BIBLE STUDY #40
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 1, 2011
Gospel John 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But he said to them,
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Imagine what the disciples must been undergoing. Jesus had died and they probably felt like they must have been mistaken to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. I’d bet they felt like their following of Jesus was in vain. And if Jesus was killed, would they be next? They still didn’t understand the resurrection and lack the courage to believe in the risen Jesus.
Jesus appears in the midst of the disciples and says, “Peace be with you”. There is only 10 disciples because Judas hung himself and Thomas is not present. This is the resurrected Jesus with a resurrected body. He is not bound by space and time, and can appear to people through walls and locked doors; but he still has human characteristics: he still has a human body, and he can eat.
This peace that Jesus gives the disciples is the peace promised in several parts of the Old Testament when the days of deliverance arrive; that is when the Messiah arrives. This peace now comes from the risen Jesus who has overcome death and delivered us from the bonds of sin and death.
It is interesting to note that it is only when Jesus showed them his hands and his side with the nail marks did they believe it was Jesus. Did they not recognize him otherwise? Was he changed so much as to be unrecognizable? It seems to me that this is what all disciples of Jesus aspire to: to be totally changed into the image and likeness of God.
Jesus then sends them on a mission, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” They are sent to continue the mission and ministry of Jesus, which still is the mission of the church in general and all of us in particular. It is our job to proclaim the good news that Jesus is risen from the dead.
This sending on a mission should remind us of the end of Matthew’s Gospel when Jesus gives the Apostles a mission right before he ascends into heaven: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always until the end of the age.” Continuing the mission of Jesus is to teach, to baptize, and to evangelize.
This sending should also remind us of our own baptism when we were sent on a mission to be priests, prophets, and kings. Priests in the sense of being a people of prayer, prophets in the sense of taking the opportunity to speak about our faith, and kings in the sense that Jesus was a king: he was a servant to all.
In today’s gospel, we are also called to preach God’s forgiveness and to offer that forgiveness to all people. We are to preach that God has paid the penalty for our sins and forgiveness is for the asking.
There is a resurrection story that didn’t make it into the gospels. Mary of Magdala sees the resurrected Jesus and runs to the upper room to share this news with the apostles. She arrives out of breath. Peter is concerned and asks her, “Mary, what’s the matter?” In between gasping for breath, she responds, “I have some good news, and I have some bad news. What do you want first?” Peter responds, “How about the good news?” Mary says, “Jesus is risen! I have seen him! Alleluia!” “Wow,” Peter says, “that’s great news! What could possible be bad after that?” Mary responds, “Well, he wants to talk to you guys about last Friday.”
If this story were true, what would Jesus say to the Apostles? I forgive you. That’s the whole point: through Jesus our sins are forgiven and we can become the saintly and holy people God intends for us. This is news worth spreading.
This is quite a mission we have and one that might seem overwhelming except for the fact that we are bolstered in our mission by the Holy Spirit, without whom we are helpless. Jesus breathes on the apostles and gives them the Holy Spirit. In John’s gospel, there is no Pentecost as there is in the Acts of the Apostles; this act of breathing on them is John’s Pentecost.
This breathing should remind us of Genesis 2:7 where God breathed into the first man to give him life. Just as Adam’s life came from God, now the spiritual life of the apostles comes from Jesus.
When the bishop consecrates the sacred chrism at the Chrism Mass (which can be held on Holy Thursday morning, or at some other time. In the Paterson diocese this mass is held on the Monday evening of Holy Week) he breathes into the chrism, giving the chrism the power of the Holy Spirit. This chrism is used to confer new spiritual life at baptism, confirmation, and holy orders.
Thomas, called Didymus (meaning twin), was not present at this resurrection appearance and doesn’t believe that Jesus is risen. Who can blame him? No one had ever risen from the dead before, so why should he believe it? Resurrection was not part of what the people believed concerning the Messiah (neither was dying on a cross). I think most people wouldn’t believe unless they see for themselves, either.
Why did Thomas believe? Because he had a personal experience of the risen Christ. That’s why it is pointless to argue religion with other people who don’t believe. True faith is more than mass attendance, or knowledge, or professing a creed; we believe because, in some way, we have been touched by Christ and received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Thomas’s conversion came because he was able to touch the wounds of Jesus. Many times, our conversion comes because Christ touches and heals our wounds. That’s why seeking forgiveness for our sins is so important: it heals the wounds of sin and division.
In our mission to continue the mission and ministry of Jesus, the first person we need to convert is ourselves. We need that personal experience of the risen Lord in our own lives to change and transform us, to resurrect us from our sins, faults and failings before we can ever share God’s love with others. We can’t share with others what we don’t have ourselves.
That’s why I think the early disciples were so successful in their evangelizing. It wasn’t that they had the ‘magic’ words that would convert people, nor were they any smarter than anyone else, nor were they necessarily charismatic; but they had an experience of the risen Christ and it showed in their lives. Their faith made a huge difference in who they were, what they believed, and how they acted. It changed and transformed them to a point where I think people looked at someone like Peter and thought to themselves “I don’t know or understand what happened to him, but it has made such a great difference in his life, and I want that in my life.”
We call Thomas “Doubting Thomas’, when we should really call him ‘Believing Thomas’. In the end, he professed Jesus as “My Lord and my God.” If you have doubts, or maybe are a bit unsure about matters of faith, I ask you to open your heart and invite Jesus in; pray for an experience of the risen Lord to help you overcome your doubts and unbelief.
May we all profess Jesus as our Lord and God, and may our light shine for all to see.
