Word to the Wise
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 - 7th Week of Easter - Tues
[Acts 20:17-27 and John 17:1-11a,924]Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the whom whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work thtat you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.....[John] Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel of God's grace. [St. Paul in Acts]
Today the scriptures feature parts of two "farewell discourses." Jesus' farewell discourse at the Last Supper concludes with a long section traditionally called "the high priestly prayer." The second "farewell discourse" is St. Paul's parting words to the elders at Miletus. Jesus prays for himself, the disciples and future Christians. St. Paul seems to be reminding the elders of his ministry among them and his belief that this journey will end with trouble in Jerusalem (his arrest and subsequent trip to Rome where he would be eventually martyred.) In short, both Jesus and Paul speak and pray as men destined soon for death. Their concern and love for those whom they will leave behind are clear and poignant.
It is easy to take for granted the things that people did long ago that make life possible for us NOW. This is especially true when the events and persons lived or took place more than 2000 years ago! Can we imagine our faith without the life of Jesus in the gospels and the preaching of St. Paul in the Acts of the Apostles and his letters? These two lives were given for US! Their words, no matter how difficult to understand at times, contain the truth of our faith. It is through these words that the Spirit which the Father and Jesus sent, and which motivated St. Paul, lives in us. Their final words should simply compel us to go back and read all their words! AMEN