Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Memorial of Saint John of Capistrano

 Lectionary: 475

When you read this
you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

After the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, the Book of the Prophet Isaiah reflected a new, unexpected hospitality toward non-Jews. 

The foreigner joined to the LORD should not say,
“The LORD will surely exclude me from his people”;
...For my house shall be called
a house of prayer for all peoples. (Is 56:3,7)

In Jesus's day, some Jews actively proselytized gentile converts but they insisted that the men be circumcised and that they observe all the traditions of the Pharisees, as Jesus said, 

'“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves. (Mt 23:15)

Perhaps the disciples of Jesus should not have been so surprised that many gentiles eagerly listened to their preaching. They were mostly untrained orators, but their stories, conviction, and enthusiasm fascinated even well-educated strangers, not to mention the cures that accompanied their preaching! Historians can speculate about what drew the gentiles to this new sect of Judaism with its outlandish announcement that a man had been raised from the dead, but the impulse was clearly from God. People found hope and relief, freedom and joy in being baptized and in the breaking of the bread

Despite the prophecy of Isaiah, this development was so unexpected that Saint Paul could say, it "was not made known to human beings in other generations." 

The word adopted is often heard in our New Testament readings and our Catholic liturgy. It recalls that astonishment and reminds us that, although we are not genealogically children of Abraham, we have been permitted to share their faith through our baptism into Jesus. The Holy Spirit has revealed this mystery to us and drawn us to the Lord. 

The mystery is, of course, manifold. It includes the revelation that we are created out of nothing in the image and likeness of God. It convicts us of sin -- especially those who are unaware of any guilt -- and announces the way of salvation. It draws us together into the Body of Christ, sends us to the far corners of the earth to invite everyone into it, and describes in ineffable signs and words our destiny within the Holy Trinity. 

A divine curiosity impels us to a continual contemplative awareness of this mystery, and opens our hearts to delight in the company of fellow Christians. We may be exhausted by the drive to know more, but we are never finished. 

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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.

Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.

I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.

You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.