Fr. Phil
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #39
TRIDUUM AND EASTER
April 21- April 24, 2011
Gospel readings:
• Holy Thursday: John 13:1-15
• Good Friday: John18:1 – 19:42
• Holy Saturday: Matthew 28:1-10
• Easter Sunday: John 20: 1-9
Reflection
Reproducing all of the gospel readings would be too cumbersome, so I have listed the gospel references for each day. You can look it up.
We hear the word ‘Triduum’ a lot this time of year. What does it mean? It is a fancy word that means 3 days and it begins on Holy Thursday and ends on Easter Sunday. But, isn’t this 4 days? Yes, but it depends on when you begin and end. The Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the evening on Holy Thursday and concludes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday, which is actually only 3 days. The high point is the celebration of the Easter Vigil.
If you are fasting during Lent and wondering when Lent ends, it ends on Holy Thursday evening. However, there are some who continue their fast until the Easter Vigil.
We tend to split up all the events of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, into individual ‘events’, as if they were no connection between them. We also tend to think in the sense of history, that we are re-enacting these events. For example, we do this with the Living Stations of the Cross. Another example is having a Seder.
Sometimes we try to identify ourselves with a certain character. Am I like Judas? Do I betray friendships and those I love? Am I like Peter? Can I be trusted? Am I like the women and the Beloved Disciple who follow Jesus all the way to the cross? What would I do if I were in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus when the Romans arrived? Would I flee?
Instead of looking at the Holy Week events as history, or even placing ourselves in this history, I ask you to look at them as mystery. In my mind, it’s not enough to know what Jesus did; more importantly, what is he doing for me now and what will he do in the future? How is God’s mysterious love changing and affecting my life?
Instead of reflecting on the scriptures, I am going to give you some ideas for meditation and prayer during this holiest of weeks.
HOLY THURSDAY
There are 3 principal mysteries contained in this celebration that should be included in the homily: the eucharist, the priesthood, and love.
Eucharist
Jesus gave us this great gift of Eucharist the night before he died to strengthen us on our own pilgrim journey through life. He left us his body and blood, his soul and divinity in the form of bread and wine. We receive this special gift at communion. The Lord is also present in other ways at Mass: 1) we believe that God is present in the proclamation and hearing of God’s holy and living word in scripture; 2) we also pray that God touch the heart of the preacher so that he brings God’s presence to others;.3) we believe that God is present in the community. Jesus says that where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, he is present.
We need to accept and believe as a matter of faith that the bread and wine we receive at Mass is the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. When we do this, I think we realize what a great gift we have in the eucharist, and we come to a better understanding of God’s great live for us. Personally, I feel closer to God and strengthened in my faith and Christian commitment when I receive communion. While personal prayer is important, I think sacraments are the essence of our ongoing relationship with Christ. I have been to services in other Christian churches. They can be lively and faith filled, but when they are over, I feel like I missed something if there is no eucharist.
One of the reasons I like doing this internet bible study is that it puts me much more in contact with the meaning and the blessing of scripture. The more I study it, the more I see God in the words of scripture, and feel God in my heart. Scripture is a living word, and sometimes I am blessed to see passages in a different light. I hope this bible study opens you up to God’s presence in scripture, if only in a little way.
Questions to ponder: What do you believe about the eucharist? When have I felt God’s love through the eucharist? Am I fully committed to weekly Mass attendance? When at Mass do I fully participate? Do I pray with Scripture?
Priesthood
The night Jesus instituted the eucharist, he also instituted the priesthood. He told his apostles to ‘do this in memory of me’. We priests stand in the place of Jesus to mediate God’s presence in word and sacrament. We not only bring God to people, I hope we also bring people to God. It is both a tremendous responsibility and a tremendous joy to be able to serve people in this way.
God will not be outdone in generosity. He promised to repay us 30, 60, and 100 fold for whatever we do. I certainly have felt God’s many blessings in this way, as priests usually do. I feel that I get back much more than ii give. That’s why I’m astounded that there are more vocations. I think if young men realized what a powerful and grace filled life comes with a vocation, there would be more vocations than we need.
We priests need all of you to pray for us so we can carry out our mission to spread the good news.
Questions to ponder: How has a priest touched my life in the past? Do I pray for priests? Have I ever encouraged someone to consider a vocation?
Love
This theme of love is dramatized in the washing of the feet. Imagine the Son of God, the Christ, the Messiah, getting down on his hands and knees and washing feet, which was the job of a slave. Jesus shows us that, in its basic and truest form, love is an action. What a great example to us: loving each other through humbly serving each other.
Questions to ponder: Do we let our inflated ego get in the way of loving each other? What are other ways I can ‘wash the feet’ of others? Am I a good steward of my time, talent, and treasure?
GOOD FRIDAY
Suffering is a part of everyone’s life; it just can’t be avoided. It’s not a matter of if, but of when, how much, and how long. Jesus certainly had his own share of suffering, his passion being the biggest of his sufferings. It also must have hurt when those closest to him didn’t understand him; when those who opposed to him tried to get him; and when people came for physical healing but ignored the spiritual healing.
But think about these things: Jesus had his own share of illnesses; it must have pained him to live in an occupied country; he must have suffered when work was scarce; and he must have suffered when those he loved became sick and/or died, like his foster father (and our patron) Joseph.
Even in the midst of life’s troubles, Jesus remained true to his vocation. He only asked for relief from suffering if it was his Father’s will. Even knowing the terrible death he was to endure, he kept going out of love for his Father and love for us.
One of the reasons Jesus is believable to me is because he understands. He has been through the same things as we have and then some. Faith tells us that all is not lost, that we can find hope in the midst of even great suffering.
