7TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 97
Apocalypse 22:12-14.16-20
John 17:20-26
THE EYES RAISED UP TO HEAVEN
The period between the Lord’s Ascension and Pentecost is a period of waiting in prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit according to Jesus’ promise. In this way, all three of today’s readings are in the form of prayers. The excerpt from Jesus’ priestly prayer expresses his desire to draw us into communion with the Father (John 17). He prays for those who will believe in his name through the word of this disciples so that all may be one as he and the Father are one. This is a consolation and assurance to us: our Lord has prayed for us and continues to pray for us, for he is now at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us.
The prayer of Stephen in the first reading is a witness to this. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he saw the glory of God and Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God. He testified to Jesus even as he was being stoned. After surrendering his spirit to the Lord, he fell on his knees and prayed for the forgiveness of his executioners (Acts 7:55-60). The last part of the Book of Revelation that constitutes our today’s second reading is a form of prayer. It expresses the Church’s longing for the second coming of her Bride: “Come, Lord Jesus” (Ap 22:12-14.16-20).
In order to have a share in Jesus’ glory when he comes, three things are proposed to us today: prayer, good works and unity. Prayer is what nourishes our relationship with God. As such, we need the assistance of the Holy Spirit for “we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Rom. 8:26). Then, we need to remain faithful in accomplishing good works, for the Lord is coming to reward everyone according to his deeds. Finally, we must strive to go beyond the differences, divisions and rivalries among us as to preserve the unity for which our Lord Jesus prayed.
As we look forward for the fulfilment of the Lord’s promise, let us ask him to renew in us his gift of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we may remain faithful to the end and one day have a share in his glory. Amen
