Wrestling With Our Belief
Apr 27: Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
In the first reading, some people of Antioch reject the Good News, as preached by Paul and Barnabas. They don’t understand what they’re hearing, and they don’t like it.
The Apostles in the Gospel reading are similarly confused, but do they reject Jesus? You’ll have to read to find out!1
Reading 1
Acts 13:44-52
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth."
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
In a part of the story we missed due to the Feast of St. Mark, Paul explained the continuity between Judaism and Christianity. But now that the Jewish leadership is rejecting them, he moves on to the Gentiles.
This, of course, angers the Jews, who kick them out. So Paul and Barnabas do exactly what Jesus told the twelve Apostles—they shook the dust from their feet,2 because even that is too much to carry from a faithless town.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
God’s salvation isn’t just for the Jews. All the ends of the Earth will see. That’s why Paul and Barnabas are traveling around, to ensure everyone has a chance to see salvation.
Alleluia
Jn 8:31b-32
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In this verse, Jesus is addressing the Jews, calling them sons of Abraham. While the particular Jews Paul and Barnabas were dealing with rejected the Gospel, it doesn’t mean Jews as a class are cut off. Jesus is welcoming to everyone, Jew and gentile alike.
Gospel
Jn 14:7-14
Jesus said to his disciples: "If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to Jesus, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it."
It’s worth reflecting on this passage in juxtaposition to today’s first reading and Psalm. They’re all about spreading the Gospel (which may or may not be rejected).
The Apostles aren’t rejecting Jesus; they’re just confused. That’s the difference between them and the people of Antioch, who threw out Paul and Barnabas. They hear a difficult teaching and they struggle with it, in the most positive sense. They wrestle against their own limited understanding, and try to see the world as Jesus sees, as God sees.
That’s what we need to do, too, when we hear something, either from the Bible or our priest or even the pope, that doesn’t fit our preconceived notions. Try and see what the Holy Spirit means to reveal to us in that moment.
Spoiler alert: no.