When I was the catholic chaplain at Chilton Hospital, I had been visiting this one man whenever he came in for chemo and radiation. He would be in the hospital for a few days at a time to receive his treatment. I made it a habit to stop and talk for a few minutes.
As we became friendlier, he opened up to me about his illness. He told me one day that he was prepared for whatever lay in store for him, we prayed together for god’s will.
One day I went to visit him and his wife and adult daughter were in the room. His wife looked at me, smiled, and said, “We get to take him home today.” He looked at me, rolled his eyes, and said in a loud voice, “I’m going home to die.” It turns out that there was nothing further the doctors could do.
His wife and daughter were speechless. They looked to me for a reply. I said, “Well, when you get to heaven, would you pray for that priest who visited you all those times?”
He looked at me, smiled, and said, “OK.”
This man was facing the biggest crisis of his life in a calm and faith filled way. He looked to God in his trouble and was rewarded with God’s grace and peace. I have no doubt that this man is in eternal life. Not because of anything he did, but of what Jesus did for us.
Whenever things get tough, I think of this man and his memory is greatly inspiring.
Questions to ponder: When things get tough, do I turn to God? Can I join my sufferings to those of Christ for the salvation of the world? Am I a faithful follower of Jesus regardless of the cost?
HOLY SATURDAY/EASTER SUNDAY
Jesus is risen! Alleluia! The tomb is empty. The price of our sins is paid. Death is conquered. In John’s Gospel, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. She didn’t recognize him in his resurrected body. He still had a physical body, he could eat (but didn’t have to), he had flesh and bones, but he was different: he wasn’t bound any longer by space and time.
The power of the resurrection transformed Jesus and he appeared in all his glory. He is alive and never to die again. He suffered died, and rose from the dead, for each one of us individually. He wants to resurrect us from our faults, failings and sins. He wants to change us bit by bit into a holy person.
I saw a very moving skit at a youth retreat about Calvary. The soldiers marched Jesus up to Calvary, and couldn’t find the nails. Jesus joins in the search for the missing nails. He is the first to find them. What does he do? Throw them away or hide them? No, he gives them to the soldiers.
That’s how much God loves us and wants to be a part of our lives. He is patiently waiting for us to turn to him so he can transform our lives.
Did you ever hear the legend of the folded napkin? Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed separate from the grave clothes.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because.....
The folded napkin meant -
''I'm coming back!''
He is Coming Back!
In fact, he is already here. He comes to us whenever we open our hearts to his transforming love.
On this Easter Sunday, this great day of salvation, I ask you to simply turn your life over to the Lord. It doesn’t matter how long you have been away, it doesn’t matter if you are lukewarm in your faith, it doesn’t how much or how often you have sinned, it only matters if you accept Jesus into your heart.
No fancy prayer is needed. No theology is required. You can do this on your own. He is waiting. Just pray something simple: “Jesus, I’m sorry for all the things I have done wrong and ask you forgiveness. I pray that the saving, transforming, and healing power of your love can be a part of my life to transform me to be the disciple you want me to be. Amen. “
No matter who you are, we invite you to be a part of our faith community. God accepts us for who we are, and it is only his love that can transform us into saints. We accept you too and want you to worship with us and be a part of church. Come, join us, and let God transform your life into something you just can’t imagine.
Only one question left to ponder: Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Fr. Phil
TRIDUUM AND EASTER
April 21- April 24, 2011
Gospel readings:
• Holy Thursday: John 13:1-15
• Good Friday: John18:1 – 19:42
• Holy Saturday: Matthew 28:1-10
• Easter Sunday: John 20: 1-9
Reflection
Reproducing all of the gospel readings would be too cumbersome, so I have listed the gospel references for each day. You can look it up.
We hear the word ‘Triduum’ a lot this time of year. What does it mean? It is a fancy word that means 3 days and it begins on Holy Thursday and ends on Easter Sunday. But, isn’t this 4 days? Yes, but it depends on when you begin and end. The Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the evening on Holy Thursday and concludes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday, which is actually only 3 days. The high point is the celebration of the Easter Vigil.
If you are fasting during Lent and wondering when Lent ends, it ends on Holy Thursday evening. However, there are some who continue their fast until the Easter Vigil.
We tend to split up all the events of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, into individual ‘events’, as if they were no connection between them. We also tend to think in the sense of history, that we are re-enacting these events. For example, we do this with the Living Stations of the Cross. Another example is having a Seder.
Sometimes we try to identify ourselves with a certain character. Am I like Judas? Do I betray friendships and those I love? Am I like Peter? Can I be trusted? Am I like the women and the Beloved Disciple who follow Jesus all the way to the cross? What would I do if I were in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus when the Romans arrived? Would I flee?
Instead of looking at the Holy Week events as history, or even placing ourselves in this history, I ask you to look at them as mystery. In my mind, it’s not enough to know what Jesus did; more importantly, what is he doing for me now and what will he do in the future? How is God’s mysterious love changing and affecting my life?
Instead of reflecting on the scriptures, I am going to give you some ideas for meditation and prayer during this holiest of weeks.
HOLY THURSDAY
There are 3 principal mysteries contained in this celebration that should be included in the homily: the eucharist, the priesthood, and love.
Eucharist
Jesus gave us this great gift of Eucharist the night before he died to strengthen us on our own pilgrim journey through life. He left us his body and blood, his soul and divinity in the form of bread and wine. We receive this special gift at communion. The Lord is also present in other ways at Mass: 1) we believe that God is present in the proclamation and hearing of God’s holy and living word in scripture; 2) we also pray that God touch the heart of the preacher so that he brings God’s presence to others;.3) we believe that God is present in the community. Jesus says that where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, he is present.
