The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 12:24--13:5
Psalm 67:2-3,5-6,8
John 12:44-50

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The readings for today lay out a framework for the process of evangelization or the spreading of the Word. Each of us at our Baptism and again at the time we receive the sacrament of Confirmation are reminded of our role as a priestly people.

In the first reading we hear of the emphasis on prayer and fasting as key elements in preparation for evangelization. We cannot, of course, spread the Word if we are strangers to Christ. We are also reminded that each of us are sent by the Spirit. Each of us have our distinct mission in life, one that no one else can accomplish.

It is frustrating in our secular world to see that there are those who do not accept the Word of God. There is the temptation to judge them for their lack of faith, especially when it is a person close to us. Jesus gives us direction on that subject in the gospel of today. Christ stated that He was not sent to judge, but rather to save the world and that His words would judge the person at the end of time. It is not our role to judge either.

Our role then in evangelization if that of prayer, fasting, listening to the Spirit and acting on that direction either by our word or example. It's pretty straightforward....and all from scripture. How
fortunate we are for such a source of direction!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life