13/05/2007 - SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER - Year C
First Reading Acts 15,1-2. 22-29 Psalm 65
Second Reading Revelation 21,10-14. 22-23 Gospel John 14,23-29
In the second reading we heard an essay to describe the City of Heaven, the
Holy Jerusalem, that is coming down from heaven, the gift of God to mankind.
It is surrounded by a high and strong wall. But it is not closed; one may enter
from every side, but one can do it only he goes through one of the gates. These
gates are watched by the angels and they remind us of the patriarchs of Israel.
And the city itself is founded on the twelve Apostles. The inhabitants of the
city, those of today and those of times to come, accept the rules suggested
by the gates, i.e. the Church gives rules for protect them so that they may
live in peace and joy. The rules of the city are those given by the Apostles,
i.e.; the love of Jesus, their unity in the Holy Spirit, given by the Father
- because the Father hears the prayers of the Son - the mutual help and assistance,
the effort to proclaim the Gospel, that is the true and deep love for the whole
mankind. This City has his own light, that is like a sun or a huge fire; the
Lamb is an eternal light, that everybody may be able to find his way.
The light of the Lamb was the guide of the Apostles, it helped them to make
the right decision, sometimes very difficult and hard decisions; but decisions
that were precious for the whole community. We have an instance of one of that
kind of decisions in to-day first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles.
Here we see the problems of the cohabitations of believers coming from Judaism
with believers coming from paganism. The question was to know if those coming
from paganism have to observe the rules and prescription of Judaism. With the
help and the light of the Holy Spirit the Apostles understood that faith in
Jesus is the main and only condition to have salvation. Jesus Christ is the
only Saviour that saved us with his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit
gave them light and strength to be able to see the right solution, and strength
enough to proclaim it. Actually, before leaving them Jesus promised the Apostles
he will send to them the Holy Spirit, that is the Spirit of light and strength.
To-day also the same Holy Spirit enlightens the Church, that she may always
be able to teach what is right, what is according to the Gospel and to the love
of God (a duty that is not easy nowadays!).
If we want that the Holy Spirit stays always in our heart and in the Church
it's necessary that we love Jesus. Jesus himself declared openly: "Anyone
who loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come
to him and make a home in him". If we are loving Jesus we will enjoy his
presence and the presence of the Father. The love for Jesus is the secret of
our peace and strength! The love for Jesus is the secret of heaving a real communion
and unity, is the secret of the stability of our family. Love for Jesus changes
our life and brings us nearer to God. If we are loving Jesus the power of God's
love is working in our life and can change the world too.
Lord Jesus, I love You, you are my life; You are the foundation and the light
of my life and of the Church's life. Help me to be able to enter and remain
in your love, in your City, in your Church and enjoy for ever your peace with
all the other your disciples!