We need to accept and believe as a matter of faith that the bread and wine we receive at Mass is the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. When we do this, I think we realize what a great gift we have in the eucharist, and we come to a better understanding of God’s great live for us. Personally, I feel closer to God and strengthened in my faith and Christian commitment when I receive communion. While personal prayer is important, I think sacraments are the essence of our ongoing relationship with Christ. I have been to services in other Christian churches. They can be lively and faith filled, but when they are over, I feel like I missed something if there is no eucharist.
One of the reasons I like doing this internet bible study is that it puts me much more in contact with the meaning and the blessing of scripture. The more I study it, the more I see God in the words of scripture, and feel God in my heart. Scripture is a living word, and sometimes I am blessed to see passages in a different light. I hope this bible study opens you up to God’s presence in scripture, if only in a little way.
Questions to ponder: What do you believe about the eucharist? When have I felt God’s love through the eucharist? Am I fully committed to weekly Mass attendance? When at Mass do I fully participate? Do I pray with Scripture?
Priesthood
The night Jesus instituted the eucharist, he also instituted the priesthood. He told his apostles to ‘do this in memory of me’. We priests stand in the place of Jesus to mediate God’s presence in word and sacrament. We not only bring God to people, I hope we also bring people to God. It is both a tremendous responsibility and a tremendous joy to be able to serve people in this way.
God will not be outdone in generosity. He promised to repay us 30, 60, and 100 fold for whatever we do. I certainly have felt God’s many blessings in this way, as priests usually do. I feel that I get back much more than ii give. That’s why I’m astounded that there are more vocations. I think if young men realized what a powerful and grace filled life comes with a vocation, there would be more vocations than we need.
We priests need all of you to pray for us so we can carry out our mission to spread the good news.
Questions to ponder: How has a priest touched my life in the past? Do I pray for priests? Have I ever encouraged someone to consider a vocation?
Love
This theme of love is dramatized in the washing of the feet. Imagine the Son of God, the Christ, the Messiah, getting down on his hands and knees and washing feet, which was the job of a slave. Jesus shows us that, in its basic and truest form, love is an action. What a great example to us: loving each other through humbly serving each other.
Questions to ponder: Do we let our inflated ego get in the way of loving each other? What are other ways I can ‘wash the feet’ of others? Am I a good steward of my time, talent, and treasure?
GOOD FRIDAY
Suffering is a part of everyone’s life; it just can’t be avoided. It’s not a matter of if, but of when, how much, and how long. Jesus certainly had his own share of suffering, his passion being the biggest of his sufferings. It also must have hurt when those closest to him didn’t understand him; when those who opposed to him tried to get him; and when people came for physical healing but ignored the spiritual healing.
But think about these things: Jesus had his own share of illnesses; it must have pained him to live in an occupied country; he must have suffered when work was scarce; and he must have suffered when those he loved became sick and/or died, like his foster father (and our patron) Joseph.
Even in the midst of life’s troubles, Jesus remained true to his vocation. He only asked for relief from suffering if it was his Father’s will. Even knowing the terrible death he was to endure, he kept going out of love for his Father and love for us.
One of the reasons Jesus is believable to me is because he understands. He has been through the same things as we have and then some. Faith tells us that all is not lost, that we can find hope in the midst of even great suffering.
When I was the catholic chaplain at Chilton Hospital, I had been visiting this one man whenever he came in for chemo and radiation. He would be in the hospital for a few days at a time to receive his treatment. I made it a habit to stop and talk for a few minutes.
As we became friendlier, he opened up to me about his illness. He told me one day that he was prepared for whatever lay in store for him, we prayed together for god’s will.
One day I went to visit him and his wife and adult daughter were in the room. His wife looked at me, smiled, and said, “We get to take him home today.” He looked at me, rolled his eyes, and said in a loud voice, “I’m going home to die.” It turns out that there was nothing further the doctors could do.
His wife and daughter were speechless. They looked to me for a reply. I said, “Well, when you get to heaven, would you pray for that priest who visited you all those times?”
He looked at me, smiled, and said, “OK.”
This man was facing the biggest crisis of his life in a calm and faith filled way. He looked to God in his trouble and was rewarded with God’s grace and peace. I have no doubt that this man is in eternal life. Not because of anything he did, but of what Jesus did for us.
Whenever things get tough, I think of this man and his memory is greatly inspiring.
Questions to ponder: When things get tough, do I turn to God? Can I join my sufferings to those of Christ for the salvation of the world? Am I a faithful follower of Jesus regardless of the cost?
HOLY SATURDAY/EASTER SUNDAY
Jesus is risen! Alleluia! The tomb is empty. The price of our sins is paid. Death is conquered. In John’s Gospel, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. She didn’t recognize him in his resurrected body. He still had a physical body, he could eat (but didn’t have to), he had flesh and bones, but he was different: he wasn’t bound any longer by space and time.
The power of the resurrection transformed Jesus and he appeared in all his glory. He is alive and never to die again. He suffered died, and rose from the dead, for each one of us individually. He wants to resurrect us from our faults, failings and sins. He wants to change us bit by bit into a holy person.
I saw a very moving skit at a youth retreat about Calvary. The soldiers marched Jesus up to Calvary, and couldn’t find the nails. Jesus joins in the search for the missing nails. He is the first to find them. What does he do? Throw them away or hide them? No, he gives them to the soldiers.
That’s how much God loves us and wants to be a part of our lives. He is patiently waiting for us to turn to him so he can transform our lives.
Did you ever hear the legend of the folded napkin? Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed separate from the grave clothes.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because.....
