THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Wednesday of the 4^th week of Easter, 2022

Acts 12:24-13:5a

Ps 67

John 12:44-50

Light

In today’s gospel reading (Jn 12:44-50), Jesus speaks of the one who sent him. Frequently in John’s gospel, Jesus speaks of God as the one who sent him. God sent his Son out of love for the world. God’s sending of his Son was an act of generosity on God’s part, involving a real giving. The gospel of John also speaks of God as one who gave his Son. 

In the first reading this morning (Acts 12:24-13:5a), the church of Antioch send two of its most gifted members to parts of the Roman Empire where Christ had not yet been preached. The sending off of Barnabas and Paul by the church of Antioch involved a real giving on their part. They were sacrificing two of their most valuable assets for the sake of others whose need was greater. Over the centuries the local church has sent and given some of its most gifted members to proclaim the gospel far from home. That is the nature of the church and the nature of our lives as Christians. We give away what is most precious to us so that others can benefit from our resources. Each local church, each parish, is called not just to serve itself, but to serve other parishes, other local churches, whether next door or far away. As God gave his Son to us, we are called to give his Son to each other by sharing our most precious resources.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, in your word I find life, truth, and freedom. May I never doubt your word not forget your commandments? Amen.

+Remain blessed