(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)
May 18, 2014
Liturgical readings
Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 33
1 Peter 2:4-9
John 14:1-12
The Lord said to His disciples: "You know the way that leads where I go."
Christ Jesus teaches in the gospel last Sunday (Good Shepherd Sunday) that He is the Gate of the Sheepfold. This Sunday, He now teaches that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Also, in one of the weekday gospels this Easter season, the Lord teaches how He is the Bread of Life. Gate, Way, Truth, Life, Bread. These are all imagery that the world are familiar with in the level of the physical senses. But Christ is pointing to something beyond just that worldly perception. He transforms that worldly imagery to point to his own Person and Divinity. Christ refers to these realities on both a deeper and higher level - to his Person and Divinity as a path to eternal union with God.
This theme of eternal union was reflected upon by St. John Paul II in the book, "Go in Peace" - authored by Joseph Durepos. Durepos quotes the late pope to have said:
The way of Christ is the peaceful life we are called to love...
The truth of Christ is the eternal truth of God...
the life of Christ is the life he shares with us - enabling us to live
forever in his love."
In the book, the pope encourages the faithful to get to know Christ in one's spiritual readings, meditation and prayer. He says that knowledge of the gospel leads to an encounter with Christ. And an encounter with Christ can show well the spiritual path towards eternal union with God.
Modern living sometimes distracts one's attention to what is essential in life. This has been a reality since ancient times with the people Israel. So, nothing has really changed along the years. What was a temptation before, is also a temptation now. The idols that tempted Israel, also distracts and tempts us now: materialism, power or unjust acts. Desire for more material resources and power are worldly paths not evil in themselves. They become sinful only when they become ends in themselves or the center of all we work and live for. Christians need to remember not to remain only in the temporal order, but to rise above all worldly paths to follow a higher, a nobler way of work and life in Christ. As Christ becomes the center of one's work and life, His light can illumine one's path to Him and the greater good.
Scripture quotes for reflection:
"The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him...to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine." (Psalm 33)
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