Reflection: May 15, 2022
Jeanne Marie Hatch, SHCJ - May 13, 2022
Fifth Sunday of Easter
This Sunday we hear in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles of the amazing journeys of Paul and Barnabas. The territory they covered would be impressive even using the modern transport of our day. When we consider travel conditions in the ancient world as well as people hostile to them on their journey and upon their arrival, we have to admire the zeal and perseverance of Paul and Barnabas. They cover ten different cities, as is written in the brief passage we hear today, strengthening the spirits of all they meet. They encourage and exhort them in their newly professed faith, while explaining it is necessary to undergo hardship to enter the kingdom of God. No time is wasted in explaining the cost of discipleship. These two followers reach out to the Gentiles of the time and open the door of faith to them as well as to the Jewish people. Paul’s commitment to accept and include the Gentiles among the newly converted Christians was not a simple task. What can Paul and Barnabas teach us about our zeal for sharing our faith?
May we be encouraged today by the fearless efforts of the early Christian Community leaders to spread the good news of the reign of God among all peoples. As Pope Francis calls us to Inter-faith dialogue, may we grow in respect and understanding of what beliefs we hold in common from major faith traditions. Thus may we grow in respect for all faiths and teach our children the same by our actions as well as our words. Political and Church leaders agree that acceptance and respect for different religions and faith traditions is crucial for a peaceful world.
Our second reading from Revelation describes a vison of the end time with a new heaven and a new earth. A holy city, a new and glorious Jerusalem is adorned as a bride, an image of the future Church. The voice proclaims that God dwells with humanity and they will always be his people. Again the beautiful image, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there will be no more pain. Behold, I make all things new.” Let us remember the people of Ukraine with this prayer. May we pray with hope that a new world will come through the darkness of the current reality.
Our Gospel is from John with a short but powerful message from Jesus to his followers and to each of us. We hear Jesus almost pleading with those gathered to listen very carefully by telling them, “I will be with you only a little while longer.” The moment is an awesome one when Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment: “Love one another.” Jesus’ next phrase challenges the human race to a standard we have struggled with from the beginning, “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” We cannot miss the import of this direction but in case we might, Jesus explains further, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” The love we share with each other is the sign of our discipleship. Think about that. As the academic year winds down to a close and summer activities begin all around, let us take some time to reflect on how we love one another. Do we even come close to loving each other as the Father loves each one of us? Maybe the slower days of spring and summer will hold opportunity to grow in our love for one another. AMEN.
Jeanne Marie Hatch, SHCJ