Sixth Sunday of Easter (C)

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Rv 21:10-14, 22-23
Jn 14:23-29

Hello, I’m Franciscan Father Greg Friedman, with the "Sunday Soundbite" for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Shortly before his death, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago launched "Common Ground." Distressed by the polarization among Catholics, he believed that people of good will, who agreed on basic Catholic doctrine, even while expressing diverse viewpoints within the Church, could come together and seek to listen to one another.

Today's first reading reminds me of Cardinal Bernardin's dream of reconciliation. Centuries ago, Jewish and Gentile Christians found themselves disagreeing on how to follow Jesus. Trusting in the Holy Spirit, they prayed, shared their different approaches—and we read the result today.

The Gospel today also reflects something of the early community's uncertainty about its future. At the Last Supper, the disciples realize Jesus is about to leave them. They're troubled and afraid, not knowing how they will survive without him. Jesus assures him that he will send "the Advocate, the Holy Spirit," who will teach them and remind them of all Jesus told them. In effect, Jesus is promising that the Church can always rely on the Spirit to guide it in troubled times.

When we face difficulties and even disagreements within the Church, we mustn't forget what Jesus promises in today's Gospel: He sends us his Spirit to be our "Advocate" and teacher. The Spirit will help us discover the peace that Jesus gives—a peace the world does not know.

Scripture:

•Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, (Acts 15:2) … ‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, (Acts 15:28)

•So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. (Psalm 67:3)

•May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! (Psalm 67:6)

•The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb. (Revelations 21:23)

•Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. (John 14:23b)

Reflection:

•What does Jesus mean, “keep my word?”

•What unnecessary burdens do you place on yourself and upon others?

•How do you show your love for Jesus?

•What does “we will make our dwelling with him” mean to you?

The man who lives and acts according to the grace of Christ dwelling in him acts in that case as another Christ, as a son of God, and thus he prolongs in his own life the effects and the miracle of the Incarnation.