May 26, 2019

52nd anniversary of my ordination , 5/20/1967
Pray for me
6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21: 10-14, 22-23; John 14: 23-29
So often we have problems with the Church. We know that people in our families have problems with
the Church. Many times these problems are over some teachings. Other times over personalities who
are in leadership positions who make decisions that are uncomfortable. Sometimes it is over church
people who just seem to be too mean and even too strict. As a result of these ‘situations’ many ‘leave’
the church. Unfortunately the Church is judged by the non-loving, non-caring attitude, or wrongly
informed interpretations of Church law and even false doctrine by people who are in positions of
authority. I have encountered these situations and they turn my stomach because good people have been
hurt. I know that I have been in situations myself that I ‘turned-off’ students, parishioners, people.
Hopefully I was able to make amends. I know I have prayed often for these people and continue to do
so. I use a phrase at every mass stating: ‘I pray for those who I love and those who love me…I pray for
those I have a hard time in loving and those who have a hard time in loving me.’ I am always very
sincere with these words. The Church, as any institution, is made up of people who I hope are happy in
what they are doing. If a person is not happy in what they do then they will definitely bring suffering to
those around them. If a person is happy in what they are doing, their actions speak of their toleration,
caring, affection, forgiveness and love. Today’s readings help us get in touch with the sufferings of the
early Church.
Paul and Barnabas were in Jerusalem sharing with the Church leaders about the enthusiasm that the
people of Antioch had accepted the Gospel of Jesus. This was especially in the way that they had
opened the door in full acceptance of the gentiles. But the door was closing. Some within the Church
believed that the gentiles were getting an ‘easy ride’ because they didn’t have to have to follow the
dictates of the Mosaic Law especially with regard to purifications and circumcision. This was spurred
on by Jewish believers who arrived for Judea insisting that even gentile converts must accept the sign of
the covenant imposed on Abraham and his descendants. They did recognize the continuity between the
Jewish and Christian faith but why should these converts be ‘let off easy’. It’s not fair…the proverbial
challenge when things don’t go my way and I am made to suffer. Paul and Barnabas challenged this need
for full acceptance of the Mosaic Law. This huge problem, and it was huge, was brought to the elders in
Jerusalem, the first Ecumenical Council—the Council of Jerusalem held around 50 AD. Today’s reading
from Acts skips verses 3-21 which contain the arguments presented to the leaders. Today’s reading skips
ahead to the outcome of the debate. With the Holy Spirit as the guide, the Jerusalem Council requires
ONLY that gentiles abstain from unlawful marriage unions and from meat associated with pagan rites or
not properly prepared. Very significantly, there is no mention of circumcision as a requirement for
salvation. The formal decision is unique and important: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to
place on you any burden beyond these….” It is always the Holy Spirit that brings us beyond the threshold
some would not have crossed.
John shares in Revelation what it is like in heaven: it needs neither sun or moon for the glory of God
illuminates it. God is love. Heaven is love. There is no sin present, just love.
Chapter 14 of John’s Gospel consists of a series of Jesus’ teaching preparing the apostles for His
departure. It has been traditionally referred to as Jesus Farewell Discourse. Jesus continues to
emphasize why He must go and how they are the ones He has chosen to continue His life and
teachings…they are formulating God’s plan, God’s Church. What is most important is that it is all about
God’s total love and God’s total presence with them even in difficult times and in stress and sufferings?
“Whoever loves Me will keep My word, and My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our
dwelling with them. Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words, yet the word you hear is not Mine but that
of the Father who sent me…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.” We can’t just utter words or follow pious practices, we must
keep Jesus’ word on love, mercy and forgiveness and put it into daily practice in our lives. By entering
into a special relationship with Jesus we are entering in a special relationship with the Father and with
the Holy Spirit. God is one and God’s love is one with each of us all the time in every moment of our
lives. How am I loving? Where do I need the Holy Spirit’s help today?
Jesus promises that He will never leave us alone. The Holy Spirit guided the formation of the early
Church as we see so beautifully in the Acts of the Apostles and the Holy Spirit continues to guide it
today. As a result of this, the Church will never fail, but it is not immune from making mistakes. It has
made a huge bundle and continues to do so Despite dark times in its history and even today and
leadership failures, recovery, peace, grace come through the Holy Spirit. When I rely on myself and my
feelings and beliefs, I can easily be narrow-minded and feeble in my attempts to love as Jesus taught.
When I am open to the Holy Spirit and listen and reflect in prayer and listen to the Spirit and the wisdom
of God’s holy people, I am on a much better standing.
Connections a resource for preachers shares this insight: “Peace, as given by Christ, is perspective that
shapes all our actions, behavior and values; it is peace that is centered in our selfless love for others,
comfort that is found in realizing God’s presence in our very midst in the love of others. We want
‘peace’ that makes it possible for us to move forward with our plans for our lives; the ‘peace’ we
envision is the result of the world working the way we want it to. But the ‘peace’ of the Risen Christ
challenges us to put aside our own self-obsessed agenda and need to control in order to take on the
Gospel that places forgiveness and reconciliation, justice and community, before all else.”
So I reflect on:
• Spend time and reflect on how I experience the guidance of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit in my life.
• What does living in the presence of God look like for me?
• Have I ever been confused or upset about church laws or obligations? Was the problem with the
church or with me? How did I resolve my concerns?
• What helps me live in the peace of Christ?
Sacred Space 2019 states:
“These words are part of Jesus’ great farewell discourse at the Last Supper. The following day will see the
immense outpouring of His love on the cross, a love that remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. This
unconditional love calls for our unconditional ‘Yes.’
Lord, help me overcome my guilt, my shame, and my fear. Help me throw open wide the doors to my inmost
heart so that my transcendent God can make His home there.”