Breaking the Word

7^th week in Easter Time, Wednesday – 15^th May 2024 –  Acts 20, 28-38; Jn 17,11b-19

Consecrated to Mission

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks about three consecrations. The first consecration is the sending of the Son into the world by the Father (Jn 10,36). The first consecration focuses on the Incarnation. God is setting Jesus apart for himself, yet at the same time sending him out for the nations. Although Jesus belongs totally to God, He is sent out to men and women to bring them into communion with the Father. Second, the Son sanctifies himself (Jn 17,19). The second consecration highlights the passion of Jesus Christ. He presents himself as an acceptable and unblemished sacrifice. Jesus himself is the priest and a victim. Third, on the basis of his own sanctification, Jesus asks that the disciples be sanctified in truth. The disciples are given a share in Jesus’ priestly holiness and in his priestly mission. The task of the disciples then is to continue Jesus’ mission, to surrender to God and thereby be available in service to all.

5^th week in Easter Time, Tuesday – 30^th April 2024 – Acts 14,19-28; Jn 14,27-31

Rejoice in Tribulations

In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas conclude their first missionary expedition and head back to the church of Antioch, who had sent them on the journey. In this voyage, they learned two important lessons. First, they enter the kingdom of God through tribulations and hardships. The kingdom is being built up through redemptive suffering and death. Therefore, preaching the Gospel means sharing in Christ’s suffering and rejection. Earlier the disciples rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 5,41).  Second, Paul and Barnabas saw clearly that God has opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. When the Jews rejected the Gospel message (Acts 13,45-48), they turned to the Gentiles. The Gentiles came to believe in Jesus Christ and received his salvation. In their proclamation, the Jews turned against Barnabas and Paul and pushed them out of the town and stoned them. However, the two apostles courageously went ahead in proclaiming the good news to the Gentiles, facing all the tribulations and sufferings.