Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
The ministry of Jesus was primarily to the Jewish people. The apostles at first stayed close to Jerusalem to shore up the community of followers. It made sense to begin there, because the Jews believed there was only one God (monotheism). This faith tradition also awaited the coming of a Messiah. There was at least some common ground from which to present Jesus as the Christ.
Following his resurrection, Jesus met with his apostles and enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem. However, at his Ascension he told them that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. How would the apostles and disciples minister to persons who believed in many gods (polytheism) and who were from different cultures?
Today the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Pachomius. Pachomius was born around 290 AD in Egypt to pagan parents. At the age of 21, he was forcibly “recruited” into the Roman army and taken to Thebes. There was a small Christian community there who daily brought food and comfort to the conscripted troops. It is not known if there was any formal teaching about Jesus done by this community, but their witness and charity made a lasting impression on Pachomius, who was eventually baptized (see “Pachomius the Great,” Wikipedia). St. Pachomius sought the guidance of other holy people who built their life around prayer and service to others. He eventually drew many like-minded persons together to form what would now be called monasteries (yes, he preceded St. Benedict!).
Never underestimate the effects of authentic love, when one truly wills the good of another.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections