SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

Psalm 66

1 Peter 3:15-18

John 14:15-21 

YOU ARE NOT AN ORPHAN! 

This Sunday precedes the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, which will be celebrated next Thursday (21st May 2020), and will usher us into the immediate preparation for the celebration of Pentecost. As such, today’s readings make reference to the Holy Spirit, so as to prepare us gradually to the celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

In the first reading, the apostles Peter and John went to Samaria to pray for the new believers. Then, they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. In the second reading, Peter speaks about the Pascal mystery of Christ saying: “Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the Spirit.” The Gospel picks up where last Sunday left off. In today’s passage, Jesus promises his disciples the coming of the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth. 

In this perspective, two lessons may be drawn from today’s readings. First, the Lord promises us not to leave us as orphans. He will send us the Advocate, the Holy Spirit to remain with us and be in us. The term “Advocate” or “Paraclete” refers to a person who stands by another, protects and supports him. It is a person who gives courage to face great difficulties, a person who comforts in difficult situations. Hence, we are never alone in our life even in the midst of great sufferings, challenges, trials and various kinds of persecutions. And this should be for us a source of great joy, assurance and hope.

Second, as St Peter encourages us, we are called to give testimony of this living hope that we have: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear.” A Christian is a person of hope; and he is called to give encouragement and hope to others. May the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete and Giver of life, come and remain in us. Amen. 

Remain blessed and stay safe !!!