Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
I find it helpful that today’s readings offer us a glimpse both forward and backward from Easter. The events from the first reading (Acts) to the gospel reading (John) are not in chronological order, thereby providing a different perspective. We move from the post-resurrection enthusiasm and courage of the apostles in Acts to the pre-crucifixion and -resurrection disciples still not fully “getting” this Jesus who performs the miracle of the loaves and fish in the gospel of John.
Who is this Jesus that takes what little food is on hand and multiplies it to feed the thousands gathered there? The disciples seem surprised and the crowds are impressed and want to “carry him off to make him king”; Jesus, sensing this, “withdrew again to the mountain alone.”
It’s easy to love and follow Jesus when he’s feeding people, healing the sick, performing various miracles, isn’t it? Let’s make him king! But we know the crowds eventually turn on him and the religious leaders are threatened by him. We recall how on Palm Sunday just a few weeks ago the liturgy took us from Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem to his passion and death on the cross, and some of his closest disciples denying him.
And now we are, once again, in the post-resurrection Easter season. The disciples' initial confusion and fear are transformed into courage and conviction that cannot be contained! They are not only willing to be arrested and flogged for preaching and healing in Jesus’ name, but are “rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.”
Oh, to have such courage and joy even in the midst of suffering! Perhaps they even sang the same psalm (27) that we are also given today, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?”
As we continue this Easter season, anticipating the Feast of Pentecost, let us pray for that same post-resurrection enthusiasm. May we be strengthened and filled with hope this day, this week, this season of Easter joy. Amen, Alleluia.
—Eileen Miller