Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

We conclude the Victory tour this week with Paul’s journey. He goes from place to place and gives strength to the Disciples. This is a far cry from when he persecuted Christians just a short time before. He has been given a new beginning, a new lease on life, and now he goes around showing true Christian virtue by his example. Apollos comes along next and speaks on behalf of Christ. He is heard by Priscilla and Aquila. They explain the way of Christ more accurately to him, and he accepts their correction in humility.

In Japanese legend, there is the idea of the Ronin, the wandering samurai. A Ronin moves from place to place, living without a master, and following the code of the samurai. There is nothing wrong with being independent. We know that we cannot be “lone wolves” in the Christian life. We need the Church. We need to hear Christ preaching through His priests and we need the Holy Sacraments. We cannot come to grace in God without being one with others. God loves our identity and calls us to grow to maturity in unity with our fellow Christians. Then we are complete.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus promises in the Gospel that “the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me.” We know we are loved, and we can trust in God’s love for us. Let us keep going forward knowing that we are beloved children of God, and are all on our way to the Father, so long as we follow His way and commandments. Amen.

Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB