Sixth Sunday of Easter
Year B.
Readings: Acts 10:25-26. 34-35. 44-48, 1 John 4:7-10, John 15:9-17
Love one another
The Easter Season is almost drawing to a close with the feast of Pentecost approaching in two weeks’ time. Next week we will celebrate the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. The readings prepare us to be with the apostles of Jesus, whom he is preparing for these great events. The call today is to remain in His love, a love which is unconditional, and then share this love with one another. Unless and until one experiences this love, he/she cannot share it with others. You can only give, what you have!
The practicality of the commandment of Jesus to love another becomes real when the apostles begin to live it in their lives. The first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles spells out how Peter, being a Jew, enters the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. We are all too familiar with the Jewish purification laws and how it is hard for the Jews and gentiles to come to a table fellowship. But love conquers all and Peter is able to, reluctantly at first, accept the hospitality of Cornelius. And God confirms this fellowship by pouring out the Holy Spirit, as it happened on the day of Pentecost.
The second reading today from the First letter of St John reiterates this Love which comes from God, for God is love says St John. It is tis love which went to the extent of giving life for us all. Jesus by stretching out his hands on the cross gave the ultimate testimony to the unconditional and unfathomable love of God, telling us, no matter what, we are loved.
As we ourselves prepare for the coming festivities of the Ascension and the Pentecost, let us heed the call of Jesus. Loving one another is challenging and painful, especially when it is not reciprocated. But we need not lose heart, for we are richly loved by our God and God does not leave our side.
Let us today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, acknowledge the contribution of all mothers and mother figures in our life. They have shown us God’s love in their lives and let us show our love to them today. Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers.
God bless you.