The folded napkin meant -
''I'm coming back!''
He is Coming Back!
In fact, he is already here. He comes to us whenever we open our hearts to his transforming love.
On this Easter Sunday, this great day of salvation, I ask you to simply turn your life over to the Lord. It doesn’t matter how long you have been away, it doesn’t matter if you are lukewarm in your faith, it doesn’t how much or how often you have sinned, it only matters if you accept Jesus into your heart.
No fancy prayer is needed. No theology is required. You can do this on your own. He is waiting. Just pray something simple: “Jesus, I’m sorry for all the things I have done wrong and ask you forgiveness. I pray that the saving, transforming, and healing power of your love can be a part of my life to transform me to be the disciple you want me to be. Amen. “
No matter who you are, we invite you to be a part of our faith community. God accepts us for who we are, and it is only his love that can transform us into saints. We accept you too and want you to worship with us and be a part of church. Come, join us, and let God transform your life into something you just can’t imagine.
Only one question left to ponder: Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Fr. Phil
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
LITURGICAL RENEWAL I
We have been talking for several months about the renewal of the Liturgy, specifically the changes brought about by the new translation of the new Roman Missal. We have decided to expand this renewal to include not just new words, but new thoughts and actions. We would like to have a renewal that brings more understanding, respect, and reverence towards the Eucharist. I will be using the parish newsletter as a forum to address these topics in the future, which will include such topics as talking in the church, children and the Eucharist, a theology of the Eucharist, and any other topics I think needs to be addressed.
Today, I would like to talk about two topics: cell phones in church, and bathroom usage during Mass.
Cell Phones
Please make sure you either turn your cell phones (and other electronic devices) off or turn them to vibrate prior to entering the Church. If you don’t really need the phone (which most people don’t), then maybe you should just leave them at home. If you are on call, such as someone in the medical field, then you do need to have a cell phone, then it should be on vibrate. One Saturday evening Mass, I heard 4 cells phone ringing at different times at Mass. This is very distracting to other people, and it is disruptive of prayer. Why do we need to be in constant contact? The answer is, we don’t. Please be courteous to other people and turn off your phones.
Bathroom Usage
In recent months, we have begun to see a parade of people, mostly children, but also a few adults, going to the bathroom during Mass. Unfortunately, the bathroom is in an awkward spot. If it were in the rear of the Church, it wouldn’t be as much of a problem. I have looked into moving the bathroom, and it is in excess of $10,000.00. This is not the answer.
I can’t tell you how many people have complained to me about the number of people who walk by the sanctuary area to get to the bathroom whenever they feel like it, whether it is during the gospel, the homily or even during the consecration (don’t people know what is going on?).
It seems to me that there could be a lack of understanding or even a lack of respect for what we are doing at Mass. I have seen the same kids walk to the bathroom 2 or 3 times during one mass. They are not going to the bathroom, but going for a walk. At one Saturday evening mass, I came in the side door by the pulpit for the announcements, and a couple of kids were sitting in the chairs in that little hallway, and they were talking. I asked them what they were doing, and they said they were going to the bathroom. At that moment, another kid came in and went by us and into the bathroom. I told them to go back to their pews.
These types of actions are very disruptive to me when I am celebrating Mass. It is hard to focus on what I am doing or saying when I am distracted by a parade of bathroom goers. It is easy to lose my train of thought during a homily or my place in the Eucharistic prayer when people are walking around the church. These things are not acceptable. It is disrespectful to the Lord when we can’t sit there for 45 minutes and pray with the priest and the others at Mass. I have received many complaints from people who feel the same way. As part of our liturgical renewal, we need to change these practices.
Last weekend, when the bathroom door was locked by accident, we didn’t have a problem; there were no catastrophes. I thought the Masses were much more dignified and respectful when people stayed in their pews. It was a much improved worship experience.
From now on, the bathroom door will be locked during Mass. Please make sure you take care of your needs before you come to church. I don’t think this is too much to ask. We will leave Halloran Hall open for those who absolutely must use a bathroom. Please exit out the front doors.
CONCLUSION
After our cell phones are quieted, and after we get used to the bathroom doors being locked and bathroom parade no longer happens, I think you will agree with me that we will experience a much more dignified and respectful Mass, a much better opportunity to grow in the love and peace of the Lord.
I will be writing to you in the future concerning other topics that will enhance our prayer experience at Mass.
God bless you and thank you for all you do to make our parish the best!
Fr Phil
We have been talking for several months about the renewal of the Liturgy, specifically the changes brought about by the new translation of the new Roman Missal. We have decided to expand this renewal to include not just new words, but new thoughts and actions. We would like to have a renewal that brings more understanding, respect, and reverence towards the Eucharist. I will be using the parish newsletter as a forum to address these topics in the future, which will include such topics as talking in the church, children and the Eucharist, a theology of the Eucharist, and any other topics I think needs to be addressed.
Today, I would like to talk about two topics: cell phones in church, and bathroom usage during Mass.
Cell Phones
Please make sure you either turn your cell phones (and other electronic devices) off or turn them to vibrate prior to entering the Church. If you don’t really need the phone (which most people don’t), then maybe you should just leave them at home. If you are on call, such as someone in the medical field, then you do need to have a cell phone, then it should be on vibrate. One Saturday evening Mass, I heard 4 cells phone ringing at different times at Mass. This is very distracting to other people, and it is disruptive of prayer. Why do we need to be in constant contact? The answer is, we don’t. Please be courteous to other people and turn off your phones.
