Today’s Gospel calls us to hear what Jesus told His Apostles about the actions of the Blessed Trinity
Reflections on the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (May 22, 2022): ACTS 15:1-2, 22-29; PS 67:2-3,5,6,8; REV 21:10-14,22-23; JN 14:23-29
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." (John 14:27)
On this Sunday, Christ lets the Apostles and those who came later see the need to open ourselves to the Eternal Father’s will, just as the Son of God did. From the Incarnation to the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension, Christ embraced the divine will for the sake of all people. Because we were estranged from God, we could never find our way back to Him on our own. But from the days of Abraham, God let His people know that He had not forgotten us. He revealed His love and concern through the Jews. In His own time, God sent His Son, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit, to come among us. Jesus of Nazareth showed himself to the humble and insignificant. While many become His disciples, many more, especially the religious leaders did not. But Christ’s followers came to know that His life, mercy, and sacrifice were for everyone.
In the Gospel according to St. John, we hear the Last Supper Discourse that Jesus spoke to His Apostles. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:25-27). God -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- give us everything we need to follow Christ. The more we walk in His way through the Sacraments and Scripture, prayer and charity, the closer we are to Him; and more able to share His love with others. God wants us to have peace, not only in eternity, but right now. If only we listen and learn, love and live according to His will, we reveal ourselves as His true children.
Today is a special day for all who value the work of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Pauline Jaricot (1799-1862), the French laywoman who established it is being beatified on this 200th anniversary of its founding. She was a person of prayer and deeply concerned for the welfare of the poor and sick. It was her desire to support the efforts of the Church’s missionaries in spreading the Good News around the globe that she made a difference still felt today -- and into the future. Blessed Pauline Jaricot pray for us!
