Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
As the Easter season draws to a close, the readings show us parallel images of Paul and Jesus drawing their ministries to a close. They are admonishing the believers to be protective of their faith. Both are mindful of the near future when their physical presence will be absent from the communities they have nurtured and guided to this point.
In the first reading, we hear St. Paul’s parting words to the leaders of the church in Ephesus. Paul reminds the elders to be vigilant for the ‘savage wolves’ which will come in his absence. These wolves will preach a truth that tears down the community. Paul commends the flock to God and “to that gracious word of God that can build you up.” (Acts 20:32) For Paul, life in God connected to the word can give one eternal life. This truth, as well as Paul’s example of service to the community, especially the weak, gave the disciples a model of how to be radical followers of Jesus.
In the Gospel of John today, Jesus prays to the Father for protection over the followers he was given. Jesus said, “I speak this prayer in the world so that they may share my joy completely.” (John 17:13b) Jesus’ prayer is that the Lord “consecrate to the truth” all those that were given him. How is truth defined here? For us, the truth is communicated and experienced through the Holy Spirit who was sent to guide and protect us.
This same Spirit founded the “Church of God” to which we belong. A deep faith and strong dedication to the Christian community do not give us immunity from the wolves. The wolves may appear as small negative ripples. These ripples may seem insignificant and harmless. Yet as the ripple expands and is bolstered with similar energy, it can become a wave from whose grip can not easily be broken. Negativity can make us feel as if we are locked in, with no way out, or even paralyzed.
Paralysis might be cured by a Pentecost event, a miracle where the Spirit radically changes our reality in one act. More often than not, the changes occur through many smaller transformational acts of love. These acts that “built up” might be words of encouragement, or serving those in need. It is amazing how a life lived with a positive outlook and a mission to make a difference, can change the world in which we live.
Reflect on the wolves in your midst. Consider one way to decrease the influence of the wolves in your life. Pray then for courage to allow the Holy Spirit to use your voice of power to joyfully sing praise to the Lord. Amen! Alleluia!
-Michael Montgomery