Observing the boldness of Peter and John
and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed,
and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus.
F rom the little I know of history it's not unusual for men and women of low birth and little education to rise to great heights politically, socially, or militarily. The United States, despite its aristocratic "founding fathers," has long maintained the myth that a logsplitter might become president; or an immigrant, the wealthiest man on earth. The Catholic Church also celebrates the rise of great saints from unpromising places, like the peasant girl Joan of Arc who led France's armies. Conventual Franciscans celebrate a poor scholar who levitated while gazing upon an image of the Virgin Mary.
So we're not surprised when we read of the Lord's choice of illiterate fishermen, fire-eating zealots, and greedy tax collectors. Despite the old saying, the Holy Spirit can turn a sow's ear into a silk purse.
Once it is planted in human soil, the Word of God is irrepressible. It can rise and flourish in the barest earth. Like a lowly mustard bush, it can provide shelter and assurance to simple hearts who hide from the mighty and powerful amid its tangled stems and confusing leaves.
In today's first reading we hear of the neophyte healer/preachers Peter and John, and their eager reception among the devout of Jerusalem. These are the same pious crowds who, like Simeon and Anna, worshiped night and day in the temple. You'll remember that Anna "spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem."
The religious leaders, who were born into a higher grade on that caste system, knew little about popular piety and cared even less. They had no desire to smell like sheep. Clericalism has always been a danger for religious and clergy who must be schooled in doctrines, theology, history, and traditions while preparing to address people who daily face more immediate and demanding challenges. If human nature prefers its own and avoids strangers, the Lord, who never met a stranger, sends his disciples to befriend the entire world.
Until Pentecost, our first readings will be taken from Saint Luke's Acts of the Apostles, the second volume and a sequel to his Gospel (The Acts of Jesus.) We will hear how the irrepressible Word of God encountered opposition from Jewish leaders, Roman authorities, unscrupulous Christians, and sea storms as it continued the mission of Jesus. Where he had advanced upon Jerusalem, the Gospel now advances to the ends of the earth. It's a story that must include us.
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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.