Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
“God is king of all the earth.” (Ps 47:8a) I have attended several graduation ceremonies, masses, and awards presentations the last couple of weeks–it’s that time of year. We talk to graduates about milestones, journeys, accomplishments, dreams, and goals. This week, I was struck by a comment from a local Catholic school principal who briefly reminded his 8th graders of their conversations over the last couple of years about ‘the ultimate goal’. That is, everything we do–every decision, deed, relationship–orients around the goal of union with Christ. We are called to be saints; we are called to be united with God in the heavenly kingdom. What a great prompt for me to reflect on in my own life. Not only is this a powerful message for the students who are endeavoring into their next adventure in life, but an important reminder for all of us to consider. Is God the king of my life?
The psalm fits in the middle of a beautiful string of readings today. In the first reading, we continue to journey through Paul’s ministry. Paul, an incredible individual, transformed by an encounter with Christ, now relentlessly embarks on the mission of bringing Christ to the world. Drawing the communities of Corinth and Athens and Ephesus and Antioch (etc, etc.) toward that ultimate goal. I have heard the stories of Paul for my entire life; so many times though that it is easy to forget just how amazing his conversion and successive work was. He took the gospel message out to the whole world. The story of the resurrected Christ was being shared everywhere and to everyone. I can hear Paul telling the people of Corinth to “clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness, for the Lord, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth” (Ps 47:2-3). Why? Because Jesus Christ is truly risen. Alleluia! God became man, entering into our dysfunction and showed us the path to eternal life. Christ is that path. God is king of all the earth.
Similarly, in the gospel, Jesus tells his disciples, “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” There is much to weep and mourn over currently: war in Ukraine, shootings at grocery stores and elementary schools, friends and family fighting disease, seething hatred and volatility coming from political leaders. Where is the light in all of the darkness? Where is the hope in the sea of despair? Christ is light, hope, love, joy. God is king of all the earth. If we believe this, let us rejoice in the hope of Christ, clap our hands in the light of God. May we always, ALWAYS embrace the ultimate goal: heaven. Love one another. Think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, act like Jesus. The path to the father is through the son. Christ is light, in him there is no darkness. Come to him, and he will bring you light.
Peace,
Brandon Meyer