Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 7^th Sunday of Easter: May 16, 2021

(Acts 1:15-17,20a,20c-26): Reflection on this passage can be focused in many different directions as we ponder the actions of Peter and the other Apostles to replace Judas. Doing so restored the number of official leaders of the early Church to the even number of 12, as decided by Jesus. Considering Judas’ sad betrayal of Jesus and death by suicide, one can’t help but contemplate the sadness of the end of his life and ministerial calling. Considering Judas, we have to be careful not to merely judge him, being angry over his betrayal and thinking we could or would never make the same tragic mistake. In fact, whenever we’ve sinned, we also have betrayed the Lord; whether it was doing something malicious or harmful to someone or failing in our duties to do good to others who have needed us. This could be a good week to acknowledge our many failings and betrayals of the Lord and repent of them. When is the last time we went to Confession and humbly asked forgiveness; with intentions to improve and obey Jesus more whole-heartedly?

(Psalm 103: “The Lord has set His Throne in Heaven.”): This psalm instructs us to recall and remember always God’s blessings to us and generosity toward us. We are called to be grateful for and to believe in and celebrate God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness. This is part of the tragedy of Judas’ death. He didn’t remember that God is infinitely merciful and forgiving. He could have repented and Jesus, the King of Mercy, would have welcomed him with open and forgiving arms. This psalm also reminds us that strength of faith comes from obedience. When we are honestly obedient to God, our level of trust in Him increases.

(1 John 4:11-16): This inspiring reading proclaims that when we acknowledge God’s Presence and love within us, God’s love is made visible and manifest via our love for others. When we experience God’s loving Presence, the soul’s pure and innate response is to share that love and let it dissipate like water, overflowing from a container onto whatever and whomever is around it. God’s love is not discriminatory. It is poured out upon worthy and unworthy souls alike. We might reflect on whether we make enough effort to love all, rather than just those we think deserve or have earned our love. To love like God does, we must learn to love without counting the cost  and with extravagant mercy and empathy.

(John 17: 11b-19): Today, John recounts how Jesus prayed for unity among His followers. Jesus prayed that we, as His disciples, will be consecrated in the truth and that we will have the strength of soul to avoid worldly allurements. Jesus asks again that we be consecrated in His Father’s Word, which is Truth. Let us then redouble our efforts to study the Word of God and to expend ourselves in living the Word of truth, consistently and obediently. If we’re all striving for obedience to God’s Word and His Will, the Holy Spirit will be among us and we shall, truly be one in faith and belief.

If we are honestly praying that God’s Will be done, unto and by us all, in humility and truth, we can anticipate that there will be a Heavenly unity among us. O that we as Christians may be one! Consider how pleased Jesus would be if we make such efforts to be true and one! 

Prayerfully,
Deacon Matt