We’re reading about the missionary journeys of Paul from the Acts of the Apostles and the Last Supper discourse of Jesus with his disciples from the Gospel of John these final weeks of the Easter Season, readings so different in tone. The Acts of the Apostles follows Paul on his fast-paced, adventurous mission to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. John’s Gospel takes us to the hushed Supper Room where Jesus speaks his final words to his disciples.
Maybe we’re not getting thrown into prison or confronted by shouting crowds like Paul, but the daily journey and our duties in life can still try us, some days more than others. That’s why we need to keep listening to the One who speaks from the Supper Room.
Jesus describes himself as Bread, Shepherd, Vine, and Friend in the Easter readings from John’s Gospel. He wasn’t just speaking to his followers then, he’s speaking to us now. He also said “the Father and I are one.” The world receives daily bread, a shepherd’s care and the friendship of God. The Spirit has been sent to teach us all truth.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world with end. Amen.
The Victor's Place 
Victor, I appreciate your commentary. In the Passionist mission here in Detroit I work to establish contact with the “unchurched or the searching.” I do not like the term “nones”, it is derogatory. Younger adults are not nihilists. They are on a totally different wave length…totally, which I am seeking to address. My weekly homilies in different parishes gives me access to the families of these young people.
“Trauma” is key to many lives. I am conducting, with the help of two lay people, bi-weekly zoom calls with migrants who have lived with trauma. Their lives have been shattered. Picture an a 1000 piece jig-saw puzzle totally completed and whole, until some one upsets the table upon which the puzzle is located. The scattered pieces are what results from trauma. Christ on the Cross has his eyes wide open.
Alex, C.P.
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Alex, Keep being a shepherd; they’re listening to your voice.
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