Bathroom Usage
In recent months, we have begun to see a parade of people, mostly children, but also a few adults, going to the bathroom during Mass. Unfortunately, the bathroom is in an awkward spot. If it were in the rear of the Church, it wouldn’t be as much of a problem. I have looked into moving the bathroom, and it is in excess of $10,000.00. This is not the answer.
I can’t tell you how many people have complained to me about the number of people who walk by the sanctuary area to get to the bathroom whenever they feel like it, whether it is during the gospel, the homily or even during the consecration (don’t people know what is going on?).
It seems to me that there could be a lack of understanding or even a lack of respect for what we are doing at Mass. I have seen the same kids walk to the bathroom 2 or 3 times during one mass. They are not going to the bathroom, but going for a walk. At one Saturday evening mass, I came in the side door by the pulpit for the announcements, and a couple of kids were sitting in the chairs in that little hallway, and they were talking. I asked them what they were doing, and they said they were going to the bathroom. At that moment, another kid came in and went by us and into the bathroom. I told them to go back to their pews.
These types of actions are very disruptive to me when I am celebrating Mass. It is hard to focus on what I am doing or saying when I am distracted by a parade of bathroom goers. It is easy to lose my train of thought during a homily or my place in the Eucharistic prayer when people are walking around the church. These things are not acceptable. It is disrespectful to the Lord when we can’t sit there for 45 minutes and pray with the priest and the others at Mass. I have received many complaints from people who feel the same way. As part of our liturgical renewal, we need to change these practices.
Last weekend, when the bathroom door was locked by accident, we didn’t have a problem; there were no catastrophes. I thought the Masses were much more dignified and respectful when people stayed in their pews. It was a much improved worship experience.
From now on, the bathroom door will be locked during Mass. Please make sure you take care of your needs before you come to church. I don’t think this is too much to ask. We will leave Halloran Hall open for those who absolutely must use a bathroom. Please exit out the front doors.
CONCLUSION
After our cell phones are quieted, and after we get used to the bathroom doors being locked and bathroom parade no longer happens, I think you will agree with me that we will experience a much more dignified and respectful Mass, a much better opportunity to grow in the love and peace of the Lord.
I will be writing to you in the future concerning other topics that will enhance our prayer experience at Mass.
God bless you and thank you for all you do to make our parish the best!
Fr Phil
Friday, April 1, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #36
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
April 3, 2011
Gospel John 9:1-41
As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
His disciples asked him,
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,
that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered,
“Neither he nor his parents sinned;
it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day.
Night is coming when no one can work.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
When he had said this, he spat on the ground
and made clay with the saliva,
and smeared the clay on his eyes,
and said to him,
“Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” —which means Sent—.
So he went and washed, and came back able to see.
His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said,
“Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?”
Some said, “It is, “
but others said, “No, he just looks like him.”
He said, “I am.”
So they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”
He replied,
“The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes
and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’
So I went there and washed and was able to see.”
And they said to him, “Where is he?”
He said, “I don’t know.”
They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees.
Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a Sabbath.
So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.
He said to them,
“He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.”
So some of the Pharisees said,
“This man is not from God,
because he does not keep the Sabbath.”
But others said,
“How can a sinful man do such signs?”
And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again,
“What do you have to say about him,
since he opened your eyes?”
He said, “He is a prophet.”
Now the Jews did not believe
that he had been blind and gained his sight
until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight.
They asked them,
“Is this your son, who you say was born blind?
How does he now see?”
His parents answered and said,
“We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.
We do not know how he sees now,
nor do we know who opened his eyes.
Ask him, he is of age;
he can speak for himself.”
His parents said this because they were afraid
of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed
that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ,
he would be expelled from the synagogue.
For this reason his parents said,
“He is of age; question him.”
So a second time they called the man who had been blind
and said to him, “Give God the praise!
We know that this man is a sinner.”
He replied,
“If he is a sinner, I do not know.
One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.”
So they said to him,
“What did he do to you?
How did he open your eyes?”
He answered them,
“I told you already and you did not listen.
Why do you want to hear it again?
Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
They ridiculed him and said,
“You are that man’s disciple;
we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses,
but we do not know where this one is from.”
The man answered and said to them,
“This is what is so amazing,
that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners,
but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him.
It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man were not from God,
he would not be able to do anything.”
They answered and said to him,
“You were born totally in sin,
and are you trying to teach us?”
Then they threw him out.
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
He answered and said,
“Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
Jesus said to him,
“You have seen him,
the one speaking with you is he.”
He said,
“I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.
Then Jesus said,
“I came into this world for judgment,
so that those who do not see might see,
and those who do see might become blind.”
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this
and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?”
Jesus said to them,
“If you were blind, you would have no sin;
but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
As I was reading this gospel, I wondered what it would be like to be blind. While people with all sorts of disabilities have been able to integrate into society, being blind would mean not being able to drive, so I would need transportation to get anywhere; not being able to read, so I am limited to Braille and audio books, tapes, etc (how many of them are there?); not being able to see the beauty of nature, but only to experience it through my other senses; and being limited in the possibilities of marriage and family. These are only a few of the difficulties; I imagine there are many more.
Imagine what it would be like to be blind 2,000 years ago. Most people were poor and lived from day to day. There were no type of social services for the poor; the rich always have the advantages of money to help their family members in need. There was little, if any, opportunity for education or to learn a skill so as to help support the family. If you couldn’t work, the possibility of marriage was probably zero. The only thing you could do was beg for money, and there was plenty of competition for that.
On top of all that, because he was blind, he was considered a sinner. Jesus disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Being a sinner, he would have been excluded from public worship in the synagogue and Temple. John is trying to describe a person who is as down and out as one can be. He is so lowly he doesn’t even have a name. Things couldn’t be worse for this blind man.
