We are all better because of Gamaliel’s wisdom

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

A reflection on the daily readings, for the Memorial of St. Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the church, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

Would that every group of people would have at least one wise person, like Gamaliel the wise Pharisee in the Sanhedrin. He cautioned the group to lighten up. If this were just a band of human beings with a little cause, he cautioned, the group would die on its own. But if this was coming from God, he cautioned again, don’t mess with God, cuz he might just mess with you!

And he would prove to be right; but that comes a little later. And so, the Sanhedrin roughed the boys up a little bit and let them go — and go they did — right back to their preaching all over the place.

But before they did, they rejoiced, for, as they saw it, were privileged to suffer for the name of Christ. As they bounded away, they gave a very intelligent and sporty response that went something like “Nan nan ya nan ya!”

Or so, that’s what perhaps an angelic source might have quoted them as saying.

“… looked up into the sky, and gave thanks. Then he broke off pieces for his disciples to set before the crowd.”

The Gospel for today takes us back into the earlier part of the Gospel of John, with Jesus feeding a hungry crowd of five thousand men. Presumably there were women and children, also. All ate. All were satisfied. There were even leftovers. And Jesus made a quick getaway, because he worried that they might carry him off to make him a king; they were just that impressed. And get away to the mountain alone, he did!

High energy stories. Both of them. And so again, Gamaliel was so right and so wise, and we are all the better because of him and his wisdom.

And at just a little less than 2,000 years of history, this faith continues to be and to grow, and hopefully, grow stronger in each of us!