August 26, 2012
Reflection on Lectoring
In last week’s Reflection of Lectoring, we marveled at Christianity’s rapid growth. Within 30 years after Jesus’ death, without the aid of television or the Internet, the new faith was being preached in churches throughout Palestine, Asia Minor, and as far away as Rome. Equally remarkable, however, was the great enthusiasm early Christians had for their faith.
Although they didn’t always agree on all the details, the early Christians were sure that Jesus had risen from the dead. They also experienced a sense of freedom in knowing that they would enjoy eternal life with him. And they felt the power of the Holy Spirit as they bore witness to a new world order where slaves and free persons, rich and poor, men and women were all equal, all children of God.
For the followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit was not some vague force that guided the actions of the heroes in Star Wars movies. The Holy Spirit was real and immanently present in their local churches. He was also with them as they ventured outside their assemblies and encountered a skeptical world.
How they felt about the life-giving presence of the Lord is expressed by Paul when he wrote, “As proof that you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6). For the early Christians, this was a very real and personal faith.
Lectors might ask themselves if they demonstrate in their Scripture proclamation the same feelings of enthusiasm and freedom, accompanied by the same real presence of the Lord. The early Christians did all these things and achieved remarkable results.
In last week’s Reflection of Lectoring, we marveled at Christianity’s rapid growth. Within 30 years after Jesus’ death, without the aid of television or the Internet, the new faith was being preached in churches throughout Palestine, Asia Minor, and as far away as Rome. Equally remarkable, however, was the great enthusiasm early Christians had for their faith.
Although they didn’t always agree on all the details, the early Christians were sure that Jesus had risen from the dead. They also experienced a sense of freedom in knowing that they would enjoy eternal life with him. And they felt the power of the Holy Spirit as they bore witness to a new world order where slaves and free persons, rich and poor, men and women were all equal, all children of God.
For the followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit was not some vague force that guided the actions of the heroes in Star Wars movies. The Holy Spirit was real and immanently present in their local churches. He was also with them as they ventured outside their assemblies and encountered a skeptical world.
How they felt about the life-giving presence of the Lord is expressed by Paul when he wrote, “As proof that you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6). For the early Christians, this was a very real and personal faith.
Lectors might ask themselves if they demonstrate in their Scripture proclamation the same feelings of enthusiasm and freedom, accompanied by the same real presence of the Lord. The early Christians did all these things and achieved remarkable results.
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"Now
the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
- 2 Corinthians 3:17_____________________________________
First Reading - Joshua 241-2a, 15-17, 18b
The High Cost of Free Will
Honest questions presuppose the ability to answer those questions with a “yes” or “no.” Only when people are free to respond without prior constraints, are the answers they give truly meaningful. In today’s first reading, Joshua is getting ready to retire. God has fulfilled his promise of a homeland for his people. In a covenant renewal ceremony, Joshua asks for a response that demonstrates a genuine commitment to be faithful.
During their forty years in the desert, the Jewish people often demonstrated their lack of faith. Consequently, their response, “Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God,” is what Joshua was hoping for. Unfortunately in the centuries that follow, the Jewish people found many opportunities to be unfaithful, ultimately resulting in defeat and exile in foreign countries. However, despite their lack of faithfulness, God never removes their freedom to choose good or bad.
The same applies to the way Jesus treats his disciples in today’s Gospel. After telling them that, “The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life,” he lets the disciples choose for themselves whether they want to believe. Many say no.
The ones who say yes, tell Jesus that they “are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” Later they too have their faith shaken when they see Jesus crucified. Sometimes, free will comes with a high price. But without free will, there is no real commitment. Without free will, there is no need for real faith.
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Second Reading - Ephesians 5:21-32
The Witness of Love
Today’s second reading completes a seven-week journey through the chapters of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. One of the most prominent themes found in Ephesians is the importance of unity. Regardless of economic or social status, we are all members of a church that is one, holy, catholic and apostolic.
At the end of his letter, Paul offers his best illustration of the meaning of unity. The church’s unity and its role in reconciling the entire world to God are compared to the joining of a man and woman in marriage. Just as “the two shall become one flesh,” the members of the church become connected parts of the one body of Christ.
Mutual love and trust are the foundations of every marriage. They are also the foundations of every unified community. The mutual support found in loving families is also found in successful communities. For Paul, the family and the church stand as a witness against discord and chaos, and as a powerful proof that God continues to work in the world.
For lectors and their hearers who have followed the extended proclamation of the letter to the Ephesians, their understanding of community will never be quite the same
© 2012 George Fournier
The Witness of Love
Today’s second reading completes a seven-week journey through the chapters of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. One of the most prominent themes found in Ephesians is the importance of unity. Regardless of economic or social status, we are all members of a church that is one, holy, catholic and apostolic.
At the end of his letter, Paul offers his best illustration of the meaning of unity. The church’s unity and its role in reconciling the entire world to God are compared to the joining of a man and woman in marriage. Just as “the two shall become one flesh,” the members of the church become connected parts of the one body of Christ.
Mutual love and trust are the foundations of every marriage. They are also the foundations of every unified community. The mutual support found in loving families is also found in successful communities. For Paul, the family and the church stand as a witness against discord and chaos, and as a powerful proof that God continues to work in the world.
For lectors and their hearers who have followed the extended proclamation of the letter to the Ephesians, their understanding of community will never be quite the same
© 2012 George Fournier
