Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
In Jack London’s book, ‘White Fang,, the story of wolves and their interaction with people is told. This book allows the author to belong to and see the world from the eyes of a wolf. In ‘White Fang’ London explores not only the violent life that is the wolf world, but also the equally fierce world of humanity. As it opens two men learn they are being pursued by wolves. This section is how these two men attempt to stave off the predators’ intent on destroying them.
White Fang reminds us that life is fragile. In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus encourage the flock to be protective of their faith. Indeed, both of them are speaking about the near future when they will no longer be physically present to the community that they have protected and nourished until now.
In Paul’s parting words to the leaders of the church in Ephesus, he reminds the elders to be vigilant for the ‘savage wolves’ which will come and draw disciples away. Who and where are the wolves in our lives? The goal of wolves is to tear apart community / humanity, in order to use it for their own purposes. Paul wishes to protect his followers therefore he admonishes them to stay fervent to the Word. Paul also reminds them to live as he did through hard work and by showing compassion to the weak. Paul’s encouragement is for the build-up of the consecrated community.
In the Gospel, Jesus gives us a framework to understand the wolves and echoes that we too are called stay true to the Word. It is in this consecration to the Word and to the truth that we will be preserved and protected from the Evil One. As one Jewish friend describes, evil is about tearing down, while holiness is about building up. And this is where we encounter the dance, in the building up and the tearing down. Sometimes the destructive nature of the wolves draws us in and we too belong more to the world.
Jesus and Paul both pray for a Spirit of protection over the community. The purpose of Jesus’ prayer is so that the disciples will share in the Lord’s joy. His prayer is that the Father will “consecrate them in the truth.” (Jn 17:17) Jesus’ words encourage us in how to better ‘Dance with wolves.’
By consecrating ourselves to the Word and to the truth we will have the tools to stave off the wolves. By staying true to Jesus and the one who sent Him, we show we belong to them and not to the world of the ‘Evil One. Consider today how your words and deeds reflect to whom you belong.
Lord, we rededicate this day and our lives to you! Help us in our daily struggles not to focus directly on our burdens, but to know that are lives are to be positive songs of praise. Lord, let our life song give praise to all the kingdoms of the earth. Amen! Alleluia!
-Michael Montgomery