Scripture Reflection and Prayer : Journeying together: April 2022

Saturday, 30 April 2022

DEALING WITH CHALLENGES FACING THE CHURCH

20220430 DEALING WITH CHALLENGES FACING THE CHURCH

30 April, 2022, Saturday, 2nd Week of Easter

First reading

Acts 6:1-7 ©

They elected seven men full of the Holy Spirit

About this time, when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenists made a complaint against the Hebrews: in the daily distribution their own widows were being overlooked. So the Twelve called a full meeting of the disciples and addressed them, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom; we will hand over this duty to them, and continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.’ The whole assembly approved of this proposal and elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

The word of the Lord continued to spread: the number of disciples in Jerusalem was greatly increased, and a large group of priests made their submission to the faith.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 32(33):1-2,4-5,18-19 ©

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

Alleluia!

Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just;

for praise is fitting for loyal hearts.

Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp,

with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

Alleluia!

For the word of the Lord is faithful

and all his works to be trusted.

The Lord loves justice and right

and fills the earth with his love.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

Alleluia!

The Lord looks on those who revere him,

on those who hope in his love,

to rescue their souls from death,

to keep them alive in famine.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation

Rm6:9

Alleluia, alleluia!

Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again.

Death has no power over him any more.

Alleluia!

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Christ has risen, he who created all things,

and has granted his mercy to men.

Alleluia!

Gospel

John 6:16-21 ©

They saw Jesus walking on the lake

In the evening the disciples went down to the shore of the lake and got into a boat to make for Capernaum on the other side of the lake. It was getting dark by now and Jesus had still not rejoined them. The wind was strong, and the sea was getting rough. They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat. This frightened them, but he said, ‘It is I. Do not be afraid.’ They were for taking him into the boat, but in no time it reached the shore at the place they were making for.

DEALING WITH CHALLENGES FACING THE CHURCH

SCRIPTURE READINGS: [ACTS 6:1-7; PS 33:1-2,4-5,18-19; JOHN 6:16-21]

The Church is not a building but the assembly of believers. It is a Christian community that gathers together in faith to share their faith stories, strengthen and support each other. The community not only speaks of God in words but also in actions. In the final analysis, the fruits of the gospel are found in a community that gathers together to share the Word, celebrate the Eucharist, celebrate life and care for each other regardless of rank and status as in the early Church. (cf Acts 2:42-47)

The Church can grow only when there is a sense of community. Right teaching and the celebration of the sacraments are not enough to sustain the unity of the community. Fellowship and sharing of life, faith and material goods underscore the concrete application of the gospel life. This explains why the faith of many of our Catholics is weak, because we lack fellowship, support and an attachment to our fellow Catholics. This is why many of us do not have a sense of belonging to the Church or are ready to stand up for the Church when she is under attack. There is a lack of loyalty to the Church. There can be loyalty only when one identifies himself closely with the Church. In our case, many Catholics are merely “outstanding” and “Retired Catholics” and thus many lack commitment to the Church.

Yet, we know that building a community is never easy. Most Catholics tend to be individualistic. We tend to walk alone. It is extremely challenging because everyone is different. We have diverse needs and preferences. We are endowed with different talents and skills. Our life experiences are different and this will determine and influence our perspectives. Our needs also vary. What is important for one group of parishioners is not important for another group. Indeed, trying to unite the community is always a great challenge, not just in corporate life but also in religious communities. In the secular world, they have the carrots of remuneration in terms of salary, promotion and perks. In the Church, we only have faith, mission and community. Unfortunately, all these are weak because the sense of community is weak.

This inner division has been present since the early Church. On one hand, the community was growing. On the other hand, with a growing community, it was difficult to get the community united. We read this in the first reading. There was a feeling of discrimination between the Hebrew Jewish Christians and the Greek- speaking Jewish Christians from the diaspora. They were squabbling over the distribution of food to the widows. Such misunderstandings, backbiting and comparisons were bound to happen because the Christians were not impeccable. Although they accepted Christ, not all were on the same level of faith and relationship with God. This is true in every religious community. There are some more mature and integrated than others. So keeping the members united as they grow in number is a great challenge.

