The Way of the Lord
Joy emanates from today’s readings. A man named Apollos comes to Ephesus and begins to speak about Jesus. He is on target but lacks complete understanding of Jesus as the Way. Paul’s disciples, Priscilla and Aquila, apply a gentle and tactful corrective. Apollos obviously accepts what they have to say for the account goes on to state that he goes to Achaia with the blessing of the local community. His humility allows him to enrich and deepen the message and enables him to contribute more fully to the mission of spreading the faith. And the Way of God gains another adherent.
Reasons for Joy
There are many reasons for joy. Springtime is coming and with it, warmer days and sunlight. Flowering trees and beautiful blooms are evident. Rain is even providing hope for inoculation against future wildfires. New saints are being canonized. Candidates have joined the Church. People are getting together again after two years of COVID-induced isolation. We are moving steadily toward the great feasts of Ascension and Pentecost.
I Will No Longer Speak to You in Figures
Jesus’ words in the Gospel today are a further source of joy. He says, “I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but will tell you clearly about the Father.” Earlier Jesus has told His disciples that they could “ask and you will receive…anything in my name.” He goes on, “I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.”
In other words, because of what Jesus has done for us, we have a direct relationship with the Father in the Trinity. Through our love for his Son, we have our own connection with the Father and because we have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father. Figures of speech and parables are no longer necessary. We can ask and we will receive. Jesus can speak to us plainly about the Father. This is good for the disciples and for us. Jesus is leaving the world and returning to the Father but now we will be ready.
