Reflection for Sunday – May 11, 2025

Ruth MarchettiSunday Readings Homilies

Readings: Acts: 13: 14, 43-52; Revelation 7: 9, 14b-17; John 10: 7-30 
Preacher: Ruth Marchetti

Have you ever been drawn to a particularly charismatic leader only to face disappointment? Maybe the leader had some personal failing, a message that contradicted your deeply held belief, or maybe they were asking more of you than you were ready to give. Something about that leader’s message struck a chord. Something deep resonated as truth until it didn’t.

When Jesus taught, people listened. There was something about him that drew people in, made them pay attention and want to be part of what he was offering. People were drawn to this movement of goodness. Crowds flocked to him until they didn’t. It became too scary to risk opposing the established powers. His final physical incapacity disappointed them and took away their hope.

Yet there was always a core of believers, shaken and scared, but believing still. Here, the movements of the Holy Spirit took root. The teaching, death and resurrection of a small-town Jewish preacher became a movement that changed the world. The apostles quickly realized that the Word was meant for a bigger audience and turned their attention to those beyond their circle who were ready to hear and to believe. Astonishingly, the persecuter, Paul, became the driving force that spread the Word, giving life to John’s vision of a multitude “from every nation, race and tongue” worshipped before the throne of God.

Through the history of Christianity people have embraced Jesus’ message, have corrupted it, have softened it and have turned their backs on it. Today is no different. Jesus’ message was simple, “Follow me.” Follow me to heal the sick, to make the blind see, to embrace the children, to turn the other cheek, to speak truth even when it offends, to love friend and enemy alike, to forgive those who bring harm, to lay down our lives. Comfort and ease are not part of the promise.

As we mourn Pope Francis and anxiously anticipate his successor, it’s good to remember that God’s wisdom is far beyond our understanding. The Holy Spirit will work beyond the politics and intrigue to give us a leader, a flawed human being, beloved by God, to lead this Church in these treacherous times. And we, flawed human beings beloved by God, will do our best to  heal the sick, to make the blind see, to embrace the children, to turn the other cheek, to speak truth even when it offends, to love friend and enemy alike, to forgive those who bring harm, to lay down our lives.

Ruth Marchetti
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