All the Ends of the Earth Fear the Lord

 Sixth Sunday of Easter: May 22, 2022

 Readings: Acts 15:1–2, 22–29; Psalm 67:2–3, 5–6, 8; Revelation 21:10–14, 22–23; John 14:23–29

To listen to my audio-video reflections on YouTube, please click on this link https://youtu.be/YUkKsKvrCXE

Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890), an Anglican priest, a convert to Catholicism now a saint, published an article in 1859 titled "On Consulting the Faithful in Matters of Doctrine." He argued that in the life of the Church consulting the faithful in matters of faith is an important factor in Church life. In fact, he pointed out a kind of synodality, that we are talking about today, where doctrine and tradition are testified by the living faith of the people. The liturgical readings of this Sunday invite us to enter deeper into the mystery of Easter because we are all participants in building the Church of God here on earth. So, everyone is invited to contribute one's mite to forming a church built on faith, hope and love. 

1. Synodality as a way forward in the Early Christian Communities

The first reading of today (Acts 15:1–2, 22–29) from the Acts of the Apostles is a testimony to the presence of the Spirit in the Church. The Church which is built on the foundations of the Apostles and their experience of the Risen Lord witnessed tremendous growth in its early years. As the Church made its presence felt among different nations, cultures, traditions and people, questions and doubts, dissensions and debates arose about whether what they were doing was right or not, especially with the question of those non-Jews embracing Christianity who had to obey all the complex ritual and purity laws of the Jews and their circumcision. In order to find the right solution, the community of Christians along with Paul and Barnabas decide to consult the apostles who were in Jerusalem. 

The early Church found very quickly, the importance of consulting the apostles and elders in matters of faith and practice. The far away Churches that came up in non-Jewish cultures and territories needed the right answers in order to settle the questions of the day. They trusted in the works of the Holy Spirit. They were convinced that the apostles had the right answers. They were humble to seek the guidance of those disciples of our Lord who had lived with him. They believed that only through a spirit of synodality the questions could be answered, doubts can be clarified, dissension can be quelled and debates can bring out the truth. Thus the Early Christian Communities lived in peace and harmony among themselves and unity was demonstrated. They were united around the essential that is the gift of salvation through the person of Jesus Christ. Other than that nothing mattered to them at all.  

2. God makes dwelling in us

Jesus in his farewell discourse (John 14:23–29) tells his disciples that love will bind them together. If they listen to him then there would not be any sort of division or separation because it is love that would chain them. The well-known Latin saying Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est, wherever love is true, God abides there is indeed convincing.  The powerful words of Jesus, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him" (John 14:23) are words of encouragement to his disciples. Jesus does not stop with these few words but indeed promises them a helper, a paraclete, an advocate, a mentor to guide them whenever they needed him. "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 14:26).

What is fascinating is that Jesus truly loves his disciples. Jesus is ready to be with those who believe in him and follow in his footsteps. His affinity and solidarity with those who trusted in him so much that even in his physical absence there would be another force to accompany them. Jesus never fails. He does what he promises. This is very obvious as we look at the history of the Church which is more than 2000 years old yet we see people giving witness to our Lord more radically than ever before in different parts of the world today.

3. Peace and Paraclete will govern the Church

The Church is never alone. The Holy Spirit guides the Church and peace dwells in it. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you"  (John 14:27). This beautiful truth is realized. That's why the work of our Lord continues to be fulfilled in various ways even in this 21st century. Prophet Isaiah says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). In the months of May-June every year, many young men and women join the religious orders, congregations and diocesan seminaries in India. Often we ask ourselves what does it inspires them to join our way of life. The Holy Spirit continues for a call of service and dedication in spite of our unworthiness, sinfulness, fragility, vulnerability, woundedness, and inability to speak or argue. God knows how to continue His work here on earth. 

Jesus emphasizes that peace is possible where there are good relationships. To be is to be in relation. Peace is possible out of good relations. When issues and differences arise in our Churches, communities, families, and congregations we must find solutions inside the Churches, inside our house roofs. The bishops, priests, Nuns and the people of God must sit together and sort out the differences and issues. The hierarchy of our Church must have the courage to sit down with our lay faithful to discuss, deliberate and find the essence of truth with a sense of humility and docility, freedom and patience. Only then we might get back to the Spirit of St Paul, St Barnabas and other communities of the early Church. 

Questions for reflections

1. What are your thoughts on synodality that we see in the early Church? How can you make it real today?
2. Where can you see the God of true love, present here and now?
3. Jesus tells us that we are his friends because he has chosen us, appointed us, and made known everything to us all that he has heard from his Father. What does his friendship mean to you?
4. Do you recall a time when a friend made a sacrifice for you? What impact did this have on you?

Prayer:

O marvellous God, who is my light, my life, and my salvation; Grant to me, I pray, such fullness of faith and such a consciousness of your love and goodness, that your blessed Spirit, dwelling within me, may give me health of body, peace of mind, the faithfulness of heart, and holiness of life and being. May God have pity on me and bless me; may He let His face shine upon me. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name,  Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ 

May 20, 2022