Making the Connection
When I was teaching in a Catholic School I would often tell my students, “there is always a connection between the first reading of the day and the Gospel reading.” I still stand by this and make it a habit to find that connection each day.
Today, the connection may be a little more difficult to see.
In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles we find Paul under the guard of a Roman commander. He is brought before the Sanhedrin and questioned. Paul, with a stroke of genius, sets the Sanhedrin, made up of both Pharisees and Sadducees, fighting with these words, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.” The Pharisees believed in the resurrection whereas the Sadducees did not. Paul’s mention of the resurrection turned the anger against him into a major doctrinal dispute. So much so that the guard became Paul’s protector and ushered him to safety.
In the Gospel we find Jesus in the middle of his High Priestly Prayer. This prayer calls on the Father asking that all who follow Him “may all be one“. His prayer for unity, peace, and love goes like this, He prays that they (we):
- may all be one
- may be in us [Father & Son]
- may believe that you sent me
- may be one, as we are one
- may be brought to perfection as one
- may know that you sent me
- may be with me
- may see the glory that you gave me
- the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them
Connection and Dialogue
In today’s readings, the connection between the first reading and the Gospel is that they are opposite illustrations of how to live! One way tells us to seek our own path, cling to our own ways, shut down dialogue, and work against seeking the truth. The other way seeks the true path, opens dialogue, and works together in love as one.
True dialogue died with the advent of Social Media. A cursory review of almost any Facebook, X, Threads, or any other social sites bears this truth. The comment sections look more like the melee of the Pharisees and the Sadducees than the fulfillment of Christ’s prayer that we may all be one. Our culture prefers to argue (in hiding) rather than engage in true dialogue.
True dialogue involves empathetic listening, seeking first to understand then to be understood. It involves prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation, open hearts, and pour forth the gift of humility. It involves love. Loving the other as you love yourself (or more) is a mark of true dialogue.
How Does Your Dialogue Look? Others
Are you truly listening? Are you trying to understand the other’s point of view? Are you praying for help? Are you open loving the other even if you disagree? Are you responding to social media posts lovingly, thoughtfully, or perhaps privately when appropriate? Is ignoring the post a better option for yourself and the other? Are you having real dialogue; face to face where you can really listen to the other? Note: 93% of our communication is nonverbal (38% tone, 55% facial expression and body language). Only 7% involves the spoken words! Is it any wonder that our predominant mode of modern communication (screens, typed words) seems so cold and harsh!!
How Does Your Dialogue Look? Self
Are you truly listening to your internal dialogue? Are you questioning if what you are hearing is true? Is it predominately negative? Why? Is your internal dialogue more like the Pharisees and Sadducees or like the prayer of Jesus?What would change if you stepped outside your head for a time and treated yourself like someone you are responsible for helping? How would that dialogue look? What would you tell yourself now? What would you tell your younger self? Would you be more compassionate? Would you be more patient?
The first reading and the Gospel today present to different types of dialogue, two different ways of living. One brings chaos. One brings peace. This is true for our external and internal dialogues. I would encourage you to follow the example set by Christ. Pray His prayer for peace, unity, and love in the world and in your own heart.
Final Thought
In verse 24 Jesus prays, “Father, they are your gift to me.” You are a gift from God to His Son. Hard to imagine sometimes (at least for myself) but true nonetheless. You are a gift to His Son and to all of us. He loves you and wants nothing more than your open, honest dialogue (prayer) with Him.
James M. Hahn, Author 