The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, April 23, 2005
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
St. George, martyr
St. Adalbert, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98:1-4
John 14:7-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Jesus' Mission was an ambitious one--to bring all peoples of the world to salvation. Yet, at times, Jesus was reluctant to share the message and the healings with non-Jews. He left so much of that to those with whom He shared the Mission. Paul and Barnabas felt the brunt of Jewish displeasure when they shared The Light with pagans. They suffered much, even as Jesus suffered. And they would meet opposition even as Jesus met misunderstanding.

Isn't it interesting that, in the Gospel, Jesus promises that his followers would do the works that He did, "and even greater"! How could the servants do greater works than the Master? Jesus, like a good parent, wanted the best for His children, and hoped that the scope of their activity would spread even beyond his three years of public ministry.

Now, from heavenly glory, He directs and empowers the efforts of all who through the ages have given of themselves to his Mission. And I am one of them! Ask yourself the question, "Did I ever dream, when I began in the service of Jesus, that I would be called upon to do what I have done?" Now, after this question, beg of Jesus the grace to do "even greater works than these" -- to do whatever Jesus will ask of you in the years ahead!


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

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