Friday in the Octave of Easter

Lectionary: 265

There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”

Jews and gentiles alike seemed to know the meaning of the word salvation when first century disciples set out from Jerusalem to announce the Gospel. 

It had to do with freedom. It was more than an earthly deliverance from slavery, although most people in the Roman empire were slaves. It had to do with healing, especially physical, but also mental and spiritual. There was liberation from social and economic constraints as the disciples seem to move about freely with no concerns for food, shelter, or the cost of travel -- much less insurance. They were not rich but they acted with the freedom the rich are supposed to have.  

Salvation had its cost, however, as the Jewish converts were expelled from the synagogue. Alienation from family, friends, and colleagues had to be discouraging. In the cities where the Jewish community was strong, life was difficult for both Jewish and gentile converts. 

The Spirit of God drew people to listen to the Christian missionaries; the stories of Jesus charmed them; and their moral discipline attracted many away from the disgusting opportunities of city life. The Roman world was ready for the word salvation. 

Evangelization today depends upon every Christian being able to say why they believe in Jesus Christ. Catholics especially have been challenged and I've seen more than a few articles and books entitled, Why I am still Catholic. Or something to that effect.

 

Some can point to the obsessive compulsive behaviors they have successfully put away. Especially alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual addictions, and so forth. They know the freedom of obedience, of turning one's life and will over to the care of God. 

But what does the Gospel offer to those who are not afflicted with obnoxious habits? Who, at least apparently, do not live lives of quiet desperation? They get along from day to day and are not entirely unhappy with their financial situations, their careers, and their immediate companions. 

I recommend to the Veterans in the substance abuse program at the VA the word substantial. Our Catholic tradition is familiar with transubstantial and consubstantial, which refer to very deep, revealed mysteries. Without pausing to explain either one, I'll point out they have to do with the substantial relationship we enjoy with God. It is the privilege of married couples; parents and children, siblings; and priests with their congregations. 

These relationships are sacred and worthy of enormous sacrifice. We receive them with gratitude and we do not surrender them willingly. 

I urge the Veterans to sacrifice their practice of substance abuse for the gift of those substantial relationship that they already have. Most, but not all, have residual relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and church which might be salvaged if they are willing to forgo the use of substances which are unworthy of them. 

I believe this is the Salvation which God offers to the world in 2021, a world governed by impersonal forces which we have made, which are beyond anyone's control. (Didn't George W. Bush tell us the world is addicted to oil?) 

We must recognize the empty conceit of virtual relationships. They are, in fact, unsubstantial. Turn off the electricity and they disappear as if they never were. Because they never were. 

I hope no one reads this blog and thinks of it as "my church." If my musings do not inspire people to go to Church and connect with a congregation, my readers and I are wasting precious time. 

Saint Peter boldly declared: 

There is no salvation through anyone else,

nor is there any other name under heaven

given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”

That precious name binds us together in the Substance of Jesus Christ, in the transubstantiation of his Body, and in the Consubstantial Being of God the Father and God the Son.