Walking with Jesus: Sixth Sunday of Easter

For Sunday, May 22, 2022

Acts 15:1-2, 22–29; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29

Today’s first reading from Acts recounts what has been called the Council of Jerusalem. It was held in Jerusalem around 50 A.D. and is unique among the ancient pre-ecumenical councils in that it is considered by Catholics and Eastern Orthodox to be the first model and forerunner of later ecumenical councils. Its topics: the controversy about male circumcision and the validity of the Mosaic Law. So what was required of the “new members” of the Church? At this point Christianity is not a distinct religion but is living out the covenant relationship with God as taught by Jesus. As Jews, they observed all the religious practices and going to Sabbath worship, then participating in the Breaking of the Bread on Sunday. So what about the “new” members … the Gentiles? Were they required to become Jews? Paul and Barnabas had been working with the Gentiles and welcomed them into the faith. They went to Antioch and encountered faithful Jews who insisted that Gentile converts accept circumcision in order to be saved. This controversy was directed to the apostles and leaders in Jerusalem who declared that those who were not Jews did not need to become Jews and take on circumcision and other rituals, but needed to be faithful to the teachings of Jesus as proclaimed by the apostles and leaders. Taking on circumcision as necessary for salvation would be overly burdensome. The conclusion is that salvation is now through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through the law of Moses.

So what concerns us about this today? An obvious point: “… differences in Church communities can become heated and divisive. Not only theological differences but also political and cultural differences sadly maim and harm the Body of Christ that is the Church. We must take time and prayerfully reflect on whom we follow — some political or cultural figure or rather Jesus Christ.” (Sunday Homily Helps 5-22-22, Colin King, OFM) It is so easy for us to get distracted from Jesus’ teaching and commandments ... especially that of love. We think it is nice that God loves us and that is really needed, but love also makes demands on each of us. How are we doing?

Jesus tells us today, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” [John 14:27]  Christ’s “peace” is different: It is more than no war … no fighting … being kind to one another. Christ’s peace is a perspective that shapes all our actions, behavior and values. It is the peace that is centered on our selfless love for others. This is more than the absence of conflict and tension that makes us feel comfortable in our relationships. Jesus’ peace demands hard work and much, much sacrifice. It involves putting aside our self-centered agendas in order to live Jesus’ teaching of forgiveness and reconciliation, justice and care for all those in need.

John describes this in the second reading from Revelation when he sees a new and holy Jerusalem coming down from heaven like a bride on her wedding day. God is present, giving the people comfort and new life. This sight represents the totality of God’s people, including both Israel and the entire world which is represented by the 12 gates. A unique part of this structure is that there is no need for a temple, a sacred place set apart for God to dwell in with all His holiness. The new people have been made holy by God Himself who now dwells with Jesus, the Lamb, in the midst of the people. This is heaven that we have all been called to. We now enter this city by loving Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments. The Holy Spirit is constantly with us, filling us with His gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear (reverence) of the Lord; and His fruits: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity. Using these each day on those God sends us is living our way to heaven.

So I reflect on:

• Christ has helped me cope with life experiences. What words do I use to share that sense of presence with someone I know that needs healing? What words don’t work? And actions?
• Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” [John 14:27] Jesus said these words just before He suffered the trauma of the cross. How does Easter resurrection give me peace and hope?
  

Sacred Space 2022 states:

“Jesus prayed for the apostles and for all who would believe. That is us! Can you imagine Jesus praying somewhere, maybe on the hillside where He went to pray, or among His followers? He is praying for you. What might you think He would be asking His Father for, for you? Can you make this prayer for yourself? He prays because He loves each of us. How do I pray for people I love? He prays for everyone I know. I can join my prayers with His today. … Even the ones I don’t like … Jesus likes them!”