June 6, 7, # 297,298

Scripture: Lectionary # 297.Acts 19:1-8. Psalm 68:2-3.3.4-5.6-7. John
16:29-33:

Jesus tells us he has overcome the "world." This word is especially
important in the Johannine and Pauline theology expressed in the New
Testament. It is where redemption takes place for all who have been given
life by God. Often however it is opposed to God's wisdom, peace, and love.
In John it refers to those who do not follow the way of Jesus and who do
not believe in him. "The believer has also overcome the world by faith.
Doubtless he remains in the world, but, like Jesus, he is no longer of the
world and must keep himself from the Evil One. Accordingly, like a lamp
that has been lighted, he learns the proper use of the world and cooperates
in its transformation." (Xavier Leon-Dufour).

We as followers of Jesus endure suffering in the world but with him we
vanquish Satan, sin, and death. We find peace and integration through our
faith in the person of Jesus, Word of God. Though Jesus feels alone in the
world, he is not for the Father is always with him and we through Jesus are
never alone; we are not orphans for God is our loving Father/Mother. We
continue daily to be with Jesus and we overcome the allurements of the
world.

Psalm 68 is a psalm in which the victory of God is extolled, "God's enemies
are scattered and those who hate God flee before him." (Psalm 68:2-3).

In our first reading from Acts we learn that Paul is teaching in Ephesus
together with friends like Aquila and Priscilla and probably Luke, the
Evangelist. We learn that the Ephesians have been initiated into the
baptism of John but have not heard of the Holy Spirit and the baptism made
in the name of Jesus and the Father. They are open to Paul's preaching
and after he lays hands on them they are baptized in the Holy Spirit and in
the name of Jesus. Twelve of the Ephesians break out in speaking in
tongues one Paul has had them baptized. The Church continues to grow as we
move to the last third of the Acts of the Apostles. Paul is still hopeful
for his own people, the Israelites (see Romans chapters 9-11) and extends
his preaching in the synagogues. The Holy Spirit is always at work within
the Apostle Paul and within us as we continue the mission of the Church
through our own daily witness, prayer, and self-giving to others. Amen.
Alleluiah!

Scripture (June 7). Lectionary # 298. Acts 20:17-27. Psalm 68:
10-11.20-21. John 17:1-11:

Jesus lifts his eyes toward heaven and prays to the Father. We enter the
"Priestly Prayer of the Lord" in chapter seventeen. We hear of the
biblical expression contained in the word "glory" (kabod in Hebrew, doxa in
Greek). In fact, we already have learned that chapters 13 through 21 are
called the Book of Glory while chapters 1-12 are the Book of Signs. How
are we to understand this word "glory" when we read it or hear it in the
proclamation of the Gospel? Unlike the ordinary application of this term
"glory" it means something other than our common use of the word. It is
totaliter aliter (totally different). It ordinary means praise, honor, or
distinction extended to someone by common consent. But in both the Old
Testament and the New Testament it means the interior goodness and
greatness of the Presence of God and Jesus, not their extended reputation
and renown. God's very presence is stability and wholesomeness or
integrity as existing, being, and enduring forever.

Psalm 145 helps us to understand the glory of God: "The glory of God is the
radiant manifestation of God's being: "On the glorious splendor of your
majesty and on your wondrous work, I will meditate." (Psalm 145:5). God's
glory is God as revealed in Jesus Christ and in ourselves fully alive
through faith, hope, and love. (Psalm 8:6; II Cor.3:18; 4:6).

One Father of the Church sees the word glory as love and thus is related to
the Presence of the Holy Spirit. And as we move through our novena toward
Pentecost, the Coming of the Holy Spirit, and the Birthday of the Church,
we realize that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are filled with "glory" or
love manifested to us in the life, death, and resurrection-ascension of
Jesus.

" For Israel and for us to give glory to God is simply to acknowledge God's
greatness, to be open to God's Presence, and to perceive the splendor of
God throughout the world. Yes, I will glorify your Name forever (Psalm
86:12). Our doxology is perfect for interpreting our passage from John
about the glory of God: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and will be forerver. Amen."
Perhaps, one last thought: The Book of Glory should also be considered as
the Book of Love. The theme of love predominates this part of John's Gospel
and as we have seen glory in God is Love. Alleuliah.