The Catholic Calendar for Friday, April 30, 2004
Friday of the Third Week of Easter
St. Pius V, pope

Scripture from Friday's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 9:1-20
Psalm 117:1-2
John 6:52-59

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today’s first reading concerning the conversion of St. Paul on the road to Damascus is truly dramatic. It lends itself so well to meditation. In the process, we should truly place ourselves in the scene, seeing ourselves perhaps as a companion of this brilliant lawyer, Saul. You are aware that something has happened, for Saul falls to the ground, blinded by a light. You also hear a voice speaking to Saul, but you can see no one. In confusion, Saul seeks your help, and so you guide him to Damascus, and await the coming of Ananias who will cure his blindness. How confused you are as a loyal Jew. How can it be that this staunch defender of Judaism is now to be healed by one of the Christians he has set out to arrest? Will you run, or will you stay?

And now, we go back in time to the Gospel scene. You’re one of the audience hearing Jesus say that He is the bread of life, and that He will make it possible, and even necessary, that you eat His Body, and drink His blood! All around you, people are leaving in disgust! How can He do this? You struggle with indecision--will you leave or will you stay and trust that Jesus has power to bring this off some way!

O Risen Jesus, only you can give me the strength and the will to follow you in faith and in trust in this “Way” to which you have invited me. What suffering are you exposing me to if I am to be your follower totally? But, Lord, there is no halfway--I must believe and follow you with all my mind, heart, will, and courage! Take away my resistance, my pride, and my stubbornness of heart! Amen.

- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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posted by joachim at 5:44 AM