The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections

Pope Francis has emphasized our need to "go to the margins". Our mission of evangelization should start with those in most need. We see this in Philip's interaction with the Ethiopian eunuch in today's first reading (Acts 8:26-40). In evangelizing the Ethiopian, Philip makes the outsider a part of the community.  

How do we experience the joy of the Resurrection when we feel sad and hopeless? The story of the road to Emmaus in today's Gospel (Luke 24) shows us that when we reach out to those in need with an act of kindness we are awakened to the presence of the Risen Lord in our midst.

In a fascinating detail from today's Gospel (John 3:7-15), Jesus compares his death on the cross to the bronze serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). Unlike the bronze serpent, the life Jesus gives us is eternal. The promise of eternal life is a great source of hope to us especially especially during difficult times.

We often judge the Apostle Thomas harshly because he expresses doubt (John 20:19-31). Although his faith is not what it should be, we can learn from his example. Thomas is honest about his struggle and because of this Jesus can help him in his particular need. Likewise in our life, when we are honest with God about our needs He can more readily give us His mercy, healing and assistance.

Like Jesus' first followers, we can have difficulty believing that He has truly risen from the dead. We can take hope, however, knowing that after the resurrection Jesus embarks on a mission of convincing His disciples, us included, that He is indeed risen (cf. Luke 24).  

Pope Francis has repeatedly encouraged us to practice the art of accompaniment, something Jesus does with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). During the pandemic, accompaniment is more important than ever and requires creativity during this time of social distancing.

Happy Easter! When will things get back to normal? Since the pandemic has begun, we have heard this question many times. We long for a return to normal. As wonderful as that will be, the Resurrection shows us that God wants better than normal for us. Jesus has brought about a greater world and each of us has a part in bringing it to fruition.

On Holy Saturday God can seem hidden, silent. Jesus lays in the tomb and things appear hopeless. Today we contemplate the places in our life where God seems silent and we feel frightened and abandoned. On Holy Saturday we try to be consoled because Jesus entered this "no man's land between death and Resurrection" and will one day take us by the hand and lead us to life (Benedict XVI, 2010).

On Good Friday we recognize that when Jesus died on the Cross for us we did not get what we deserved. Instead of death we received mercy and life. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we are transformed to become more merciful and forgiving to those who have harmed us.

On Holy Thursday we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist. How can we mark this great day at a time when many of us cannot receive Communion? Perhaps one way is by reminding ourselves that the Eucharist leads us to love and serve like Jesus, to wash the feet of others. When we try to humbly serve in this way we live a Eucharistic life.

The Wednesday is Holy Week is sometimes called "Spy Wednesday" because today's Gospel (Matthew 26:14-25) tells us about Judas' betrayal. A lesson we learn from Spy Wednesday is that relationships are always a risk. Jesus shows us that it is a risk worth taking.  

Jesus is an unexpected kind of Messiah. The Gospels of Palm Sunday remind us of this. He does not take away our suffering, but He suffers with us, He is compassion itself. This encourages us to be compassionate to others, to be "the eyes through which Christ's compassion is to look out to the earth" (St. Teresa of Avila).

During the Exile, the prophet Ezekiel gave hope to people who felt that they were separated from God's presence. Ezekiel reminded them that God still dwelt among his people just as he had dwelt in the Temple. God's covenant is everlasting. Ezekiel's message can give us hope during this time that may in some ways feel like an exile.

In today's Gospel, Jesus asks people a provocative question in order to help them see things differently and to grow (John 10:32). In this pandemic, God may be doing something similar with us.

In the Gospel today (John 8:51-59), Jesus promises us life, that we will never see death. This is something even greater than what promised Abraham (Genesis 17). Reminding ourselves of Jesus' promise can inspire us with hope in difficult times.

The pandemic is a time in the wilderness and potentially a time of growth. In this situation, God is perhaps inviting us to rediscover the idea and practice of the domestic church. Each family is a church where God is worshipped, the faith is handed down and charity is practiced. What are some practices you currently do or would like to try that build up your domestic church?

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Today's Gospel (John 11), in which Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, encourages us to be people of compassion and hope during the time that is given us.

Nicodemus, who appears in today's Gospel (John 7:40-53), is a character who develops greatly as a follower of Jesus. His growth comes from his willingness to take risks. Let us do the same.

Today's Gospel (John 7) refers to Jesus' "hour" (v. 30). This is the moment He is raised up on the cross. In John's Gospel, it is in the time of Jesus' greatest suffering when we discover fully who He is. Moments of suffering and challenge are moments of revelation. During this pandemic we have the opportunity to learn more about God, others and ourselves. Let us pay attention.

Like the people Jesus interacts with in today's Gospel (John 5:31-47), we can have selective hearing, listening to messages that we are comfortable with and ignoring voices that challenge us. During this time it is especially important for us to check on our hearing.

The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) celebrates the beginning of the mystery of the Incarnation, when God became like us in all things but sin. This is a great source of hope because it shows us that God is always with us when we suffer and struggle. In the Incarnation, God has embraced us in our weakness and is never letting go.

In today's Gospel (Jn 5:1-16) Jesus healed a man on the sabbath. In this time of pandemic, we are likewise called to adjust crucial practices of our faith to preserve life.

The Gospel today (John 4:46-54) offers hope because it shows us that (social) distance is no impediment to the power of Jesus.

Suffering is not a punishment from God. Rather, today's Gospel (John 9) shows us that Jesus is with us during hard times bringing about some good. Discovering what Jesus is doing during this pandemic will take time. A good way to start understanding this extraordinary situation is by consciously recognizing some blessing that happens each day.

Today's Gospel (Lk 18:9-14) teaches us that there are types of prayer that God hears better than others. God hears the prayers of those who cry out in their suffering and need. Now is a time to pray.