Jesus tells us that illnesses and disabilities are not caused by sin, contrary to popular belief. He is using the blindness of this man to show us about faith and about himself.
In the Old Testament, “opening the eyes of the blind’ also refers to faith in God (see Isaiah 42:7). Jesus tells us he is the light of the world, and we’ll see how this plays out with the blind man and with his opponents.
Without even asking him (why would he object), Jesus cures this man of his blindness. What does this really mean? Jesus cures him in all possible ways. Being sighted, he could learn a trade other than begging; he then has the possibility of supporting a family, which means he could get married and have children; he can be restored to public worship in the Synagogue and Temple; and, most importantly, it tells us something about Jesus. John is trying to tell us that if Jesus healed the body, he is also healing the soul through forgiveness of sin, and who can do that but God? John is alluding to Jesus divinity. The cured man ‘sees’ he becomes a man of faith in Jesus: he has the eyes of faith.
Look at the progression of this man’s attitude toward Jesus. First, he is ‘the man called Jesus’; then he calls Jesus ‘a prophet’; then he is a ‘man from God’; finally, he calls him ‘Lord’ and worships Jesus, a recognition of Jesus divinity.
Through his healing by Jesus, through the healed man’s interactions with his neighbors, and then his 2 confrontations with the Pharisees this formerly blind man travels the road of faith to acknowledging Jesus as Lord.
The washing in the waters of Siloam reminds us of the waters of baptism. We are washed clean in these waters, and as life goes on, our eyes become more and more opened to the reality of Jesus; as life progresses, Jesus hopefully becomes more and more important to us; and it is finally that experience of the risen Jesus healing us that brings us to our knees, worshipping Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
This healed man is also willing to witness to others about Jesus. His first witness is to his neighbors, who just want to know how he was healed. “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’. So I went there and washed and was able to see.” At this point, Jesus is just a man.
His second witness is to the Pharisees. The Pharisees said that Jesus is not from God, because he doesn’t keep the Sabbath (Jesus cured this man on the Sabbath). When asked how this can happen, the cured man said that Jesus is a prophet. His understanding of Jesus has grown, and he is willing to testify to what he believes.
His third witness is when the Pharisees call him in a second time, and he is much bolder. Upon being questioned about the circumstances of his healing, he responds “I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” The more he witnesses about Jesus, the stronger his faith becomes.
Isn’t that interesting? The more he witnesses, the stronger his faith becomes. It seems to me that one good way to grow in our faith is to tell others about Jesus. Didn’t Jesus say that he would be with us to guide us in our evangelization? Religious education teachers, confirmation teachers, and those who work in RCIA know this: they benefit as much as the people they are teaching. This is a good reason to be a teacher, I think.
In opposition to Jesus, we have the Pharisees. They have eyesight, but they are really blind. They refuse to even consider Jesus in any role other than sinner. The first time the Pharisees question cured man, he refers to Jesus as a prophet. Then they question the parents, who confirm that their son was born blind, but were afraid of the Pharisees, so they said, “Ask him, he is of age; he can speak for himself.” Then, they call the cured man back a second time, and he refuses to back down: “If this man were not from God,
he would not be able to do anything.” He says that since he healed him, the man must be from God, since God doesn’t listen to sinners. The Pharisees refuse to give in to the cured man’s logic or his faith.
Confronted with the reality of this healing, the Pharisees refuse to believe. They think that they ‘see’, but not really, they are really blind. Whenever we refuse to be open to the power of the Spirit in our lives, we are like the Pharisees and we miss Jesus right in our midst. We are blind to what God wants us to do and be.
The Lord wants to keep healing us of our sins, but won’t force himself on us. We need to be humble enough to know that we need Jesus’ help. Jesus says, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”
Recognizing our own blindness, we turn to Jesus and begin to see. Insisting that we see, we become blind. Which one are you?
Fr. Phil
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
April 3, 2011
Gospel John 9:1-41
As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
His disciples asked him,
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,
that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered,
“Neither he nor his parents sinned;
it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day.
Night is coming when no one can work.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
When he had said this, he spat on the ground
and made clay with the saliva,
and smeared the clay on his eyes,
and said to him,
“Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” —which means Sent—.
So he went and washed, and came back able to see.
His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said,
“Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?”
Some said, “It is, “
but others said, “No, he just looks like him.”
He said, “I am.”
So they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”
He replied,
“The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes
and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’
So I went there and washed and was able to see.”
And they said to him, “Where is he?”
He said, “I don’t know.”
They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees.
Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a Sabbath.
So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.
He said to them,
“He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.”
So some of the Pharisees said,
“This man is not from God,
because he does not keep the Sabbath.”
But others said,
“How can a sinful man do such signs?”
And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again,
“What do you have to say about him,
since he opened your eyes?”
He said, “He is a prophet.”
Now the Jews did not believe
that he had been blind and gained his sight
until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight.
They asked them,
“Is this your son, who you say was born blind?
How does he now see?”
His parents answered and said,
“We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.
We do not know how he sees now,
nor do we know who opened his eyes.
Ask him, he is of age;
he can speak for himself.”
His parents said this because they were afraid
of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed
that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ,
he would be expelled from the synagogue.
For this reason his parents said,
“He is of age; question him.”
So a second time they called the man who had been blind
and said to him, “Give God the praise!
We know that this man is a sinner.”
He replied,
“If he is a sinner, I do not know.
One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.”
So they said to him,
“What did he do to you?
How did he open your eyes?”
He answered them,
“I told you already and you did not listen.
