SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (Cycle C)*

The trial and martyrdom Of Stephen, the first witness to suffer death in testimony to faith in Jesus, replicates the trial and death of Jesus. The lesson here is not by any means subtle; rather it is direct, i.e.,christians are urged to follow Stephen's example. Stephen is presented as an authentic follower of Jesus. Stephen's vision of Jesus in glory at the right hand of the Father is an assertion that Jesus' prophecy is fulfilled. Jesus is risen and glorified.

In Psalm 97 God's universal kingship is celebrated: "The Lord is king, let the earth rejoice... all peoples see his glory" (vs. 1 and 6). God's rule of justice (holiness) and judgment, known first by Israel, is now more widely spread among "the many isles... and is proclaimed to all peoples." God's sovereignty, its universal nature, is becoming historical, as foretold by the prophets, and noted in Acts and in christian experience. The reality of this extension spoken of in Psalm 47 (on the Solemnity of the Ascension) and Psalm 97 is recognized by us in our worship. I am reminded of what commentators refer to as "the transchronological character of worship." J. David Pleins wrote; "Ritual breaks open the possibility of looking at and experiencing all moments of time at once."

That thought carries over to our second reading. Our verses from Revelation are part of a short epilogue. Jesus proclaim that he will come again -- and soon. Though the date is not revealed, it is a certainty. And his coming will be a time of judgment. The faithful will experience the gift of salvation. The whole Church is invited to express its intense yearning for the fulfillment of Christ's reign by praying "Come, Lord Jesus." Apart from the escatological significance of this plea, we can see fulfillment of this injunction to pray for the coming of the Lord Jesus; it is fulfilled in the Eucharist.

Our gospel text is from the priestly prayer of Jesus, placed by John at the Last Supper. Jesus prays for himself, for his disciples and for believers of all ages. He prays that his disciples will believe in him, and he prays for unity, a unity that will mirror that which exists between him and his Father. This can happen only where there is love of God and of one another (a constant Johannine theme). This will build disciples into community. From these communities, by these communities, people will be led to believe that the Father really did send Jesus. The universal character of and extension of God's kingdom will become a reality.

Included in Jesus prayer is a petition that the disciples and all who believe in him through their teaching will be with him forever.

* ©Resurrection of Lazarus by Herman Falke, scj (CA)