What is the relevance of being a Christian and at the same time religious today?
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12: 9-10. These beautiful words of St Paul are very applicable and apt for today as we gather together on this happy occasion of the final profession of our brother Fr Ronnie. Professing the final vows is beautiful moment because it represents the culmination of a journey of discernment, formation, and commitment within a religious order or congregation. It is here we say to the Lord, "Your grace is sufficient for me."
Today the Church celebrates the enduring presence and power of the Holy Spirit through the feast of Pentecost. In a world grappling with numerous challenges, the feast of Pentecost Sunday serves as a beacon of hope, unity, and transformation. It reminds us that the Holy Spirit, the divine advocate, and comforter, is ever-present, offering guidance, strength, and wisdom in times of uncertainty and turmoil. As we navigate the complexities of our modern era, Pentecost Sunday calls us to open our hearts and minds to the transformative work of the Spirit. The liturgical readings of this Sunday once again invite us to dwell deeper into the mystery and person of the Holy Spirit in our world and in our lives.
1. Embracing the Spirit: Pentecost's Call to Renewal and Unity in a Changing World
Often we fall back to the past when we celebrate a feast that is connected with the past memory of the Church. However, the feast of Pentecost is a different one. Holy Spirit not only came down upon the apostles and the early Church members, but even now the Spirit of God makes His presence in our lives. Perhaps without the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, it would be impossible to live as a Christian today. The number of works of charity and compassion, justice and peace, proclamation and reconciliation that are carried out by the Church not only phenomenal but also because of the active working of the Holy Spirit. The beautiful explanation that we find in Acts 2:1–11 demonstrates how the Holy Spirit not only came upon those fear-filled, discouraged disciples but also how the Spirit of God made so bold and believing people.
The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ is a Christian celebration that commemorates the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is observed on the 40th day after Easter Sunday, which signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry. The narration on the Ascension of Jesus is found in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles. According to these accounts, after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and followers over a period of 40 days, teaching them about the kingdom of God and giving them instructions. The liturgical readings of this Sunday are rich in content and give us a beautiful presentation of how that ascension of our Lord should be lived out in our daily lives.
1. Ascending to Heavenly Glory to be with the Father
According to the Gospel of St Matthew, which we are reading today, the last discourse of Jesus after the resurrection takes place on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. Even though this passage is about the commissioning of the disciples, it does not tell us, how Jesus was taken up into heaven. However other Gospels give witness to this great event. While his disciples gather there, Jesus blessed them and, in their presence, ascended into heaven. As he ascended, a cloud enveloped him, and he disappeared from their sight. From then on none of his disciples saw him again.
Perhaps we are living in an important and very particular time of human existence. It is not just an age of reason but an age of absurdity and chaos in the midst of digital and directionless mass (social) media communications. For the last few months, we have been taken over by the popularity of Artificial Intelligence and its concrete fruit Open AI and ChatGPT. We have been adding new kinds of knowledge to our basket from time to time. Whenever something new comes to the market there are two kinds of reactions: For and against. So the use of Artificial Intelligence by a common man in the form of Chat GPT seems to have made many worry especially those who run corporations and business houses. In the guise of saving their future and relevance, they are casting doubts of their usefulness and danger, while the common is looking for something good from the new knowledge that is almost freely available. The Sixth Sunday of Easter points out through its liturgical readings that we are called to give hope through our reason to those who ask questions or intimidate us giving us all sorts of false prophesies.
1. Defending our faith with gentleness and respect.
We begin today's reflections starting with St Peter's First Letter. 1 Peter 3:15–18 are the most quoted verses while studying fundamental Christian theology. "Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear" (1 Peter 3:15). St Peter in these verses encourages believers to always be ready to give a defense of their faith with gentleness and respect, even in the face of persecution. Since the time of Jesus, we see, that faith is not a private matter but something that we should be willing to share with others. All through his life, Jesus did every preaching, healing, and teaching in public, even the very personal and momentous moments like his Baptism and the Mount Tabor experience.
During this Easter season, we have been reading from the New Testament, with the exception of the Psalm, which is taken from the Old Testament. Easter is about moving forward and leaving our past behind. It is also about focusing on the present moment, savoring and enjoying what we have in the here and now. We should never feel a lack of the living water that God gives us through his Son. Therefore, we should dwell calmly and continuously in the present, while also recognizing the urgency and immediacy of our actions. The liturgical reading for the 5th Sunday of Easter invites us to walk with the disciples of Jesus, who are increasing in number through their love and service to God and their neighbors. They believe that there is one Father for all who gives everything and that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
1. Friction between the temporary and the eternal
John 14:1-12 is a passage that provides us with the comforting words of Jesus, who tells his disciples not to be troubled or afraid but to trust in God and in him. He promises to prepare a place for them and to return to take them with him. This is a powerful message for us as we gather together as a community of believers. As we reflect on this passage, we can find a great source of hope and encouragement in the midst of uncertainty and fear. Jesus reminds us that we are not alone in this world and that he is always with us, guiding us along the way. He calls us to trust in him, even when we don't understand everything that is happening around us.
