The theme of the sixth Sunday of Easter anticipates Ascension Sunday and the solemnity of Pentecost. To the eyes of the world, the Lord will be separated from his disciples. The truth however is that the disciples become the dwelling place of the Father and the Son when they live according to the new commandment of love. Apart from this, the Holy Spirit will be with the disciples as their Advocate and the pedagogue that will lead them to all truth. Read the relevant article here and use the following as your guide for reflection.
1. The Church is the Temple of God. In John, we find the declaration the Church -- precisely because it lives the new commandment of love -- is the Temple of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit
Reflect: How do you find your faith-community? Is it a community where the commandment of love is lived out? How are you contributing to make your community of faith a place where the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is experienced?
2. "Parakletos" can be translated in two ways: "Consoler" or "Advocate". To the community of Jesus' disciples, he will also be a pedagogue, one who will lead the disciples to all truth.
The Church has this beautiful prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit,
Fill the hearts of your faithful
and enkindle in them the fire of your love.L:// Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created
R:// And you shall renew the face of the earth.Let us pray.
O God you have instructed your faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit
Grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may always truly be wise
and rejoice in His consolation.
Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Do you use this prayer?
3. What Jesus promises his disciples here, he fulfills on the night of his Resurrection. "Peace be with you", he says to his brothers.
Reflect. During the Mass, just before Communion, we say to one another: "Peace be with you." Do you see this moment as an opportunity for you to give the peace of Christ to your brothers and sisters?