This precisely is the challenge of the Catholic Church. As an individual Church, we are the largest in the world with more than 1.32 billion members. How to keep the Church united together at least in doctrines and in worship is already a great challenge, much less to keep Catholics in fellowship with each other! Whilst most Catholics do not belong to a faith community where they gather to share their faith, what has united the Church all these years is the hierarchical structure of the Church with the Holy Father as the symbol of unity of the Catholic Church and the bishop of the local church. Today’s first reading shows the development of the hierarchical structure of the Church with the establishment of the office of deacons. Gradually, this structure evolved to a three-fold presbyterial order of bishops, priests and deacons.

This three-fold hierarchical structure appeared to have worked well initially for the Church. In the first reading, the Twelve “called a full meeting of the disciples and addressed them, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom; we will hand over this duty to them, and continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.'” Indeed, because they placed the Ministry of the Word and Prayer as priority without neglecting their care for the poor, “the word of the Lord continued to spread: the number of disciples in Jerusalem was greatly increased, and a large group of priests made their submission to the faith.” They knew their priorities.

However, over the years we have lost sight of our priorities. In our desperation for more priests, deacons and religious, the Church over time had not properly screened, selected and formed our priests, deacons and religious well. As a consequence, many priests and religious have caused the Church to lose credibility because of their scandalous way of life. In a very secular, materialistic, fragmented society, where can we find men and women “with good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom” to devote themselves selflessly for the service of the Church and the community? Finding good quality men and women to serve the Church is one of the most challenging tasks because of the shortage of vocations and the exacting demands of the ministry. Clearly, for the Church to continue to grow, worship, prayer and formation is critical, which is primarily the work of priests. But because of the demands of the ministry, many priests are too tired to give full attention to their spiritual life or to devote themselves to the ministry of the Word. They end up doing mundane things like raising funds, repairing the church, running programs for the poor. It is not that serving the poor and administering the church is unimportant but by so doing, it leaves the priests hardly any time for devout prayer, ministering, preaching of the Word of God and the celebration of the sacraments.

That is why today, more than ever, we need to rethink the role of the laity in the Church. Whilst having more permanent deacons may be a solution for some countries, what is actually needed is to have more lay people involved in the mission of the Church, whether as paid workers or volunteers. We need to empower our lay people who might not necessarily be ordained deacons but can do as much as our deacons in terms of teaching, instructing, empowering and building communities. Many of them are talented and have the resources of the world and the modern tools of communication to help and supplement the role of the clergy in forming the Church and ministering to our people. This is the key to renewing and empowering the Church. If the Church is lacking vocation, it is because our Catholics, especially the young, are not connected with the Church and with our Lord. But if we can renew the faith of our people, especially the young, there will be more vocations. I believe that empowering more laity to serve in the Church as full-time workers or volunteers will not diminish the priestly and religious vocation but enhance it further.

Today, let us find our focus in Christ. Indeed, we are facing many challenges from within and without. But as the gospel tells us, with Christ, even when the situation appears gloomy and dark, when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel; or when we are buffeted by the storms and rough sea by the world’s anti-Catholic, humanistic, secularistic stance, we need to once again focus our eyes on the Lord. He is with us. Just as He told the disciples, “It is I. Do not be afraid”, so too, we can be assured that Christ’s promise that He will be with the Church until the end of time remains. In our struggles, we are reminded not to face the storms and struggles of life or of the challenges in the Church alone, but with Jesus. When we bring Jesus with us, the journey will seem much shorter for we read that upon seeing the Lord, “they were for taking him into the boat, but in no time, it reached the shore at the place they were making for.” So, let us take courage. Let us spare no effort in strengthening our community by renewing our priests and religious so that they can continue to empower our laity to work with them in building up our communities of faith so that together we can ensure that the Church grows in strength and not just in number.

