GOSPEL MEDITATION – ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE

May 28, 2022

May 29, 2022 ~ 7th Sunday of Easter

Unity and diversity can exist together. Our western minds have a grave difficulty seeing unity without conformity. We tend to believe that unless everyone believes the same thing, assents to the same body of truths, styles, and opinions, unity is not possible. Jesus, in today’s Gospel, expresses a tenderness and an intimacy that the disciples actually can witness. This same tenderness and love are also reflected in his desire for unity and oneness. Jesus passionately wants all to be one. It is very clear that the success of Jesus’ mission and the advance of the Gospel rises or falls with whether this unity is achieved. And it is a unity that is achieved around a person and not particulars.

Our church is extremely divided. These divisions all center on various theologies, philosophies, structures, and styles. We allow these particular concerns and interpretations, valid as many can be, to drive wedges between us and put us at odds with each other. They enrage us and cause us to lash out at other members of the Body of Christ. Differences are bound to exist in any group. We are unique and diverse people. Staunchly clinging to particular agendas and ideologies while waving the “we’re right, you’re wrong” banner as we forge ahead in battle does little to advance the real mission of Christ. We are perceived as weak, fractioned, self-focused and serving, and lacking empathy and love. How can the work of salvation be accomplished like this? We sacrifice our credibility. For what?

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” These words describe exactly who the glorified Christ really is. Jesus wants us to see this glory! Believe this! This is the unifying principle that draws the Body of Christ together as one, not our particular preferences of worship! We give too much power to our preferences, and all too easily forget that the real mission of Christ is much more than that! If we can work at truly loving each other as members of Christ’s Body despite the differences that can so quickly divide us, then maybe we’ll a bit more convincing to those who do not believe. The Risen Christ comes to us through the Eucharist. It doesn’t matter where or how. Gather wherever you can and receive. We cannot substitute Jesus’ passion with our own. We are one. ©LPi

MEDITACIÓN EVANGÉLICO – ALENTAR ENTENDIMIENTO MÁS PROFUNDO DE LA ESCRITURA (Gospel Meditation)

29 de mayo de 2022 ~ 7º Domingo de Pascua

“Que todos sean uno, como tú, Padre, estás en mí y yo en ti” (Juan 17:21). Qué gran alegría la oración sacerdotal de Jesús en este VII Domingo de Pascua. Nos encomienda al Padre y nos revela su amor, por medio de la unidad y la promesa de la gloria que se nos ha dado gracias a su resurrección. Jesús nos amó hasta el extremo y el Padre nos ama igual.  Es una oración que llena de esperanza al creyente, para no abandonar la fe y la nueva vida prometida. Jesús pide por todos, para ser protegidos ante el peligro de separarse de la fe. La finalidad es permanecer unidos mutuamente. El Papa Francisco, en su catequesis sobre la oración Sacerdotal, nos ayuda a reflexionar en un punto muy importante: “Esto me parece lo más bonito para recordar. Esta es la última catequesis de este ciclo dedicada al tema de la oración. Recordar la gracia de que nosotros no solamente rezamos, sino que, por así́ decir, hemos sido “rezados”, ya somos acogidos en el diálogo de Jesús con el Padre, en la comunión del Espíritu Santo. Jesús reza por mí. Cada uno de nosotros puede colocar esto dentro del corazón, no lo olviden, también en los momentos más difíciles”.  Dijo el Santo Padre: “El Apóstol San Juan en el libro del Apocalipsis lo expone de la siguiente manera: “¡Ven! Que el que escucha diga también: ¡Ven! El que tenga sed, que se acerque y el que lo desee, reciba gratuitamente el agua de la vida”” (Apocalipsis 22:17). ¿Cómo es tu fe y tu oración? ¿Sientes que respondes a Jesús, en su petición al Padre, de permanecer unidos en el amor? ©LPi