Reflection
As we read Jesus’ discourse at the Last Supper, we not only hear the Apostles’ fears and concerns, but those of the early church: Are we orphans? Where has Jesus gone? How do we find our way to the Lord? These questions may voice our own feelings?
Today, in Acts, Paul, Silas and Timothy are making their way through the churches that Paul and Barnabas founded during an earlier visit, sharing with them the results of the Jerusalem meeting held with the apostles and the elders. The churches are strengthened in faith and increase in number. The Spirit is at work.
Then the Holy Spirit keeps them from preaching in Galatia and Phrygia. When they attempt to go to another area, the Spirit does not allow it. Finally, at Troas, a voice in a dream speaks to Paul: “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” The next stop will be Philippi. The Spirit is at work.
Besides the questions from the Last Supper, we can add, “Where and when is our Macedonia”?
The opening prayer of Mass today keeps before us our Baptisms. A good idea because St. Ambrose tells us that some of the newly Baptized are saying, “What next”? And Cyril of Jerusalem says to his newly baptized, “Look to the signs”, there you will find answers and continue to grow in the mysteries you have embraced.
Here we stand, all of us – apostles, the early church, newly baptized discovering the routine of Christian life, and ourselves who care for our family, do our daily work, go to school. It is the Holy Spirit who will make Jesus words have meaning for us, who will be with us as an Advocate, who will tell us what to say, and who will guide us on our way into the unknown.
Remember the words of Jesus, ‘as servants we are not greater than our master’. We know the master was rejected and persecuted by the world. Can we expect acceptance and applause? Here is the answer that prepares us for all of today’s questions:
Love one another as I love you. This is my commandment.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends. You did not choose me but I chose you. You are to go and bear fruit that will last. The Father will give you whatever you will ask him in my name. These commands I give you so that you may love one another.
