Word to the Wise
Sunday, May 1, 2016 - 6th Sunday of Easter - C
[Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29]SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER [Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29] "I have told you this while I am with you. 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." [John] Pentecost is still ahead of us, but the Church is already celebrating. There is a shift in emphasis from the resurrection of the Lord toward the coming of the Holy Spirit. The first scripture for today from the Acts of the Apostles tells us of the momentous decision in regard to the reception of Gentiles into the community. A minimum of Jewish observances would be required, which did not include circumcision. We should note what the letter says, "It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us..." The gospel scripture is from the Farewell Discourse that we have been hearing all this past week. Jesus speaks of the role of the Holy Spirit (the Advocate, or in an older translation, the Paraclete]. We are told the Holy Spirit "will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." The decision in regard to Gentile converts is an example of that wisdom. Jesus did not say anything about requiring a person of faith to become a Jew before becoming a Christian. He was open to anyone who come to him. Although there will be more to be said as Pentecost moves toward us, we know that not everything we Catholics believe is found explicitly in the scriptures. There is much that the Holy Spirit has taught us which we accept on faith. At the same time, the Holy Spirit does remind us of what Jesus DID teach and to which we must remain faithful. This dual faithfulness to charism and authority has been a challenge to the Church through the centuries and will continue to challenge us. AMEN
config
view
logs
3840.0 KB
88 ms
4