THE GAMALIEL PRINCIPLE

20220429 THE GAMALIEL PRINCIPLE

29 April, 2022, Friday, 2nd Week of Easter

First reading

Acts 5:34-42 ©

They were glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name

One member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee called Gamaliel, who was a doctor of the Law and respected by the whole people, stood up and asked to have the apostles taken outside for a time. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin, ‘Men of Israel, be careful how you deal with these people. There was Theudas who became notorious not so long ago. He claimed to be someone important, and he even collected about four hundred followers; but when he was killed, all his followers scattered and that was the end of them. And then there was Judas the Galilean, at the time of the census, who attracted crowds of supporters; but he got killed too, and all his followers dispersed. What I suggest, therefore, is that you leave these men alone and let them go. If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God.’

His advice was accepted; and they had the apostles called in, gave orders for them to be flogged, warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. And so they left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name.

They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 26(27):1,4,13-14 ©

There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord.

Alleluia!

The Lord is my light and my help;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

before whom shall I shrink?

There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord.

Alleluia!

There is one thing I ask of the Lord,

for this I long,

to live in the house of the Lord,

all the days of my life,

to savour the sweetness of the Lord,

to behold his temple.

There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord.

Alleluia!

I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness

in the land of the living.

Hope in him, hold firm and take heart.

Hope in the Lord!

There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord.

Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

We know that Christ is truly risen from the dead:

have mercy on us, triumphant King.

Alleluia!

Or:

Mt4:4

Alleluia, alleluia!

Man does not live on bread alone,

but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Alleluia!

Gospel

John 6:1-15 ©

The feeding of the five thousand

Jesus went off to the other side of the Sea of Galilee – or of Tiberias – and a large crowd followed him, impressed by the signs he gave by curing the sick. Jesus climbed the hillside, and sat down there with his disciples. It was shortly before the Jewish feast of Passover.

Looking up, Jesus saw the crowds approaching and said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat?’ He only said this to test Philip; he himself knew exactly what he was going to do. Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii would only buy enough to give them a small piece each.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that between so many?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Make the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass there, and as many as five thousand men sat down. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all who were sitting ready; he then did the same with the fish, giving out as much as was wanted. When they had eaten enough he said to the disciples, ‘Pick up the pieces left over, so that nothing gets wasted.’ So they picked them up, and filled twelve hampers with scraps left over from the meal of five barley loaves. The people, seeing this sign that he had given, said, ‘This really is the prophet who is to come into the world.’ Jesus, who could see they were about to come and take him by force and make him king, escaped back to the hills by himself.

THE GAMALIEL PRINCIPLE

SCRIPTURE READINGS: [ACTS 5:34-42; PS 27:1,4,13-14; JOHN 6:1-15]

In today’s first reading, it was through the intervention of a member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee called Gamaliel, that saved the lives of the apostles and also the unintended assistance given to the early Church to grow in strength and number. Gamaliel who was well respected by the whole people was known for his wisdom, moderation and prudence. So he asked to have the apostles taken outside for a while so that he could address the Sanhedrin privately. He gave them two examples of how two founders, Theudas who had four hundred followers and Judas who started the revolutionary movement were killed and their movements dissolved eventually. Hence, his advice was simply this: “that you leave these men alone and let them go. If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God.”

The question we want to reflect on is whether this principle is universally applicable. Did Gamaliel make a wrong calculation, allowing the Jesus Movement to grow unexpectedly? Perhaps he and the Sanhedrin were betting on the fact that it would end up like the rest of the movements. Or was Gamaliel unsure of the Jesus movement and thought it would be better for time to judge the authenticity of their claims as he was sincerely wanting to find out for himself the truth of their claims? At any rate, Gamaliel, being a righteous man and wanting to also obey God, sought to allow the movement to run its own course to the end.

