The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 19, 2006
The Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 15:22-31
Psalm 57:8-10 and 12
John 15:12-17

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"We have heard that some . . . have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind." (Acts 15:24)

From its beginning Christ's Church has been misled by wrong teachings, the worst from within it. These false teachers may or may not have good intentions, but their errors stem from their lack of intimacy with Christ gained only by prayer. "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." In our reading from "Acts" Paul and Barnabas ask the Apostles for guidance and help because some were teaching that one could not become a Christian unless he also followed the entire "Mosaic Law." Two helpers were sent with an official letter specifying the most basic Christian principles to be followed by converts.

Today's problems stem mainly from liberal priests and theologians pandering to secularism, claiming that Church teachings must "change with the times." They ignore that God's truths can never change because they are inherent in God's love. Blinded by ignorance, selfishness or perverted mercy, many Christians see abortion and euthanasia as legitimate means of eliminating the unwanted or burdensome. To these life is like garbage, disposable. Artificial contraception rather than natural family planning denies that the sexual act is meant to be life-giving, not a sterile, loveless, orgasmic experience satisfying our physical urges. Contrary to the "feminist" claim that such practices give women reproductive freedom, women have cheapened themselves by giving men unhindered sex while freeing them from any responsibility for "accidents."

Christ in the Gospel tells His "faithful" that love is to be the very basis of their lives. Note that this command follows Jesus telling them earlier in this chapter that living in love and truth is possible only if they stay as branches firmly attached to Him who is the "Vine," their only source of genuine life.

Merciful Father, send Your Holy Spirit upon us that He may teach us to daily live in the love and truths You have made known to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)