Fifth Sunday of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
From time to time people argue that the world would be a better place if we could only eliminate all religions. Recently, a number of books have been published that argue that religion, in general, is a negative force that restrains societies from improving the welfare of their citizens. The argument is that no matter what happens, people simply resign themselves to the fact that it was God’s will; they become complacent and make no effort to go into the world and improve it. The faithful literally turn their lives over to God and wait for him to do something. This line of thought is a gross misunderstanding of religion and particularly Christianity. Today’s readings highlight the depth of that misunderstanding. Our first reading from Acts describes the beginning of Paul’s ministry. Paul has just arrived in Jerusalem after fleeing from Damascus where a group has tried to kill him for preaching the Gospel. In Jerusalem, we are told that Paul is speaking out “boldly in the name of the Lord” (Acts 9:27) and debating the Hellenists, who also make an attempt on his life. After this second attempt on his life, Paul flees to Caesarea. Paul is clearly not waiting around to see what God does for him. He is actively preaching the Gospel, avoiding attempts on his life and moving from city to city. This is not a passive “let’s see what happens” ministry. Paul, inspired by God, is taking the initiative to do something.
In today’s second reading from First John, we are instructed “. . . love not in word or speech but in deed or truth” (1st Jn 3:18) and to “do” (1st Jn 3:22) what pleases God. Again, it is made clear that we are instructed to take action. Waiting for events to simply unfold with a sense of resignation is not consistent with this direction.
In the Gospel reading from John, Jesus again returns to the imagery of the vine and branch that bears fruit, and instructs us that he is the vine and we are the branches and the expectation is that we will bear much fruit. This instruction illustrates that it is false to suggest that we must somehow make a choice between peace and immersing ourselves in the turmoil of the world. The exact opposite is true. It is through our inner peace that we find the strength to change the very worst aspects of the world and the human condition. Through our actions to improve the present, we strengthen our union with Christ.
When we encounter the criticism that religion is not a positive force in the world, it might be helpful to point out that history does not support that view, but this is likely not persuasive. The person who has adopted this viewpoint is probably familiar with the charity work, universities, medical centers and other acts that have been initiated in the name of Christ, yet they have still not been convinced. Instead, we might try a more personal approach. When we encounter a negative viewpoint, instead of referencing a large organization or historic fact about the positive works of Christianity, we, instead, should reference the actions that we are specifically taking to ensure that we are living our faith and improving our community. If we are asked to identify these actions, what will we say? Will we be persuasive?
A couple of weeks ago at mass, the following quote from St. Theresa of Avila was read; it is particularly relevant in the context of today’s readings: “Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the feet with which he goes about doing good, and yours are the hands with which he is to bless us now.” Taking action to improve our present condition is not at odds with our faith; it is a natural expression of the depth of our faith.
- John Sperino