Apparently, in his case, the judgement as seen by Christians on hindsight is the right one. One could argue that it was because what the apostles proclaimed is indeed the truth that Christianity, which began from a small group of uneducated disciples of Jesus, grew from strength to strength, recruiting not just the slaves, the poor and the marginalized in society but also the middle and upper classes, especially among the Gentiles. And this was verified by the miracles the apostles performed and the coherency of their preaching. The Christians were able to live together in spite of their diverse backgrounds and social status. What could have brought them together if not a common experience of the Risen Lord? Christ is the cause of their unity in diversity.

But most of all, the truth of their claims was substantiated by their boldness in testifying to what they believed without reservations. Indeed, even after being flogged and warned “not to speak in the name of Jesus, they left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name. They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted.” The conviction to suffer for witnessing to Christ was testimony to their faith in Jesus. If it were a hallucination or a story made up by them, it would be difficult to explain why they saw it as a grace and honour to suffer for the name of Jesus. They must have remembered what the Lord warned them when He said, “Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles.” (Mt 10:17f)

So applying to the growth of Christianity, the principle of Gamaliel appears to be valid. But it cannot be applied to every situation. How do we account for the popularity in modern trends where faith in God is seen as superstitious and naïve? How do we judge the modern perspectives of faith, sex, marriage, children and gender? Does it mean that just because more are subscribing to divorce and same sex relationships it means that it is from God? What about those long-established religions like Hinduism, Islam, Taoism and Buddhism? Would all Christians consider that because they also withstood the test of time, that they are also from God and of divine origin? Hence, all religions are the same, with Jesus being one of the masters.

This is why, when it comes to applying the Gamaliel principle, it is not so simple as what we think. These are complicated matters and not easily discernible. To say that if it is from God it will last, and those from man will not withstand the test of time, might be difficult to judge because evil can also thrive. How long for it to exist before it is to be considered as from God would also be relative. And even if it were from God, just like the Old Testament laws and rituals for atonement given by Moses, and even the customs, these were eventually replaced by the New Covenant.

So there must be other signs to establish the validity of this basic principle which in itself is true. In the case of the early Christians, it was substantiated by the transformation of their lives, living in unity and fellowship with each other despite the diversity in social status, races and languages, the works of wonders performed by the apostles and most of all, the courage to testify to the Lord. In other words, if it is from God, it will last and if it is from man, it will disappear over time. Hence, the gospel of John gives us seven signs to demonstrate the divine identity of our Lord.

In today’s gospel, Jesus provided another sign of His true identity. He portrayed Himself as the New Moses who would lead the people to new life, a new-found freedom. “Jesus went off to the other side of the Sea of Galilee – or of Tiberias – and a large crowd followed him, impressed by the signs he gave by curing the sick”, a reminder of how the Israelites left Egypt after the works of wonders Moses performed before Pharaoh, forcing him to let go of the Hebrews. They crossed the Red Sea and the Egyptians pursued after them when they left Egypt. That St John was alluding to this event is noted when he began by saying that “It was shortly before the Jewish feast of Passover.”

The miracle of the multiplication of loaves therefore must be understood in the context of the Passover. Like Moses and his men, “Jesus climbed the hillside, and sat down there with his disciples.” Jesus, like Moses, assumed the authority to teach and to command the people to obey the laws of God. Like Moses who provided manna for the Hebrews in the desert, Jesus showed His authority by multiplying five loaves and two fish for five thousand men, excluding women and children who were hungry and at a deserted place. At the end of the meal, Jesus said to the disciples, “Pick up the pieces left over, so that nothing gets wasted.” This reminds us of Moses’ command to his people not to collect too much manna but just enough for the day, “Everyone is to gather as much as they need. The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed.” (Ex 16:16,18)

Finally, we are told at the end of the gospel, “the people, seeing this sign that he had given, said, ‘This really is the prophet who is come into the world.’ Jesus, who could see they were about to come and take him by force and make him king, escaped back to the hills by himself.” Indeed, Jesus is perceived to be the New Moses who would deliver them from their enemies. Unfortunately, the enemies of Jesus were sin and our selfish wants. We need to be delivered from our greed, lust, anger, lack of integrity and selfishness.

