We continue to celebrate the Easter season today, this fifty-day celebration of the risen Lord’s victory over the grave. It stretches from Easter Sunday itself to Pentecost Sunday, when we mark the day when the Holy Spirit came down upon the first apostles. At the Last Supper Jesus told his disciples that he and the Father would make their dwelling with them and send the Holy Spirit to remind them of everything he taught them. Let us rejoice this Easter season for God’s abiding pres- ence with us.
Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Each of today’s readings looks toward the future while assuring us of God’s continuing presence with us. The apostles rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them as to which Mosaic practices are necessary for all Christians. The author of Revelation envisions a new Jerusalem, radi- ant in the glory of God. In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to teach them, to remind them of his words, and to advocate for them. In the presence of the Spirit, let us listen to God’s word.
Reflections
• The first apostles had a fundamental decision to make about the future of the church. They could choose to create rigorous requirements for admission, restricting membership to only those from the same tradition as the apostles themselves. Or they could opt for very basic provisions, only those necessary to express this novel faith. Jesus never specified what direction to take. But he welcomed people of all backgrounds and never probed his disciples’ pasts to make sure they were faithfully practicing the Jewish faith. Moreover, before he ascended to heaven he told them to make disciples of all nations. So Peter and the apostles concluded that it was not necessary for Gentiles to follow Mosaic laws and practices in order to be baptized.
• The care the apostles took in delivering their response reflected Jesus’ words to his apostles in today’s Gospel. Jesus comforted them, telling them “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). In the same spirit, the apostles and elders first apologized to the Gentiles for those who “disturbed your peace of mind,” then declared their intention “not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities” (Acts 15:24, 28). The Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus in the Gospel and relied upon by the apostles in the first reading, extended the peace Jesus gives to all those whose hearts are troubled.
• Significantly, the words Jerusalem and shalom come from the same root. In John’s vision of the heavenly Jerusalem, the Prince of Peace, who offered peace at his birth, in his ministry, at the Last Supper, and after his resurrection, dwells with us, as he had promised to those who love him and keep his word. Therefore, his promise of peace is with us, too. Now it is up to us to bring that peace and increase that peace and extend that peace in our world today, so that every city may be a city of peace, made holy by the presence of the Lamb.
Question of the Week
How can I extend the Lord’s peace in my community, in my parish, in my family?
-from Pastoral Patterns
readings of the mass
LISTEN HEREto the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, May 22th, 2022, Sixth Sunday of Easter.
SELECT HEREfor the Readings of Sunday, May 22th, 2022, Sixth Sunday of Easter.
Reflections
The Easter Season
DISCOVER MORE The Easter season is fifty days from the Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to Pentecost Sunday.
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