Reflection: May 22, 2022
Jeanne Marie Hatch, SHCJ - May 20, 2022
Sixth Sunday of Easter
The Church’s continued celebration of Easter moves into its 6th week. The reading from Revelation is rich with descriptions of the magnificent glory of the holy city Jerusalem gleaming with precious stones and the splendor of God. John’s vision includes the appearance of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb, a symbol of Jesus. In the darkness of those days and in our present day we welcome the vision of God reigning with the Lamb amid all the just in the splendor of the end time. May keeping our eye on the prize inspire us to follow the Lamb wherever it leads that we all may come home to God on that last day.
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles is much more practical and real as the young church deals with controversy and dissension. Some of the leaders felt Gentile converts should practice the Mosaic law. Some leaders and the Gentiles did not. We witness an amazing spirit of compromise in handling the case that all groups could learn from. Paul and Barnabas brought a fine perspective to the issue. They experienced a wider world-view than some of the early leaders. Representatives were chosen, the matter was discussed and settled. The Holy Spirit preserved the unity of the Christian community that day. May our Church today imitate that spirit of listening, honest conversation and openness, as our Holy Father Francis guides the process and leads the Church through the Synod process.
Today’s gospel reading from John continues Jesus’ discourse to his Apostles at the Last Supper. These words could be called the greatest of farewell speeches in history. In a few powerful sentences Jesus makes clear it is our actions that count, not so much our words. “Whoever loves me will keep my word… Whoever does not love me does not keep my word.” It is direct and simple. It is also in this final talk with his disciples that Jesus promises the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will teach them everything.” It is so fitting that Jesus promises his followers then and always, the Holy Spirit. He will not leave us orphans. And the greatest gift the Spirit grants to each of us is PEACE, but not as the world gives, but as Jesus alone can give. Solid, rock bottom peace that no one can take from us. Jesus promises to return to take his followers and us with him. Our hearts should not be troubled nor afraid. Rather, we should rejoice in his departure since we know the excitement of the final time when we will be with Jesus in God’s infinite light, the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, grant us your PEACE. AMEN.
Jeanne Marie Hatch, SHCJ