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 !!!

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A

Acts 6:1-7

1 Peter 2:4-9

John 14:1-12 

“Do not Let Your Hearts be Troubled”

Today’s liturgy of the Word offers us significant readings for a deeper understanding of our belongingness to Christ and to the Church. The first reading demonstrates how differences and conflicts can be resolved within the household of God. In effect, the Hellenist (Greek-speaking converts), complained that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. To resolve this, the Apostles convoked the believers and they chose seven brothers to be in charge of the daily service at table. This allowed the Apostles to devote themselves to prayer and the preaching of the Word (Acts 6:1-7). 

The second reading invites us to see ourselves as a spiritual house, built by God with Jesus as the cornerstone. God has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. He has made us a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Our mission is to proclaim his mighty works and to offer ourselves as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to him through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-9). 

In the gospel, the disciples became sad and disheartened when Jesus announced that he would be leaving them soon. Consequently, Jesus consoled them by assuring them that he was going to prepare dwelling places for them in his Father’s House. He then revealed himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life. In him, God’s presence among men is manifested, because whoever sees him sees God the Father (John 14:1-12).

Two lessons may be drawn from today’s readings. First, conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable whenever two or more people come together. But our differences and diversities should become opportunities for growth and not occasions for divisions and distraction. Thus, any time misunderstandings and conflicts arise among us, let us choose dialogue with a sense of truth and justice as the golden way to safeguard our harmony and unity.

Second, sometimes it is difficult for us to allow ourselves to be consoled because of the injustices and discriminations we suffer or because of the anxieties, losses and various challenges we go through. But we need to allow Jesus’ words to always speak to our hearts: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” May these words become the source of our hope and consolation, especially in these trying moments of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amen 

Remain blessed and stay safe !!!

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A

Acts 2:14.36-4   

Ps 23: 1-3A, 3B,4,5,6

1 Peter 2:20-25

John 10:1-10

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

The fourth Sunday of Easter is commonly known as the Good Shepherd Sunday. Thus, every year, the gospel reading of this Sunday is taken from Jesus’ discourse on the Good Shepherd (John 10). Again, on this Sunday, the Church invites us to pray for vocation, hence the name “Vocations Sunday.” 

In the first reading, Peter concludes his proclamation on the Pentecost day. He announces that God has made the Crucified Jesus, Messiah and Lord. His whole proclamation was a call to conversion addressed to the Jews first, for the promise belonged to them and to their children, and then “to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.” And indeed, on that day those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added to the flock of Jesus.

The second reading identifies Jesus Christ with the Suffering Servant who bore our sins so that he might reconcile us to God, for we had gone astray like sheep. Through his death on the cross, he, the Shepherd and guardian of our souls, has brought us back to God. 

Consequently, Jesus Christ is the unique gateway to eternal salvation, as expressed in the gospel image of the shepherd and his sheep. By saying that he is the gate for the sheep, Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd, the source of our safety and salvation. He knows us. He cares for us, leads us and gives us fullness of life. This way, he fits perfectly the description of the responsorial psalm which introduces the Lord as the Good Shepherd of Israel, who cares for his sheep and provides for their needs. 

In this perspective, two lessons may be drawn from today’s readings. First, we are all called to be part of the fold of Jesus. As such, we must listen to his voice and follow him. Second, each of us is called to be a good shepherd like Jesus himself. For everyone has been called to play a specific role in the Christian community and in the society, as priests, religious, catechists, parents, teachers, doctors, nurses, government officials, caregivers, and so forth.  As such, we must care for those entrusted to us, lead them to Christ and not scare them away from him. May the Lord bless us so as to grow in our relationship with him, and grant us the grace to be good shepherds after his own heart. Amen 

Remain blessed and stay safe !!!

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A

Acts 2:14, 22-33

Psalm 15(16):1-2,5,7-11

1 Peter 1:17-21

Luke 24:13-35

THE EMMAUS EXPERIENCE!

According to today’s readings, the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were not accidental events. As the Risen Jesus revealed to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, everything happened according to the Scriptures. For it was necessary that the Christ should suffer and enter into his glory (Luke 24:13-35). According to the preaching of Peter on the day of Pentecost, everything that happened to Jesus was according to the set plan and foreknowledge of God. He was dead but God raised him to life (Acts 2:14, 22-33). Therefore, his Passion, death and resurrection were part of God's saving plan for all mankind. Everything was known to Him before the foundation of the world so that we may be redeemed by the precious blood of His Son Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:17-21). 

But this was not evident to the disciples, especially during the few days that followed his death. As the Emmaus story reveals, the disciples lost hope and were overwhelmed by fear. They had hoped that Jesus was the Messiah who would deliver Israel; but he was mercilessly put to a shameful death. To them Jesus’ death might have been a defeat, a total failure. Looking disappointed and dispirited, lost and downcast, the Risen Jesus joins them on the way like a total stranger. Their eyes were kept from recognizing him until the time of breaking bread. In short, their encounter with the Risen Lord transformed them; it changed their sadness into joy, and their darkness into the light of faith.

Sometimes, we too undergo struggles of faith and walk through valleys of darkness. Again, we do not understand why certain misfortunes happen to us or to others. But we should always remember that those situations are stepping stones to glory and triumph. Let us never forget that Jesus is walking along the way with us even when everything appears dark around us. Thus, in moments of confusion, when life seems meaningless and hopeless, and we are at the point of giving up, let our prayer be as simple as that of the Emmaus disciples: Mane nobiscum, Domine: Remain with us, Lord. For the Lord is our portion and cup. He will not leave our soul among the dead nor let his beloved know decay. Amen