FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 23

 07 MAY 2023, 5th EASTER SUNDAY: Acts 6. 1-7; 1 Peter 2, 4-9 ; John 14. 1-12 PART 1 Pivot: Know and Walk! Indicative: The journey of faith is a constant unfolding of our knowledge and experience of the Lord, leading to the deepening of relationship and commitment to Him 1. Who the Lord is makes us who we are. In his identity we discover our identity. The Lord is "the Way, the Truth and the Life". He is the "Living Stone" that builds the spiritual house of God. 2. If this is the identity of the Lord, it has radical implications for our own identity and mission. If the Lord is the Way, then we are to be those who know, and walk the way and also show the way to others and accompany and assist them to walk the way. 3. If he is the truth, then know the truth of him.. Love and adhere to the truth. Shun all the pressures of falsity. Be truthful to Him. 4. If he is the life, accept and receive the life of him. Banish all the forces of death in its manifold forms of disrespect for life, violence, aggression, retorsion and destruction. Also overcome all the suffocation of life seen in dissipation and depression and loss of beauty and joy of life. 5. Instead, constantly try to be lifeful, discovering and recapturing its charm and value. Live the vitality and energy of life in enthusiasm and altruism. Be containers and transmitters of the new life of the risen Lord. Spread life all around. Be promoters of life. 6. Further, in the light of the second reading, we are reminded that we are the living stones of the spiritual house of God. We are chosen and precious. We are not by- chance or despicable people. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people for God's own possession. 7. All these solemn expressions indicate our collective identity, marked by nobility, intimacy, and sanctity. This is not a matter that becomes the cause for boast and pride. But it is the cause for a total reorientation of life. This radically summons us to live our life in deep belonging to God, dignified holiness, unfailing loyalty and noble benevolence.  PART 2 8. Still moving ahead, the living of our radical identity comprises one essential feature, and that is wisdom. This is intensely evident in the case of the apostles in the first reading. This wisdom is manifest in the clarity of priorities. 9. What a sense of clarity of priorities the Apostles had! They knew what was their priority. Prayer and ministry of the Word are more important than serving at the table. We do not undermine the value of serving at table because it is a concrete expression of fraternal communion and sharing. However, it should not lead to neglecting the word of God. 10. Perhaps, this is one main thing lacking in the present-day Church. There is an acute lack of clarity of priorities. Whether it is the lay faithful or consecrated ministers of God, often there is a lot of confusion and distortion of concerns and priorities. 11. Consequently, often secular interests, worldly preoccupations, and organisational and administrative concerns take the upper hand over spiritual concerns and animation of faith and communities. 12. That is why a great amount of time, money and energy is spent on organising different activities, conducting monetary transactions and supervising material tasks, rather than building, renewing and reinforcing the interior spirit, faith and family relationships. 13. The wisdom of the Apostles must dawn on each one, saying, “It is not right to neglect the word of God and prayer to serve at the table”. 14. It is also a call for living a synodal church. The Apostles do not monopolise the whole authority by themselves. They are not scared to “decentralise” and “delegate” their authority. Instead, they happily appoint seven deacons to serve at the table. 15. What is notable is: though serving at the table is subservient to the higher priority of the Ministry of the Word, it is not of less value. It is also a great “spiritual” ministry. That is why, it too needed men of the Spirit, faith and wisdom.  16. This indicates that every ministry in the church is spiritual and valuable. There is nothing strictly material and spiritual. All are sacred. There should not be any despising and dominating attitude. Instead, there should be an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration. Imperative: We must constantly realise our authentic identity and live it in effective mission. Let our troubled hearts take courage and strength from the Lord who is always with us