I have heard from many sources about this man.
The first reading today chronicles Saint Paul’s journey to Damascus and his revelation from the Lord that changed his heart. Ananias also had a revelation with the Lord. Scripture is so accurate but sometimes we miss the many nuances of what was really said.
Let me repeat the conversation that the Lord had with Ananias with some theatrical license. Ananias said ” Lord…(Gulp)..I have heard …(Pause) from many sources (Gulp, Gulp)… about this man… but the Lord said to him, Go, …for this man is a chosen instrument of mine…. (Pause, Pause)… So Ananias went.
People who say that scripture is serious and not packed with humor have no imagination. Last Sunday’s scripture about the Walk to Emmaus are two of the most humorous passages of scripture.
Now I do not get revelations from God on the scale of Saint Paul or Ananias but I believe the Lord does speak to us in soft quiet ways. In our Gospel today Jesus says, Amen, Amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, you do not have life within you.
When Jesus says “Amen” that is important. When Jesus says, “Amen, amen” we all better sit up and listen. These are hints of God’s revelation in our lives. Holy Eucharist is so important. Early Christians knew this and because of revelation and scripture we know this today.
Ananias knew this also and with he heard the revelation of the Lord. He stated his concerns. Nevertheless, he listened and did not hesitate.
Saint Paul did not hesitate either. He immediately went to the Temple to preach and begin his ministry to the Gentiles.
May was the month when I received my First Communion and the culmination of the school year. It is also is the Month of Mary. My wife, Anna, was a petite child. She was given the honor to clime the ladder to put the crown of flowers on Mary’s head. She tells the story from time to time. The ladder was shaky and so were her legs.
What do these three people have in common?
They all had faith. They all had hope, but most of all they acted on the Lord’s command. Mary said let it be done to me according to thy word. Ananias with a few gulps went. Saint Paul thought he was doing the right thing but after his conversation with the Lord did an about face and began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues.
They acted. They also prayed
There are many things that I can take from our readings today. Sometimes our action is to stay in place. Soon we have that freedom to act with new vigor and reverence for that Body and Blood or our Lord Jesus Christ.
Soon we will be reconnected the Eucharist.
In the meantime be prepared to act with new vigor.
God Bless you always
Bob Burford