For the Jews, they were thinking in terms of a spiritual and military saviour that could free them from the Romans so that the kingdom of Israel could once again by established. This explains why when they found out that Jesus was a man of non-violence and refused to take up arms against the Roman Army, he was deposed as a fake messiah. Of course, there were also the vested interests of the Temple Priests. Jesus was a threat to their status quo. So the priests conveniently and expediently spread rumours about Jesus. To fellow Jews, Jesus was charged with blasphemy for claiming to be the Messiah. To the Romans, the priests presented Jesus as a political enemy of Rome for claiming to be the King of the Jews when they claimed that they had no king except Caesar. So the jealousy of the religious priests caused Jesus to be executed on the cross for a political crime that He did not commit. But God vindicated Him by raising Him from the dead, proving that Jesus was of divine origin! For us, His resurrection is the ultimate proof of His identity.

Wednesday, 27 April 2022

THE REASONS FOR ACCEPTING CHRIST AS OUR SAVIOUR

20220428 THE REASONS FOR ACCEPTING CHRIST AS OUR SAVIOUR

28 April, 2022, Thursday, 2nd Week of Easter

First reading

Acts 5:27-33 ©

We are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit

When the officials had brought the apostles in to face the Sanhedrin, the high priest demanded an explanation. ‘We gave you a formal warning’ he said ‘not to preach in this name, and what have you done? You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and seem determined to fix the guilt of this man’s death on us.’ In reply Peter and the apostles said, ‘Obedience to God comes before obedience to men; it was the God of our ancestors who raised up Jesus, but it was you who had him executed by hanging on a tree. By his own right hand God has now raised him up to be leader and saviour, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins through him to Israel. We are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’

This so infuriated them that they wanted to put them to death.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 33(34):2,9,17-20 ©

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

Alleluia!

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

Alleluia!

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

Alleluia!

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

Christ has risen, he who created all things,

and has granted his mercy to men.

Alleluia!

Or:

Jn20:29

Alleluia, alleluia!

‘You believe, Thomas, because you can see me.

Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.

Alleluia!

Gospel

John 3:31-36 ©

The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to him

John the Baptist said to his disciples:

‘He who comes from above is above all others;

he who is born of the earth is earthly himself

and speaks in an earthly way.

He who comes from heaven

bears witness to the things he has seen and heard,

even if his testimony is not accepted;

though all who do accept his testimony

are attesting the truthfulness of God,

since he whom God has sent

speaks God’s own words:

God gives him the Spirit without reserve.

The Father loves the Son

and has entrusted everything to him.

Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life,

but anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life:

the anger of God stays on him.’

THE REASONS FOR ACCEPTING CHRIST AS OUR SAVIOUR

SCRIPTURE READINGS: [ACTS 5:27-33; PS 34:2,9,17-20; JOHN 3:31-36]

Why is it that in spite of all the concrete evidence before the Sanhedrin, they remained defiant in rejecting Jesus? They were unable to even mention the name of Jesus. “The high priest demanded an explanation. ‘We gave you a formal warning’ he said ‘ not to preach in this name, and what have you done?'” They were in denial because they saw the miracles and they knew the people were amazed at what had happened. They knew the people were on their side having seen the power of God at work. We read that “the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.” (Acts 5:26)

However, Peter and the apostles were adamant. There was no let down in their witnessing for the Lord. Indeed, they pressed on in their statement of fact. Instead of retracting, they reiterated, “it was the God of our ancestors who raised up Jesus, but it was you who had him executed by hanging on a tree. By his own right-hand God has now raised him up to be a leader and saviour, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins through him to Israel.”

Firstly, they made it clear that they were the ones who were faithful to the Tradition passed on to them because “it was the God of our ancestors who raised up Jesus.” This is a slap on the face of the religious leaders because they claimed to be the custodians and protectors of the Jewish Tradition received from Moses. If the God whom they worship had raised Jesus from the dead, it meant that they were wrong in rejecting Jesus. He was sent by God.

