SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
21 MAY 2017
Jesus
continues to speak to his closest disciples at the Last Supper. He asks if they love him. If they do, they are to keep his
commandments. He is not talking about
warm feeling. He is speaking of the two
great commandments – love of God and love of neighbor. He had just washed their feet to demonstrate
the humble service expected of those who love him. He is preparing himself to become the Lamb of
God sacrificed for their salvation. Knowing
how difficult this love will become, he promises to send them another
Advocate. For three years, he has been
their Advocate – standing beside them and urging them on. After his death, resurrection, and ascension,
this second Advocate will do the same.
The Holy Spirit will stand by them so that they will continue to share his
self-gift to the world.
We see that
dynamic in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Philip and other Greek speaking disciples
have been driven out of Jerusalem after Stephen had been killed. Instead of hiding in fear to protect his own
life, Philip goes to Samaria, which is directly north of Judea. Jews and Samaritans hated one another. But Philip breaks through all those
divisions, just as Jesus had reached out to the Samaritan woman at the
well. The Samaritans respond positively
to the Gospel he proclaimed and the signs he worked. Philip baptizes many Samaritans into the Body
of Christ. Then the Apostles Peter and
John, come down to give them the Holy Spirit, enabling these newest members to
love as Jesus had commanded them.
Jesus
speaks to us at this Memorial of the Last Supper. He commands us to love, as he has loved us,
and as Philip had loved the Samaritans.
We express our love best by being humble servants. He invites us to trust that our acts of
humble service will be powerful signs in the Granger area drawing people to
Christ, just as Philip’s works drew people to Christ in Samaria. Please take a step in faith and make a
commitment to some kind of service in our parish. We ask for a one-year commitment, which can
be renewed or changed every year. Please
read the information in the bulletin and the materials that you will receive in
the mail next week. Pray over your
decision, and invite the Holy Spirit to help you to avoid hiding your talents
out of fear.
Since we
have moved into the new church, the large size of our parish has become more
apparent. We see more parishioners at a
given Mass, because our new church holds twice as many people. Some of you worry about getting lost in such
a large parish. However, you will find
that getting involved and giving yourself in humble service not only helps the
parish. It also connects you more closely
with the others who serve in that ministry.
In giving, you will receive much more in return. If you don’t believe me, please listen to Tim
Golichowski, as he speaks of his experience of giving his time and talent in
humble service of the parish.
No comments:
Post a Comment