In the first reading for today's liturgy we have the opportunity to stand as witnesses to an event of major significance during the early days of our Church follow the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus the Christ. Peter, the great leader of the apostles, while "on the road" proclaiming the Good News, adopts a new practice that changed long-standing traditions in the Jewish heritage. All of this took place following a "vision." As a result of this particular moment in his life, Peter changes "the rules" regarding table fellowship. "Table fellowship is but the ultimate affront to Mosaic sensibilities given by one who becomes a Gentile's houseguest" (The New Jerome Biblical Commentary, 44:65-67).
For St. Luke, author of The Acts of the Apostles, this event is the definitive moment of a significant change: a contradiction of Mosaic tradition. For many in the Jewish community who wanted to follow Jesus and the Christian community this change was a genuine challenge.
I put this forward for your consideration this morning for consideration and prayer because we live in a Church when division is brought about by not just one issue. We are members of a religion profession that changes or is challenged by the reality of individuals' perceived right to freedom. Birth control, abortion, homosexuality, same-sex unions, divorces, remarriage, and celibacy are but a few of the "hot buttons" that have cause some to seek a different religious profession, some to step away from any religious practice or belief and some to remain but protesting and challenging the hierarchical leadership of the Church.
CHanges have occurred the Roman Catholic Church since its beginning days ... not fast enough, however, for some. The practice of prayer and reflection is critically important for us when confronting issues that challenge either the individual or the Church itself. This applies to every member of our CHurch from the person in the pew to the person elected to be the Supreme Pontiff.
The words of St. John's gospel, also in today's liturgical readings, are, I believe, the voice of God speaking to all of us. These are the sentiments that must be incorporated into any prayer and reflection seeking discernment of the Holy Spirit's direction before the modern day challenges that confront us and our Church.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
(John 10:16)
When we read these words, we must seriously read and reread what the Evangelist has written. We, all of us, must be mindful that these are not the Evangelist's words. They are, as he stated clearly, the words of Jesus: "Jesus said ...." And our Church has through the last two centuries accepted them as such, as true. Let us pray with these words whenever we confront division, asking for understanding and conviction. We must work however we can that " ... there will be one flock, one shepherd."