Why do you want to hear it again?
Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
They ridiculed him and said,
“You are that man’s disciple;
we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses,
but we do not know where this one is from.”
The man answered and said to them,
“This is what is so amazing,
that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners,
but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him.
It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man were not from God,
he would not be able to do anything.”
They answered and said to him,
“You were born totally in sin,
and are you trying to teach us?”
Then they threw him out.
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
He answered and said,
“Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
Jesus said to him,
“You have seen him,
the one speaking with you is he.”
He said,
“I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.
Then Jesus said,
“I came into this world for judgment,
so that those who do not see might see,
and those who do see might become blind.”
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this
and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?”
Jesus said to them,
“If you were blind, you would have no sin;
but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
As I was reading this gospel, I wondered what it would be like to be blind. While people with all sorts of disabilities have been able to integrate into society, being blind would mean not being able to drive, so I would need transportation to get anywhere; not being able to read, so I am limited to Braille and audio books, tapes, etc (how many of them are there?); not being able to see the beauty of nature, but only to experience it through my other senses; and being limited in the possibilities of marriage and family. These are only a few of the difficulties; I imagine there are many more.
Imagine what it would be like to be blind 2,000 years ago. Most people were poor and lived from day to day. There were no type of social services for the poor; the rich always have the advantages of money to help their family members in need. There was little, if any, opportunity for education or to learn a skill so as to help support the family. If you couldn’t work, the possibility of marriage was probably zero. The only thing you could do was beg for money, and there was plenty of competition for that.
On top of all that, because he was blind, he was considered a sinner. Jesus disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Being a sinner, he would have been excluded from public worship in the synagogue and Temple. John is trying to describe a person who is as down and out as one can be. He is so lowly he doesn’t even have a name. Things couldn’t be worse for this blind man.
Jesus tells us that illnesses and disabilities are not caused by sin, contrary to popular belief. He is using the blindness of this man to show us about faith and about himself.
In the Old Testament, “opening the eyes of the blind’ also refers to faith in God (see Isaiah 42:7). Jesus tells us he is the light of the world, and we’ll see how this plays out with the blind man and with his opponents.
Without even asking him (why would he object), Jesus cures this man of his blindness. What does this really mean? Jesus cures him in all possible ways. Being sighted, he could learn a trade other than begging; he then has the possibility of supporting a family, which means he could get married and have children; he can be restored to public worship in the Synagogue and Temple; and, most importantly, it tells us something about Jesus. John is trying to tell us that if Jesus healed the body, he is also healing the soul through forgiveness of sin, and who can do that but God? John is alluding to Jesus divinity. The cured man ‘sees’ he becomes a man of faith in Jesus: he has the eyes of faith.
Look at the progression of this man’s attitude toward Jesus. First, he is ‘the man called Jesus’; then he calls Jesus ‘a prophet’; then he is a ‘man from God’; finally, he calls him ‘Lord’ and worships Jesus, a recognition of Jesus divinity.
Through his healing by Jesus, through the healed man’s interactions with his neighbors, and then his 2 confrontations with the Pharisees this formerly blind man travels the road of faith to acknowledging Jesus as Lord.
The washing in the waters of Siloam reminds us of the waters of baptism. We are washed clean in these waters, and as life goes on, our eyes become more and more opened to the reality of Jesus; as life progresses, Jesus hopefully becomes more and more important to us; and it is finally that experience of the risen Jesus healing us that brings us to our knees, worshipping Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
This healed man is also willing to witness to others about Jesus. His first witness is to his neighbors, who just want to know how he was healed. “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’. So I went there and washed and was able to see.” At this point, Jesus is just a man.
His second witness is to the Pharisees. The Pharisees said that Jesus is not from God, because he doesn’t keep the Sabbath (Jesus cured this man on the Sabbath). When asked how this can happen, the cured man said that Jesus is a prophet. His understanding of Jesus has grown, and he is willing to testify to what he believes.
His third witness is when the Pharisees call him in a second time, and he is much bolder. Upon being questioned about the circumstances of his healing, he responds “I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” The more he witnesses about Jesus, the stronger his faith becomes.
Isn’t that interesting? The more he witnesses, the stronger his faith becomes. It seems to me that one good way to grow in our faith is to tell others about Jesus. Didn’t Jesus say that he would be with us to guide us in our evangelization? Religious education teachers, confirmation teachers, and those who work in RCIA know this: they benefit as much as the people they are teaching. This is a good reason to be a teacher, I think.
In opposition to Jesus, we have the Pharisees. They have eyesight, but they are really blind. They refuse to even consider Jesus in any role other than sinner. The first time the Pharisees question cured man, he refers to Jesus as a prophet. Then they question the parents, who confirm that their son was born blind, but were afraid of the Pharisees, so they said, “Ask him, he is of age; he can speak for himself.” Then, they call the cured man back a second time, and he refuses to back down: “If this man were not from God,
he would not be able to do anything.” He says that since he healed him, the man must be from God, since God doesn’t listen to sinners. The Pharisees refuse to give in to the cured man’s logic or his faith.
Confronted with the reality of this healing, the Pharisees refuse to believe. They think that they ‘see’, but not really, they are really blind. Whenever we refuse to be open to the power of the Spirit in our lives, we are like the Pharisees and we miss Jesus right in our midst. We are blind to what God wants us to do and be.
The Lord wants to keep healing us of our sins, but won’t force himself on us. We need to be humble enough to know that we need Jesus’ help. Jesus says, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”
Recognizing our own blindness, we turn to Jesus and begin to see. Insisting that we see, we become blind. Which one are you?
Fr. Phil
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