May 17, 2020
6th Sunday of Easter
There is a greater efficacy to Scripture when the Word of God finds expression in a person’s life. What we may miss by reading or listening to the Bible gains greater clarity when the meaning of the sacred text is exemplified in an individual. In our First Reading, Acts of the Apostles, Philip goes to Samaria to proclaim Christ. “With one accord, the crowds pay attention to what he says when they hear him and see the signs Philip is doing.” In the Second Reading, Saint Peter urges his readers/listeners: “Beloved: Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence…” In our Gospel according to St. John, Jesus says to his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always…”
Sacred Scripture is written on the parchment of holy lives. I see this very clearly in a great heroine and a hero who exemplify the living Word of God: Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Pope John Paul II. This weekend we commemorate the canonization of Joan of Arc on May 16, 1920 and the birthday of Karl Wojtyla (the future Pope John Paul II) on May 18, 1920.
Joan was a peasant shepherdess who, at the age of 16, spoke up: “Give me the command of a small army, and I will restore order throughout the country in the name of God.” She led the French against the British occupying army. After liberating Orleans, the Dauphin was crowned King. After a truce was signed, and then broken, Joan was captured, put on trial for heresy, and found guilty. On the morning of May 30, 1431, Joan received Holy Communion for the last time, in prison, and was led to the stake in the town square at Rouen. Asking a priests to hold up a cross, she died with her eyes fixed upon the crucified Christ, crying out the name of Jesus. Much is known of this young girl because her own words were recorded at the trial that condemned her and then, the second trial, twenty five years later that found her innocent. You’ll find these words in the Catholic Catechism. “We must serve God first.” (CC 223) Asked if she knew that she was in God’s grace, Joan replied: “If I am not, may it please God to put me in it; if I am, may it please God to keep me there.” (CC 2005)
Many of us remember the long pontificate of Saint Pope John Paul II that saw the collapse of the Soviet Union. He is remembered for his great mind and charismatic leadership. His words are timely: “Although I have lived through much darkness, I have seen enough evidence to be unshakably convinced that no difficulty, no fear is so great that it can completely suffocate the hope that springs eternal in the hearts of the young…Do not let that hope die.”
The deeds and words of a peasant girl and Polish Pope are relevant as we navigate these uncharted waters. They continue to inspire.
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5th Sunday of Easter
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7th Sunday of Easter
