January 12, 2014
Reflection on Lectoring
Last week we reflected on the times when God breaks
through our material world and allows us a small glimpse of his transcendent
glory. Our God, who is not limited by
time or space, finds a way to present the good news to his lowly creatures who “see indistinctly, as in a mirror” (1
Corinthians 13:12).
The Incarnation is the ultimate instance of God speaking directly
to us - using human words, gestures, smiles and even tears. As we shall see in all of this weekend’s readings,
God also used other extraordinary ways to communicate with us.
This may lead us to think that only in the Bible can we
find examples of God making clear pronouncements. Perhaps, only with canonical approval can God’s
words be authenticated.
Perhaps, however, hearing directly from God may not be so
extraordinary It may, in fact, be an
everyday occurrence - if we just listen carefully.
At events such as births and deaths God’s transcendence seems
to penetrate our material world. There
are occasions like baptisms and weddings when the world takes on a special
glow. But, there are also more
commonplace instances of daily life when the human qualities of love, compassion,
truth and fairness reveal the ultimate source of everything that is good.
The Scriptures are full people doing all sorts of everyday
things. Eating, sleeping, earning a
living, caring for one another. Why are
all these things there? The Scriptures
show us that there is something to be learned from the ordinary things people
do. And they all illuminate what God wants
to say to his people.
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First Reading - Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
An Important Announcement
All three of today’s readings talk about God’s direct
intervention in the events of history and in the lives of his people. In the Gospel, a voice from the heavens
announces to the crowd, “This is my
beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Nothing could be more clear.
God’s son has arrived and the world will never be the same.
Today’s first reading also announces an arrival - God’s
servant, his chosen one “with whom I am
pleased.” Most scholars believe the
servant refers to Israel who “shall bring
forth justice to the nations.” It is
a story of God at work, using his chosen people to change the world.
In making this announcement, God becomes involved in a
very personal and intimate way when he says, “I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a
covenant of the people, a light for the nations.”
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Second Reading - Acts 10:34-38
Direct Communiction
In today’s second reading, Peter also makes an
announcement, “In truth, I see that God
shows no partiality.” Everybody
(including non Jews) is welcome in the Body of Christ. But it took God’s direct intervention to
change Peter’s mind about whether the Gentiles qualify.
Immediately preceding today’s reading is a curious story
about Peter sitting on a roof thinking about food. Before the food is ready, he falls into a
trance and sees a sheet coming down from heaven piled high with unclean
food. Incredibly a voice tells him, “Get up, Peter. Slaughter and eat”
(Acts10:13). Peter objects strenuously
and says, “Certainly not, sir. For never have I eaten anything profane and
unclean.” (10:14). This conversation is repeated three times in order to
teach Peter a lesson. The old rules do
not apply to everyone.
© George Fournier 2014
