New Problems require New Solutions: The Fifth Sunday of Easter

                                  New Problems require New Solutions:

The Fifth Sunday of Easter 

May 7, 2023

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Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12

 

The first reading details to us how the first Christian communities solved their internal disputes, and today, we always want to look back to see how they handled their affairs because it guides us when we have to tackle problems. The problems of the original community were not trivial or less important than the ones we face today. They are fairly similar in that the Hellenists were feeling discriminated against because they were not as important as the Jewish Christians. What did the disciples do? The Twelve called together the community to utter some guidelines and to let the community participate in creating solutions for the common good. Together, they created something new, something that did not exist before in the faith, and it seemed sensible, and everyone’s needs received attention. The Apostles blessed these new ministers, and the growth of the church continued organically. New problems require new solutions. 

 

The Gospel then tells us about the expansiveness of the reign of God. Jesus is telling his followers that there is a place for them and that everyone belongs. Jesus is showing us that the reign of God is about inclusivity. Here, Thomas and Philip have doubts that they express to Jesus. They are not certain of the way, and they are not certain how to get there, but they are willing to trust. Today, we have the Thomases and Philips who do have their doubts about the social and cultural issues facing the church and society, and many have doubts about the Synod and this “new” “old” way of walking together and solving problems. For many, people would rather not talk about racial or class issues, abortion, LGBTQ concerns, homelessness or addictions, but these issues touch every hot button in society. It is okay to have doubts. It is okay not to know the way. It is okay to express fear, and we also have to remember that Jesus tells us not to let our hearts be troubled. Trust in him. The fear we have is not trust. This fear is not faith. He reminds us to be settled, and to stay in the conversation.

 

It is not okay to refuse to talk about these issues politely and civilly so we may be enriched, though we might not be skilled at it. It is not okay to clam up and be silent and to close down our minds in an attitude of presumption. It is not okay to shut out the Holy Spirit thinking that we know best and can control the narrative. The conversations we have can awaken our hearts, minds, attitudes, and imagination to be able to resolve tensions and conflicts lovingly and thoughtfully as the first disciples did. Their consciouses were awakened to new possibilities and opportunities as they wrestled with boundary-expanding questions. Tensions in the Church and society shouldn’t divide our church, but ought to the be impetus to bring us together so that we walk together and enlarge the tent. Jesus tells us the reign of God has many dwelling place; it has many tents that need to be enlarged. It starts with our ability to manage conflict.

 

The bishops put out a statement late last month saying that there needs to be a culture of formation about the Synod that helps people realize that walking and talking with each other, journeying with one another, learning from one another is the new pathway forward for the church. It is a new pathway for new solutions. This is a time of excitement for us as we return to the ways of the first communities of faith and we learn how to move forward by providing everyone with respect and dignity. You have faith in Jesus. Do not let your hearts be troubled. The Disciples showed us how to live prayerfully in a unified community anchored by Jesus the Lord. There are no problems that we cannot resolve as long as we come together with living faith. 

          

Scripture for Daily Mass

 

Monday: (Acts 14) As Gentiles and Jews in Iconium were about to attack Paul and Barnabas, they fled to Lystra where Paul healed a lame man.  

 

Tuesday: (Acts 14) The crowds began to put their faith in Paul and Barnabas as gods, but the men protested and told the story of the Christ event. Opposition to Paul increased shortly afterwards and he was stoned. They left for Derbe to strengthen the disciples in those cities and encouraged them during their times of hardship.

 

Wednesday: (Acts 15) Some of Paul’s Jewish opposition raised the question of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic laws. Along the way to Jerusalem to seek the advice of the Apostles, they told everyone of the conversion of the Gentiles.

 

Thursday: (Acts 15) After much debate, Peter and James decided that no further restrictions were to be made on the Gentiles.

 

Friday (Acts 15) The Apostles and presbyters chose representatives and sent them to Paul and Barnabas with word that the Gentiles were indeed welcomed into the faith with no extra hardships placed upon them. The people were delighted with the good news.

 

Saturday (Acts 13) In Derbe and Lystra, Paul heard of a man named Timothy who was well regarded by the believers. Paul had him circumcised and they travelled to Macedonia to proclaim the good news.

 

Gospel: 

Monday: (John 14) In the Farewell Discourse, Jesus reassures his disciples that he will remain with them if they keep his commandments to love one another. 

 

Tuesday: (John 14) To punctuate his message of consolation, he tells them he will send an advocate to teach and remind them of all he told them.

 

Wednesday (John 15) Jesus leaves them with his lasting peace that will help them endure many difficult times. This peace will allow us people to remain close to him – organically as he is the vine and we are the branches. 

 

Thursday (John 15) Remaining close to Jesus will allow us to share complete joy with one another. 

 

Friday (John 15) Jesus once again proves his love to his friends by saying that the true friend, the Good Shepherd, will lay down his life for his friends.  

 

Saturday (John 14) However, even with the love of Jesus, his followers will experience hatred in this world, but as his friends and as God’s elect, their harm can never really harm the souls of a believer.

 

Saints of the Week

 

May 10: Damien de Veuster of Moloka'i, priest (1840-1889), was a Belgian who entered the Congregation of the Fathers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He was sent on mission to the Hawaiian Islands and was a parish priest for nine years. He then volunteered as a chaplain to the remote leper colony of Moloka'i. He contracted leprosy and died at the colony. He is remembered for his brave choice to accept the mission and to bring respect and dignity to the lepers. He was canonized in 2009. A statue of him stands in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

 

May 12: Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs (early second century), were Roman Imperial soldiers who converted to Christianity. They left the army and were martyred when they refused to sacrifice to idols during Emperor Trajan's reign.

 

May 12: Pancras, martyr, (d. 304)was a Syrian orphan who was brought to Rome by his uncle. Both soon after converted to Christianity. Pancras was beheaded at age 14 during the Diocletian persecution and buried on the Via Aurelia. A cemetery was named after him, but his remains were sent to Northumbria in England where six churches are dedicated to him.

 

May 13: Our Lady of Fatima is a name given to Mary after she appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal between May 13 and October 13, 1917. During her appearances, Mary stressed the importance of repentance, ongoing conversion, and dedicated to the heart of Mary through praying the Rosary. 

 

This Week in Jesuit History

 

• May 7, 1547. Letter of St. Ignatius to the scholastics at Coimbra on Religious Perfection. 
• May 8, 1853. The death of Jan Roothan, the 21st general of the Society, who promoted the central role of the Spiritual Exercises in the work of the Society after the restoration. 
• May 9, 1758. The 19th General Congregation opened, the last of the Old Society. It elected Lorenzo Ricci as general. 
• May 10, 1773. Empress Maria Teresa of Austria changed her friendship for the Society into hatred, because she had been led to believe that a written confession of hers (found and printed by Protestants) had been divulged by the Jesuits. 
• May 11, 1824. St Regis Seminary opens in Florissant, Missouri, by Fr. Van Quickenborne. It was the first Roman Catholic school in USA for the higher education of Native American Indians 
• May 12,1981. A letter of this date, from Secretary of State, Cardinal Casaroli, speaks positively of Teilhard de Chardin in celebration of the centenary of his birth (May 1,1881). 
• May 13, 1572. Election of Gregory XIII to succeed St Pius V. To him the Society owes the foundation of the Roman and German Colleges.