for May 22
Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

In today’s gospel Jesus begins by warning the disciples that they will weep and mourn while the world rejoices, the world here as a symbol of evil and all that is opposed to God and in particular opposed to Jesus. But he continues by telling them that their grief will turn into joy, presumably after his resurrection. Maybe it could also apply to their longing in the time after his Ascension into heaven, as we celebrated yesterday, until the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost which we celebrate the Sunday after next. Let us pray that our own grieving too during these difficult times will ultimately be transformed by that peace and joy which only Christ can offer.

Notice in referring to his resurrection appearances that Jesus says he will see the disciples, rather than saying they will see him, a reminder that this is part of the divine plan. It is the divine initiative which renders this joy everlasting because of our salvation achieved by Christ’s death and resurrection even when not experienced that affectively. Jesus concludes by obliquely referencing the Holy Spirit which, as often stressed in the section of John’s gospel, will provide the gift of understanding precluding any need to question further. We are also encouraged confidently to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus, as we can do in private prayer and as we will do as always when we are able to gather again for Sunday worship where all prayer is in the name of Christ the Lord.

Our first reading finds Paul in Corinth where the Lord Jesus in a vision promises him his presence and success apparently because Paul was somewhat afraid to speak out in a section omitted because of opposition from some Jewish teachers. Emboldened by the vision Paul resumes teaching the word of God for a year and a half. But then he is taken before the proconsul named Gallio for supposedly inducing people to worship God in some way that is a violation of the Mosaic law. The details are unknown because Gallio refuses to get involved with what he calls Jewish doctrines and titles, disputes about speech rather than actions. Paul then remains “for quite some time” before he moves on to Syria.

Let me offer a commercial inviting you to read Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. We already heard that Paul spent a good amount of time in Corinth; and you probably know that Paul wrote two letters to the Corinthians; in fact, there was actually another letter not preserved. From our perspective perhaps the best thing about the Christian community at Corinth is that they got so many things wrong because in writing to correct them Paul becomes our earliest source for life in the nascent church. Writing in the early 50’s for example, Paul gives us the first written descriptions of the resurrection appearances and the Sunday eucharist. He also distinguishes between teachings derived from the Lord and customs and opinions that have arisen, a differentiation the church has not always observed. I assure you that you will find the letter interesting, enjoyable and thought-provoking.
—Edward O’Donnell SJ

Today’s readings can be found on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.