SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 23

VI EASTER SUNDAY, 14 MAY 2023, JOHN 14. 15-21; ACTS 8. 5-8, 14-17; 1 PETER 3. 15-18   Pivot: Love that transforms! Indicative: Love for the Lord will transform one's life. It will also commit him to transform others by word and signs   1.      The apostles were personally touched by the Lord. It was because they lived intimately with him. They were being taught and formed by him. They were being nourished and strengthened by him. Thus they were trained to be his fitting, efficient and effective emissaries. 2.      This new call and mission was carried out by them by a passionate and convincing testimony by preaching and healing. The Lord continued to accompany and confirm them with his own Spirit. Accordingly, all those who believed received not only the gift of faith but also the anointing by the Holy Spirit. 3.      What is notable in this whirlwind of a witnessing mission? It is the universality of faith and the power of the Spirit. There was no distinction or discrimination such like Jew or Gentile, free or slave, male or female, rich or poor, noble or simple. All that mattered was openness and receptivity to the Word of God and faith in Christ. 4.      The mission of the apostles was a tremendous success despite the numerous hurdles and opposition. This was only because of the beautiful harmony between God's action and human cooperation, a profound blend of the power of the Spirit and the zeal of the apostles. 5.      In the light of Peter's words in the second reading, the apostles "sanctified themselves to Christ as their Lord". Their whole and sole model and focus was their Lord who "though righteous suffered for the unrighteous" and "by dying, gives life to those who die by sin". In imitation of him, they were totally convinced that "it is better to suffer for doing good on God's behalf than for doing evil on behalf of the world". 6.      In the light of the gospel, this whole project of mission and witness is rooted in an unfathomable love for the Lord and following his commandments. And this in turn essentially means to surrender and commit whole life to the Father's will, concretely manifested in faith and fraternity. 7.      This is crystal clear in the words of Jesus: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments". As one loves the Lord and does what he has commanded, automatically he will be taken into the hold of the Father's love as well. 8.      Once inserted into these dynamics of love of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, there is the predilection by the Father, revelation and communication of the Son and illumination, confirmation and empowerment by the Spirit. 9.      Let us then check and see whether we passionately love the Lord, whether we are committed to keep his commandments, whether we surrender to the Father's will, whether we manifest it  in spiritual communion and fraternal mission, whether we never flag in zeal and commitment to bear witness, in suffering perseveringly for God and good, whether we spread the church and God's reign.   Imperative: Big talk, eloquent preaching, bundles of activities, organised display of skill and competence will not suffice for an effective mission. A profound love for the Lord and a loyal adherence to his commandments alone are the greatest signs and proofs