SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2021
First Reading: Acts 1:15-17,20-26
Second Reading: 1 John 4: 11-16
Gospel: John 17:11-19
FATHER, CONSECRATE US IN YOUR TRUTH
We are in the last phase of Easter, which comes to its closure on Pentecost Sunday. The Church, (You and I) asks God to send forth his Spirit, the Spirit that will be recreated, so that the face of the earth will be renewed. In our prayer to God we express the hope that the advent of Holy Spirit will bestow on us new actions and motives, that the kingdom of God will have form in Church and the world at large. The 4th Gospel (John), in the 17th Chapter, we see the high Priestly prayer of Jesus – in line with that Feast of Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16 and 23). The High Priest who makes atonement, first for himself and then that of his household, and finally for the whole community. At this time, the High Priest pronounces the Holy Name of God. In the entire Chapter 17, Jesus first prays for the community of His followers, and making atonement, certainly not for himself, because He had no sin in Him, but with the formula of asking God to ensure His glorification. Afterwards He prayed for His disciples.
In vs. 6 – He goes straight in asking God to keep them together and also protect them from evil, especially as He is about to leave. The bond of unity that guides and should direct all Christians.
He continues in praying also for their sanctification that which will manifest in their unity. What heart a friend could give to his friends. Thus, according to the gospel of Last Sunday (He now calls us His friends), being aware also that we live in a world of hatred. The disciples’ acceptance of Jesus has removed them from the world. Do you also accept Jesus and be removed from the world? Or do you remain attached to the world because it offers you fantasies? It is in doing battle with the world that has become too secular, and that through Christian identity emerges. Hence, the challenge for Christians, now and always is to live in this world without being enslaved to its rules and their dictates.
Brethren, we must resist the temptation of conforming to the values of the world in order to gain its love or minimize its hatred. The Church must equally be true in her vocation of being an alternative society. We must know that faith is neither a matter of popular opinion nor a fruit of playing the game of number. Faith is the matter of conviction, of being true to Christ and the value for which He died.
We are, by faith, that community of believers, and so, we should not be defined by the values that world gives and its values, but only on God in whom the fullness of live rests and lives.
I encourage us to return or consider the manner of election and selection especially in the Church by the discernment of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens, fortifies, and sanctifies us.. Dear friends of Christ, we should also learn to give room to the Holy Spirit in discerning God’s will in our day to day activities both as individual, community and as a Church. And so, we ask ourselves: How often do we experience division and strive when it comes to choosing offices in the Church? And even our secular (political societies)
How often do we take sides, build parties (group mentality), by hook and crank to make sure our person gets the post no matter his or her background? If we must grasp a message from today’s readings, we must learn to respect the role of the Holy Spirit in our decision makings. It is a clarion for you and I to contribute our quota in making sure that the community (Church) survives. Father, keep us true to Your name and do not let anyone of us to be lost when the Spirit of Truth comes, Amen.
Happy SUnday
Rev. Fr. Vigilius Flavian Amanze msscc