Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Today’s readings talk about God’s saving power, and call followers of Christ to be instruments of this action here on earth. It seems much easier to see how God’s power is alive and active within our scripture readings, but we are also called to be signs of God’s glory in the way we live in this modern world.
In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas are proclaiming the good news, since they are commanded by God to be “instruments of salvation” for the world. They speak boldly and because of the jealousy of the people in the community they are expelled from the area. They do not despair, but they are joyful and go forward filled with the Holy Spirit. These early disciples are on fire with the Word of God, and answer the call to carry this life-giving news to all who will hear.
Jesus tells the apostles in today’s gospel reading that He and the Father are one. All that Jesus says and does reveal the Father who “dwells” within Jesus. Jesus explains that faith in Him gives His followers the ability to do great works, since it is through our works that the “Father may be glorified in the Son.” Our trust in Jesus allows us to participate in the saving action of God by allowing God’s grace to guide our paths.
As I reflect on these readings, I am challenged to see how I am being called to live these directives in my life. How are we called to be “instruments of salvation” for the world? Focusing on the gospel reading, I believe that we must begin with deepening our relationship with Jesus. A strong faith in Jesus allows us to be connected to the “source.” This relationship building develops when we open ourselves to the many ways that Christ is revealed to us- through prayer, scripture, sacrament, and creation. When we are deeply engaged in these ways, then we allow God’s grace (Spirit) to enlighten our thoughts and actions. We become instruments of God’s salvation through the ways we love, forgive, bring peace, and serve others in our daily lives. When we are alive with the Holy Spirit, the joy of our faith shines through to others. I think Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. says it well: “Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” God’s presence shines through and others see the saving power of God through the small acts of kindness and love we share in the details of our daily lives. When we see the great works of the early disciples, we may question whether we will ever have the same impact on bringing about God’s salvation. But in the small gestures of mercy, love and giving of ourselves, God’s glory does shine through to call others to believe in the saving love of God.
Saving God, Jesus shows the depths of Your love through His life, death and resurrection. As disciples we are called to believe and follow Jesus in our thoughts, words and deeds. Fill us with Your Spirit, so we can live joyful lives proclaiming your Goodness by the lives we lead. May we be “instruments of Your salvation” in all we do, and thereby give you glory. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN
-Marylynn Herchline