Secondly, they reiterated that the leaders were guilty of executing Him by hanging Him on a tree. It was a fact that could not be denied. They did not retract their charge against them simply because they felt threatened. Whether they admit to their guilt or not, in the gospel of John, it was clear that “Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.” (Jn 19:16) In Matthew’s gospel, he wrote, “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’ All the people answered, ‘His blood is on us and on our children!'” Clearly, they were guilty and yet they accused the apostles, “You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and seem determined to fix the guilt of this man’s death on us.”

Thirdly, “by his own right-hand God has now raised him up to be a leader and saviour, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins through him to Israel.” In saying that God had raise Jesus up from the dead, St Peter wanted to remind the Jews of the great acts of God in the history of Israel. Just as God had raised up leaders to deliver Israel in the past, He had raised up Jesus as the Messiah to deliver Israel, not from their enemies but from their sins. Jesus was not just one of the saviours, like the Emperor of Rome, but the universal Saviour of the world.

Finally, there is the offer of salvation for those who repent. Christ’s exaltation from the dead was meant to bring people to repentance and acknowledgement of Him as the Saviour so that they would be saved from their sins. There is salvation in Him but repentance is a pre-requisite. Accepting Jesus as the Saviour is a choice we must make. Obedience in faith is necessary.

In the light of what they said, we can appreciate why Peter and the apostles replied, “Obedience to God comes before obedience to men.” This power of witnessing is given in the power of the Holy Spirit. They said, “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (vv. 29-32)

In the gospel, we have another instance of the evangelist who reiterating the divine authority of Jesus. In contrast with John the Baptist’s ministry, St John underscored the pre-eminence of Christ. Jesus is different from anyone of us because He comes from above. At the prologue, St John already said, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” (Jn 1:18) In the case of John the Baptist, although anointed by God, he cannot be compared to Christ who is from the Father. Hence, the evangelist remarked, “He who comes from above is above all others; he who is born of the earth is earthly himself and speaks in an earthly way.” This is even more true of human teaching because man’s words and thoughts cannot be compared to divine revelation. The irony is that man no longer believes in divine revelation except himself and his human reasoning based on science and empirical proofs.

Secondly, Christ’s testimony could be relied on because coming from God Himself, He “bears witness to the things he has seen and heard, even if his testimony is not accepted.” Regardless whether we accept His Words or not, His word remains true because we are of the earth. Faith in Him is required for us to accept His testimony. This faith is demonstrated in obedience to His Word. We know His word is true because those who submit to His Word will find that what Jesus taught and said is true. Indeed, “who do accept his testimony are attesting the truthfulness of God, since he whom God has sent speaks God’s own words.”

Thirdly, Christ’s testimony is to be accepted because “God gives him the Spirit without reserve.” Jesus is the One who is filled with the Holy Spirit. Unlike the prophets of the Old Testament, where the Spirit is spasmodic, Jesus as the Word of God in person possesses the Spirit without reserve. Indeed, the whole life of Jesus is to give us not just the Word of God but His Holy Spirit. On the last day at the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus who was at the Temple in Jerusalem, stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” St John provided us a footnote to say, “By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. On hearing his words, some of the people said, ‘Surely this man is the Prophet.’ Others said, ‘He is the Messiah.'” (Jn 7:37-41)

Finally, Jesus is to be believed simply because He is the Beloved Son of the Father. “The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to him. Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, but anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life: the anger of God stays on him.” If Christ is the Son of God, faith in Him is tantamount to faith in God. The Father has placed everything in His hands. For this reason, the Lord said later, “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father, who sent him.” (Jn 5:19-23)

