SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Acts 1,15… 26

Psalm 102 (103)

1 John 4,11-16

John 17,11-19

COME, HOLY SPIRIT!

The period between the Lord’s Ascension and Pentecost is a period of waiting in prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Thus, like the disciples in the Upper Room, the Church is united in prayer for the renewal of the Pentecost experience.

In the first reading, the disciples gathered in the Upper Room and prayed that God himself would choose the one to replace Judas, the son of perdition. After the prayer, the community drew lots and the choice fell on Matthias, and he was listed among the apostles. Here, we see the implicit action of the Holy Spirit guiding the decisions of the nascent Church.

In the second reading, we are exhorted to live in the communion of love of the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit that we have received. For when we love each other, we become a reflection of God who is Love. It is also through love that we manifest our fidelity to the commandment of Christ.

This need for communion, unity and love among Christians is evident in Jesus' farewell discourse, but above all in his prayer known as Jesus’ priestly prayer (cf. John 17). In today's excerpt, Jesus prays for the unity among his disciples: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one…” He also prays for their consecration, protection and well-being so that they can faithfully accomplish their mission in the world.

Like the community of disciples, the Church also needs the assistance and guidance of the Holy Spirit to remain faithful to her Divine Bridegroom and united for the proclamation of the Gospel. Likewise, each of us needs the assistance of the Holy Spirit in his daily life. And it is in prayer that we can ask for the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore pray the Lord to renew in us the gift of the Holy Spirit so that he may teach us everything and lead us day after day to his truth. May he enlighten us and help us make good decisions, both as individuals and as a Church, for the glory of God and for our sanctification. Amen