The Scriptures for the Sixth Sunday of Easter focus our attention on the abiding presence of God in His Church and of His indwelling in each of us.
The first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles (15, 1-2. 22-29), tells us how the Holy Spirit, indwelling in the Church, helped the Apostles to solve a major doctrinal problem about the Gentiles becoming Christians, which shook the very foundation of the early Church. The second reading, taken from the Book of Revelation (21, 10-14.22-23), describes the Church as the Heavenly Jerusalem which replaces the holy presence of God in the Holy of Holies in the Temple in Jerusalem. This New Jerusalem is a city united in love, with the victorious Jesus residing in it and in each of its members. The Gospel passage (John 14, 23-29) reminds us that the Holy Spirit, abiding within us, is our Teacher, our Advocate, and the source of our peace and joy. The passage offers a vision of hope as well. Jesus promises His followers that the Holy Spirit will come and instruct them in everything they need to know.
For reflection: A Grandpa walked into the family room and found his little grandson, Jeffy, standing up in his playpen, crying. He looked so pitiful, standing there in his little baseball T-shirt and diaper. His face was red and tear-stained from crying. When Jeffy saw his Grandpa, his face lit up in a way that touched the old man’s heart. Jeffy immediately reached up his little hands in supplication. “Take me out, Papa, out!” What Grandpa could resist such a plea? Not this one! He walked over to the playpen and reached down to lift his little buddy out of his captivity and distress. Just then, however, Jeffy’s mother stepped into the room. “No, Jeffy!” she said, “you are being punished. You have to stay in there! Leave him right there, Dad.” What’s was a Grandpa to do? His grandson’s tears and reaching little hands tugged mightily at his heart – but he didn’t want to interfere with a mother’s discipline either. So, love found a way. Since Grandpa couldn’t take Jeffy out of the playpen, he climbed in with him! The little boy immediately found comfort, even in his captivity. Again, Sunday’s Scriptures focus on God’s indwelling in the Church and in all believers. Are we grateful for God’s presence and His willingness to “climb in with us?” Are we willing to patiently await the Holy Spirit’s instruction on everything we need to know? Will we allow the Spirit to be the source of our peace and joy?
