Fifth Sunday of Easter
Those of you who had reached the age of reason by 1970, perhaps, will remember the small-pox menace. This deadly virus killed hundreds of thousands of people. And finally, in a global attempt, the virus was eradicated from the known world. Fourty years later, though, a huge debate is brewing about the small-pox virus, which is preserved in two laboratories, one in Russia and the other in the United States. Other countries, especially poorer countries are proposing that there is no merit in preserving a virus as destructive as this one. There are others, though, who say that the virus must be preserved for the sake of science. However, as the discussion heats up, we realize that the decision to either destroy or preserve the virus is more about politics than about anything else. There is tremendous fear on behalf of the Russians and the Americans that the virus could be used as a biological weapon and that the side without the virus could end up with a debilitating disadvantage. This is just one example of how the world, as beautiful and delightful as it is, is also beset with problems. The manner in which we go about solving our most complex issues will reveal the character of the people of our time.
The church is not unlike my last statement. The church is holy. But, being also human, it has constantly faced vexing obstacles and complex challenges along the way. The three readings that we have read today, tell us that the state of the Christian community both in the pre-Easter and post-Easter communities was delicate. Perhaps, we should begin with the gospel reading. John composed this section of the gospel as Jesus’ farewell address. However, the disciples seem way out of league with Jesus. It compels Jesus to say “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me?” On one level, Jesus was talking to the disciples, but on another level, John was addressing the problem of his community. They faced doubts and frustration about the Christ event. The problem in the first reading is also rather disconcerting. The Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. There seems to be partisanship, racial and cultural division in the Christian community. And then there is the second reading from the first letter of Peter. Peter’s is clearly addressing those who, from the Christian perspective, have rejected God’s word made manifest in Jesus. Of them, he would say, “They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.” My point is laying these issues out is pretty simple. On the one hand, there were many amazing things that happened among the early Christians. For example, as today’s first reading says, their numbers grew. On the other hand, it is also possible to conclude that life for these people was not unlike our own times – there were good things, but it was the way in which they would solve the most complex problem would prove their character.
Let me offer three points for us to reflect upon.
1. Let us address the issue of the division between the Hellenist and the Hebrews. The character of the early church is proven in the way the finally resolved the issue at stake. Their solution was creative, godly and most of all, healing. They selected from among them seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom they appointed to the task of distribution while the disciples devoted themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. From the names we know that there were among them Jews and Greeks. What does this mean for us? We are God’s people in the here and now. There are many beautiful and delightful things among us. But there are also divisions among us and conflicting opinions – should the RTA extend its service to Beavercreek? Should our kids mix with voucher kids? Should we encourage non-Catholic kids in our schools? How do we take care of the poor in our midst? What shall we do with the immigrants who live on the fringes of society? How we go about resolving these issues in a creative, godly and holy way will prove our Christian character. To this we are called.
2. Talking about the ‘call,’ let me begin in second point with the words of Peter from today’s second reading. Peter, talking to his Christian community, says, You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” This is the Christian character for Christian communites. In light of the other readings, it is possible to say that, today, for us, Peter’s address to us is that we keep our Christian calling in mind as we address the challenges in our midst. How would Christ address the RTA transportation issue? How does God expect his chosen people to deal with the poor, the voucher kids, the immigrants, or those who feel alienated? If we are God’s own people, who do we invite to our schools or not? Who will feel welcome to worship with us or not? The way in which we answer these questions will prove whether we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own. The way in which we resolve these issues will tell us if we are a people who are still in darkness or if we are in God’s his wonderful light.
3. I want Jesus to have the last word today. It is not easy to admit that there are problems among us as there was in the early Christian community. But Jesus says to us today; “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” And then to the very undiscerning Phillip, he said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” My interpretation of Jesus’ words is that Jesus was not laying out a doctrine in this phrase. Rather, he was pointing out to his own life. Jesus faced obstacle and challenges too. In the desert, at weddings, at meals, in sinful situations (adulteress woman), in the midst of storms, illness, and even his own suffering and death, Jesus brought love, reconciliation and healing. The truth that Jesus revealed in the gospel can be reduced to two simple principles – passionate love of God and genuine love of each other. The “Truth” is Jesus on the cross, passionately raised above the ground toward God while stretching out his arms to humanity in genuine love. Now Jesus asks the disciples to follow him, who is the Way, the Truth and Life. It is in the radical following of the Way and Truth that we will become a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart.” The Life of Jesus is our Christian character.
To this Jesus we come as we continue to celebrate this Eucharist. As we participate in this the life of Jesus, let his allow his life to penetrate our very being. As we come forward to receive him in communion, let us also walk on the Way that Jesus laid out for us. In this way, may we be a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people set apart. Amen.
- Fr. Satish Joseph