Today is the fifth Sunday of Easter.
In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus explaining what Bishop Barron calls coinherence. In Biblical terms it is the concept of indwelling between the Father and the Son. For Christians it can also describe our belief that Jesus resides in us.
Paul famously wrote, in Galatians 2, that it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. That indwelling should change us, make us different. It doesn’t mean we necessarily should withdraw from the world and our place in it, but instead, we should make Christ present in that place. Remember, Christ has no hands but ours…
Like some other Biblical concepts I think the idea of coinherence matters most to us as we think through what it means to our life. Trinitarian theology is important to us no doubt but at a practical level I think it matters more how it affects our daily lives. After all, believing in a single divine nature expressed in three distinct persons separates our theology from many others but, at the end of the day, how does that work in our own lives is the more practical aspect of it. For us, the idea of the divine indwelling in us should lead us to consider what that means in our behavior and actions. Ultimately we should be changed by that indwelling. If we’re not we better have a deep look into our souls and ask if Christ is really present in us.
Today’s first reading is about the origin of the deaconate. Restored in Vatican II, the deaconate has been a blessing to the Church as well as to our individual churches. That’s been driven home to me at our parish here in Auburn where we haven’t had a deacon the past couple of years. We have two priests but no deacon. I think eventually we will get a deacon but it will likely be a number of years away.
I mention all this as lead in to say how much I appreciate the deacons I’ve worked with over the years. Deacons Dave Erdmann and Tom Burns. Tom is now retired of course. Serving with both of these guys made me really value and appreciate them. I hope you’ll give a thought to them, as well as any other deacons you’ve encountered, today.
Finally, just to circle back on our trip, we had a great time. We saw lots of wildlife and God’s beauty along the way. We were glad to get home and sleep in our own bed but glad we went as well. There’s a joy in traveling, especially when you encounter the beauty of nature, even the alligators.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace, Bob
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