My mother used to tell me that fear and jealousy drive people’s trains. Such temptations are nowhere more evident than in the world of religion, where a seeming violation of sacred tradition can threaten what we hold most dear. In today’s first reading from Acts, the Jewish religious leaders in Pisidian Antioch see themselves as guardians of orthodoxy, and their opponents as reckless innovators. To compound the matter, Paul and Barnabas’ innovative teachings on Jesus Christ are accompanied by a significant shift in the ethnic composition of the community. The threatening “other” was not merely doctrinal, but also physical. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul, Barnabas and their “delighted” group of Gentile converts were remaking the very makeup of the synagogue community.
I cannot help but see resonance with our own times, and especially Pope Francis’ efforts to steer the Church toward a ministry of mercy toward the excluded. As Francis has said on so many occasions, the “culture of encounter” requires us to accompany and touch the suffering flesh of others, most especially the modern-day “Gentiles” who have been ostracized from our Christian communities. As in the time of Paul and Barnabas, Francis’ outreach to the margins has sparked “jealousy” and “violent abuse” among his religious naysayers. But today’s reading also reminds us that God ultimately has the last word, and this last word is “joy.”
Guided by the Holy Spirit, may Pope Francis – and you and I – continue to take delight in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the mixed-up communities that this gospel calls into being.
Jay Carney
I am an Associate Professor of Theology who came to Creighton in 2011. My research and teaching engage Church History and World Christianity, especially modern Africa.
I am married with four children. My wife Becky is a remarkable woman, and our children have given both of us much love and laughter. I grew up in the Washington, DC area and have also lived in Wisconsin and North Carolina among other places. Prior to coming to Creighton, I worked in campus ministry at the University of Arkansas. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling, playing soccer, and listening to music of all types.
After years as a reader of Magnificat and then Give Us This Day, I am now seeing the other side! These reflections entail a very different style of writing than academic journal articles, and I’ve also gained newfound respect for the homilist’s task! I feel that I am “preaching” to myself as much as anyone else. It’s wonderful to know that so many people are walking together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers!
