Courage

Homily for Thursday in the Seventh Week of Easter

The seven weeks that draw double alleluias from us, the glorious Easter season, is coming to an end. We already have rejoiced at the Resurrection of Jesus, and we have celebrated the Ascension. As we await Pentecost and ponder the wonders and gifts that God has showered upon us, we read of St. Paul’s continuing perils as he spreads God’s message. St. Paul’s status as a Roman citizen and a Pharisee by birth, coupled with the intervention of a Roman Commander, saved St. Paul from being “torn to pieces” by a group of Sadducees who opposed his beliefs. Violence ensued, and St. Paul was ostensibly saved by the action of the Roman commander. God, we are reminded, often moves in marvelous and mysterious ways. Acts tells us of the many dangers experienced by the early Apostles. Spreading the word by oration and action at the continual risk of losing their lives is truly inspiring. Luke tells us that Jesus came to St. Paul during this time and stood by his shoulder. “Courage,” he said. St. Paul would need that. Preaching in Jerusalem was dangerous, but Jesus knew that St. Paul’s work in Rome would lead to his death. Yet he persisted. We surely need to be willing to have this faith. Faith for which so many died. We do need to pray “Keep me safe, O God, you are my hope.” Alleluia alleluia.

What was it that motivated St. Paul so intensely that he would lay down his life? The Gospel today may answer this question for us. Jesus prays to the Father for the Apostles and those who follow their words. He prayed that many would come to know Him and would be one with Him. We have been told that Jesus is God’s love for us personified. We are the Father’s gift to Jesus, and he wants us to share in the peace, love, and glory of God. St. Paul’s writing and encouragement, sometimes from prison, shows that he was willing to give his life for his faith. As we pray today, we ask that the Lord stand at our shoulder and give us the courage, the heart, to persist. What can we do, Lord? Guide us on our way. Stand at our shoulder and give us the courage, literally the heart, to persist. God give us strength.

Let us rejoice in the Gospel passage that we proclaim today. Jesus offers us eternal love, peace, union with God, and freedom from the fetters of our human nature. Who can comprehend being one with God? No one living can answer this. The ultimate gift of God is that someday we will be worthy, open-minded, and ready to experience true union with God. We will then certainly receive the answer.