At a time in the world when we are cautioned to stay at home and stay safe, today’s readings are all about being Sent. Jesus tells us three times in the gospel that he is sent by the Father. In Acts, we hear of God sending Barnabas and Saul. The two men have returned to Jerusalem after a relief mission. There, in the midst of the disciples, the Holy Spirit tells the followers, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” They had been praying and fasting with the community, and now felt the call from the Holy Spirit. It was a call to a mission that, at least for Saul, would last the rest of his life. And the call from the Holy Spirit came as they prayed. God can speak to us loudly in the silence of our lives. For many of us, one benefit of these current times is an increase in quiet and time to reflect. More time to listen in the stillness for God to speak to us. Jesus says in today’s gospel, “I came into the world as light so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” All of us, like Barnabas and Saul, are called by God, sent on a mission for God to carry that light into the world. We are sent to witness with joy in our isolation. For each of us, the sending is different. At our jobs, in person on or online, we can make an extra effort be kind in times of tension. At home we may have more time to spread light to others with phone calls, emails and making an extra effort for our family. The word Apostle means “one who is sent.” Today, each of us is sent in some way into the world as the apostles were. It may not seem dramatic, but it is a relief mission of bringing comfort and light to others. We can share our joy and offer ourselves at a distance as a source of love and companionship, so that like Barnabas and Saul, “the word of God continued to spread and grow.” Today’s psalm offers us a closing prayer: May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation • AE
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En aquel tiempo, la palabra del Señor cundía y se propagaba”. Así comienza la primera de las lecturas el día de hoy. El cristianismo es un hecho antes que una idea, una persona antes que un mensaje, un tiempo y un lugar concretos (primer siglo de nuestra era, Palestina), antes que una posibilidad universal. Sencillamente, porque el cristianismo es Jesús, una persona que vio la luz de Galilea, andaba alrededor del lago, subía a Jerusalén y bajaba a Jericó, se compadecía de la gente, decía palabras que llegaban al corazón, fue muerto por nosotros y al tercer día resucitó. Un día de aquellos dijo una palabra inspirada: "Yo soy la luz del mundo". Juan, el apóstol, quedó impresionado por estas palabras y las reprodujo fielmente en su evangelio: "Yo soy la luz del mundo". Luz cernida de Dios para que los ojos humanos que la contemplen no queden cegados sino iluminados. Luz que es a la vez forma, orden, verdad, frente al caos, el desorden la mentira. Ahora en Pascua comprendemos mejor que Jesús es la luz del mundo, luz que ninguna tiniebla podrá sofocar. Luz que no ciega, ni deslumbra, ni engaña, ni hiere, sino que ilumina suavemente, cura la ceguera y hace bien al corazón. No siempre y en todos los momentos de la historia se ha percibido a Jesús de esta manera. A medida que los hombres se acercan sinceramente a Él experimentan que algo se alumbra en su interior. Aunque en algunas ocasiones nos parezca que es de noche, no es de noche: es sólo la sombra. Del otro lado está la luz • AE
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