Daily Reflection for Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to read today’s scriptures at the following link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042820.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Acts 7:51 – 8:1a
Responsorial: Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab
Gospel: John 6:30-35
Our reflection on Tuesday’s readings:
“What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?” (John 6:30)
In times of social turmoil, people want answers and solutions to problems. They want someone to sort through the chaos to give them proof and facts. They want to know what to believe.
On Easter weekend, we watched the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” One lyric seemed to bridge the ages: “What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s-a-happening.” We humans need to know what’s happening in our world. Sometimes, things don’t make sense and we keep searching for what will tie it all together. In the time of Jesus, morning visits to the well did more than fill water needs – it also kept villagers informed about their world, all “the buzz.”
The disciples of Jesus were uneasy. They had questions about what they were hearing from Jesus and others. They heard his words, but sometimes he just didn’t get through to them. Did he talk in parables to clarify, or to protect them and himself from the truth – that as the Son of God, he was not what they expected. They needed more information to understand.
But asking questions of the man who had performed miracles, healed the blind and lame, and yet walked among them every day, that took both brazenness and humility. I remember times when information wasn’t making sense. It was hard to go to the teacher, the boss, or a physician, and ask for an explanation. What does this mean? What is expected of me? The answers aren’t always what I want to hear. Then, it’s easy to hear myself saying, “Are you sure?"
Sometimes, I want to know how the future will evolve in coming months. If I were alone in Jesus’ presence, it would be tempting to seek answers: “What are you doing and why? What does this mean for me? What am I to do? Tell me, Jesus, please, give me the facts!” But it wouldn’t be easy to approach and question him. No wonder the disciples often got it wrong.
With humility, I am relegated to seek dialogue with Jesus in prayer. With humility, I must rely on the sage minds of my community, and of those who love me. I must trust that if I don’t have to have every answer today, it’s okay. With patience and faith, all was revealed to the disciples.
With patience, all will eventually be clear for me, as well. May we wait in peace.
Bill Bradbury