Consequently, the conclusion is clear. Faith in Jesus is crucial for our salvation. Jesus has come to bring salvation to humanity by revealing the Father’s love and mercy, and bringing about forgiveness for our sins. Believing in Jesus therefore is the way to eternal life. It is a rebirth of the Spirit of God in us. Just as the Father gives Jesus His Spirit, Jesus in turn sends forth the Spirit to us. Jesus has come to give us the Holy Spirit so that we can be one with God. Thus, there is no other choice. Unless we come to Jesus, we will not have the full revelation of God. Rejecting Jesus is to reject His Word and His salvation. We will condemn ourselves. We will only suffer the wrath of God which is seen in living a life of darkness and sin. St Paul in Romans 1 spoke of the wrath of God at work in those who reject Him by “delivering” up His people to sin and the bitter fruits of their evil choices in life.

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

SALVATION IS THE WORK OF GOD

20220427 SALVATION IS THE WORK OF GOD

27 April, 2022, Wednesday, 2nd Week of Easter

First reading

The men you imprisoned are in the Temple, preaching to the people

The high priest intervened with all his supporters from the party of the Sadducees. Prompted by jealousy, they arrested the apostles and had them put in the common gaol.

But at night the angel of the Lord opened the prison gates and said as he led them out, ‘Go and stand in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new Life.’ They did as they were told; they went into the Temple at dawn and began to preach.

When the high priest arrived, he and his supporters convened the Sanhedrin – this was the full Senate of Israel – and sent to the gaol for them to be brought. But when the officials arrived at the prison they found they were not inside, so they went back and reported, ‘We found the gaol securely locked and the warders on duty at the gates, but when we unlocked the door we found no one inside.’ When the captain of the Temple and the chief priests heard this news they wondered what this could mean. Then a man arrived with fresh news. ‘At this very moment’ he said, ‘the men you imprisoned are in the Temple. They are standing there preaching to the people.’ The captain went with his men and fetched them. They were afraid to use force in case the people stoned them.

Responsorial Psalm

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

Alleluia!

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

Alleluia!

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

Alleluia!

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called, the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

Alleluia!

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

Christ has risen and shone upon us

whom he redeemed with his blood.

Alleluia!

Or:

Jn3:16

Alleluia, alleluia!

God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son:

everyone who believes in him has eternal life.

Alleluia!

Gospel

God sent his Son into the world so that through him the world might be saved

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost

but may have eternal life.

For God sent his Son into the world

not to condemn the world,

but so that through him the world might be saved.

No one who believes in him will be condemned;

but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already,

because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son.

On these grounds is sentence pronounced:

that though the light has come into the world

men have shown they prefer darkness to the light

because their deeds were evil.

And indeed, everybody who does wrong

hates the light and avoids it,

for fear his actions should be exposed;

but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light,

so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.’

SALVATION IS THE WORK OF GOD

SCRIPTURE READINGS: [ACTS 5:17-26; PS 34:2-9; JOHN 3:16-21]

There are many attempts to silence the gospel in the world today because of an aggressive secularism. The world, specifically the Christian world, is revolting against the Christian message which has become a nuisance to the liberal values that the Western world hold dearly, especially the freedom of the individual to exercise his or her rights even at the expense of the larger good of the community. Ironically, the Christian gospel was the champion of the freedom of the individual when many societies lived under tyrannical and dictatorial rulers, and when the individual had no freedom to exercise their rights in many areas of their lives. Many were threatened with execution and torture if they rebelled against societal norms or the institutions.

Today, the irony is that these same countries are rebelling against the hand that fed them. The Church has become the enemy of freedom. Of course, the freedom that the world is fighting for is the freedom that St Paul wrote about in his letter to the Galatians. “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal 5:19-22) For this reason, today, Christ is not only rejected but the gospel as well. The world wants to silence the gospel simply because the gospel is the enemy of secularism, individualism and materialism.

