reading made me think of Homer’s Odyssey where it describes the ceremonies offered to Zeus and the gods of the Greeks. I had studied the Odyssey with a priest named Fr. Bart (not related to the Simpsons!) who got our class into the spirit of Homer. The Jesuits had produced two excellent books on Homer and we had our start in the Greek language through Homeric Greek. It was fun and still is but the Greek now is that of the New Testament called Koine Greek or Common Greek. All of the books of the New Testament are written in this common language known during the first century by most educated people. It was the lingua franca of the Mediterranean world.  Philip the apostle and maybe Andrew were among the followers of Jesus who could communicate with the Gentile traders in Galilee.  Then in the Acts we know that Paul is speaking Greek to the Gentiles in order to evangelize them. He is the light for the nations and the apostle of the nations. Thus our first reading touches upon the religious practices of those who honor Zeus and Hermes (Mercury).  With the healing of a believing cripple, Paul and Barnabas are for the Lycaonians Zeus and Hermes. The priests of the Greeks in that town which to offer them sacrifices and bring wagons filled with flowers. Luke captures the elan and spirit of both Homer and the Holy Spirit that drive Paul and Barnabas to keep preaching in Jesus’ name despite the fact they sometimes are abused and stoned. This happens just before they come to Lystra and Derbe where the Lycaonians have respect from them through their religious myths about Zeus (Barnabas) and Hermes, the messenger, (Paul). Paul and Barnabas reject the sacrifice and tell them that they are just humans as those wishing to honor them; they are not gods.  In their minds is always the key message of the Book of Revelation: “Worship God alone!” Certainly, Paul and Barnabas had to be inwardly pleased with the more excited and ecstatic honor given to them in comparison to the stoning they had just encountered from both Jews and Greeks at Iconium.  They continued with apostolic boldness to preach in Jesus’ Name. Their staunch and courageous faith made them rejoice when they suffered because of the Name they proclaimed.  Both Paul and Barnabas were living out what we sing in today’s response in Psalm 115: “Not to us, O Lord, but to your Name give glory.” In the Gospel Jesus continues to speak of the commandments of love and belief in Him.  He continues to reveal to them the gift of the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete) who will be their advocate or spokesperson with the Father on Jesus’ behalf.  Paul and Barnabas will then carry out their mission to the Gentiles in the area of Galatia (Turkey). Jesus’ promise has been kept and they live within it by having it fulfilled through their preaching and healing of peoples. As we move toward Pentecost, the mention of the Spirit will continue. In John we have already experienced the Spirit through John 14: 16-17: “I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, that Spirit of truth which the world cannot receive, since it neither sees nor knows him; but you know him, because he is with you, he is in you.” Today’s reading furthers that sending of the Spirit in verse 26: “but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I said to you.” Fr. George W.MacRae, S.J. comments, “The most important point to note is that this is another Paraclete (verse 16) implying that Jesus has fulfilled the same role while he was with the disciples. The Holy Spirit, therefore, in this capacity, is the continued divine presence assisting the disciples to perform the mission of Jesus in the world. He will remain with them and in them. He will teach them everything and make them remember all that Jesus has said. The Fourth Gospel itself is evidence of the work of the Paraclete in the Johannine church.” (Invitation to John, p.180). Amen.Alleluia. 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