Weekly Scripture Reflections

May 23, 2007-Easter 7

Seventh Sunday of Easter
Cycle C


Dianne Bergant, CSA

 

Readings: Acts 7:55-60; Ps 97:1-2, 6-7, 9; Rev 22: 12-14, 16-17, 20; John 17:20-26

Dream the Impossible Dream!

We might be tempted to laugh at the naive optimism of Don Quixote who, though considered ridiculous, saw himself as a champion of the vulnerable. But is he really so far removed from us? As children, we may have envisioned ourselves as an astronaut hero, Miss America, or the batter who wins the World Series in the bottom of the ninth inning.

 

Our religious tradition invites us to cling to convictions that might appear to be even more implausible. During this Easter season, we stand in awe of the mystery of the resurrection. Jesus, put to death as a common felon, is raised to life and remains among us to this day. On the feast of the Ascension, we considered his exaltation with God and our share in his glory. Today we behold again the crucified Lord raised to glory. The image is indeed extraordinary!

 

Stephen’s vision strengthened both his faith in the crucified now risen Jesus and his resolve to cling to that faith even in the face of death. According to John, the night before he died, Jesus prayed that all of us might share in his future glory. It is precisely through our union with Jesus that this will happen. This calls for faith, because it may not appear that his death and resurrection have changed anything in the world. The world still harbors selfishness and arrogance, deceit and abuse, hatred and revenge. Is this vision of triumph and glory implausible?

 

Our faith tells us that this vision describes what really took place. However, can we discover any concrete evidence that confirms its trustworthiness? Yes, we can! It can be found in the very struggles of human life. Even the religious skeptics are often amazed by the faith that believers demonstrate. This faith has fortified public martyrs and unsung women and men down through the ages. It has been the support of missionaries in far-flung countries, of public protestors who insist that evil can be overturned by the efforts of people of integrity, of grieving parents who continue to believe even as they bury their children. We often see such faith in the dignity and unselfishness of people who are forced to endure degradation or poverty; we see it in the generosity of those who work in shelters and soup kitchens; we see it in the commitment of those who teach and proclaim truth, even when it is not popular.


Stephen’s faith in the glorious Jesus and in his own future share in that glory was witnessed by Saul who, at that time clearly supported the persecution of Christians. Who knows what seeds of faith were being planted in Saul’s mind and heart? When Jesus prayed for those who would believe on the word of others, he was praying for you and for me. Our faith came to us and has been strengthened through the words and example of others ─ our families and teachers, our friends and acquaintances, even people we don’t know but who have somehow inspired us. This is no impossible dream.


© 2007 Catholic Theological Union