But there is no way to silence the gospel except to silence its proclamation. This was why in the early Church, the religious authorities’ objection was not so much that Peter and John healed the crippled man but that they healed in Jesus’ name. “They could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.” (Acts 4:14) “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” (Acts 4:17) So it was not about the good work that they did but because they proclaimed the name of Jesus. Isn’t this how the world also expects us to conduct ourselves? They are happy that the Church is doing good works, helping the poor, reaching out to the marginalized, so long as we do not preach the gospel.

Today’s first reading gave another reason why the religious leaders sought to suppress the apostles. “The high priest intervened with all his supporters from the party of the Sadducees. Prompted by jealousy, they arrested the apostles and had them put in the common gaol.” Insecurity and jealousy are the other reasons why often there is competition among religions, and sadly especially among Christian denominations. This can even happen among Church organizations within the same church and the same Christian community.

The good news is that human beings may want to thwart the proclamation of the gospel but God’s power is greater than what human beings can do. When the apostles were arrested and put in jail, “at night the angel of the Lord opened the prison gates and said as he led them out, ‘Go and stand in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new Life.’ They did as they were told; they went into the Temple at dawn and began to preach.” When the chief priest and the Sanhedrin asked for them to be brought, the officials found they were not inside the jail. They reported, “We found the gaol securely locked and the warders on duty at the gates, but when we unlocked the door we found no one inside.” When the captain of the Temple and the chief priests heard this news, they wondered what this could mean.

The meaning is clear, that the work of the apostles is the work of God, not the work of man. And if it is the work of God, we cannot stop it. Indeed, later it was a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law and honoured by all the people, who advised the Sanhedrin, saying, “Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38f) As the psalmist said, “The angel of the Lord is encamped around those who revere him, to rescue them.”

In the gospel, Jesus proclaimed the same truth about the salvation of humanity. Firstly, He made it clear that the Good News of salvation is for all. But salvation is not the work of man but primarily the work of God. God sent His only Son to save us. He told Nicodemus, “God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.” It is God’s desire to save the world, which includes not just the Jews but the Gentiles. God desires all of us to have eternal life. And to this end, God showed His love without reservation in giving up His only Son, reminding us of how Abraham was tested to sacrifice Isaac his only son but was stopped by the angel of the Lord. However, in God’s case, His only Son was put to death by evil men.

Consequently, we are left with the choice of either accepting that salvation is God’s work or the work of man. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “No one who believes in him will be condemned; but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already, because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son.” Having faith in Jesus is the way to salvation simply because only God can save us from our sins. However, the religious leaders sought to think that salvation was theirs when they were obedient to the laws or when they offered the Temple sacrifices. To them, salvation was more the work of man than the work of God.

Of course, faith in Jesus is more than simply believing in Him; it means accepting all that He has taught us. It means living out the gospel life, all that the Lord has instructed us about forgiveness, poverty of spirit, obedience to God’s will, generosity, integrity of life, sincerity in observance of the laws, love of God and neighbour, and most of all, humble service to others especially the poor, the suffering and the marginalized. Jesus is the light of the world and we are all asked to walk the way He walked. We must carry our cross and follow after Him, to Calvary, before we can arrive at our Promised Land. But many of us find it difficult to accept the truths of what the Lord has taught us.

This is why we must ask ourselves, if we reject the gospel and if we reject Christ, is it because the values of the gospel contradict our preferences and hinder us from fulfilling our desires? Indeed, as the Lord remarked, “On these grounds is sentence pronounced: that though the light has come into the world men have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, for fear his actions should be exposed; but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light, so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.” Without Christ, we live in darkness but when we open our lives to God’s judgment, we come to know the truth about ourselves and see ourselves clearly before the Lord, our selfishness, hypocrisy, pride and dishonesty.

But with Christ, faith in Him gives us a new moral power to do good. In Him, we find life to the fullest. In Him, we no longer condemn ourselves to a life of misery and hopelessness. Indeed, we must therefore, welcome or unwelcome, “Go and stand in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new Life.” We must proclaim this New Life in Christ to all men so that the world might be saved. We carry this mission out in humility and as an act of service to humanity, not in a superior or triumphalist manner.