Homily (Reflection) for Sixth Sunday of Easter,
Year C (1st May, 2016) on the Gospel
Acts 15:1-2.22-29;
Ps 66:2-3.5-6.8. (R. v. 4);Rev 21:10-14.22-23;
Jn 14:23-29.
During the first semester examination
of year one students in one university, the lecturer gave the students some
terms and asked them to discuss them briefly. While other students were busy
writing, it was said that one of them tried to get someone to discuss with. All
his efforts proved abortive. Finally, he decided to wait and see what will
happen since he did not see any student talking in the examination hall.
He was still waiting when the invigilator announced the
remaining time and advised the students to dot their I’s and cross their T’s. And
when they were finally asked to submit their scripts, he objected that he was
not given anybody to discuss the terms with. Although he caused commotion in
the examination hall yet he submitted his answer sheet without writing anything
on it.
Topic: Prepare for the Holy Spirit.
In today’s gospel, while Jesus was answering
the question asked by Judas (not Iscariot) in John 14:22, He said,
Those who love me will keep my word,
and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with
them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you
hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
Jesus explained further the gift of the Holy Spirit He had
promised before Judas’ question, cf. Jn
14:16-17
I have said these things to you while I
am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send
in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said
to you.
The solemnity of Pentecost is two weeks away. It is
important to ask ourselves how prepared we are or how we are preparing for this
God’s gift. Jesus had earlier said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with
you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive...” (Jn 14:15-17a).
We must therefore prepare for the gift of the Holy Spirit
and not just wait. The student who waited for someone to discuss with in the
examination hall never understood what he was required to do. In like manner, if
one does not understand that the Holy Spirit is God’s gift for those who love Him
(keep God’s laws) he or she will continue to wait in vain, cf. Jn 14:15-16; Acts 5:32.
Again, part of today’s gospel forms greater part of last
Tuesday’s gospel (Jn 14:27-31). As a
result, I would like you to read also our reflection on that if you have not or
would like to refresh your memory. And for the reflection, open this link: http://www.thepulpitonline.com/2016/04/actual-cause-of-worlds-crisis-tuesday.html
Bible Reading: Ps 51:1-19; Acts 2:38; Eph 4:25 – 5:2.
Thought for today:
You need the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray: Lord as we approach the solemnity of
Pentecost, help us to be prepared by keeping your commandments – Amen.
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