Sunday, May 6, 2018
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48 / Psalm 97:1-4 / 1 John 4:7-10 / John 15:9-17
REMAIN IN GOD'S LOVE
Beloved, it was forbidden for a Jew to enter the house of a pagan, to eat or to mix with them. Jews were not also to eat anything which they considered unclean. Through a vision and by the help of the Holy Spirit, Peter had to break this attitude in the house of Cornelius, a Roman army officer/centurion. Cornelius and his family members were the first pagans to welcome Peter into their house. They received baptism and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to the surprise of many. What pioneering role did I and my family also play? What new thing have I brought into my family, community, office, church etc? Which family was the first to be converted in my area?
Cornelius showed great respect to Peter when he arrived in his house. What has happened to the dignity and nobility of our religious, political, civil leaders? Do they still enjoy the honour and reverence?
Peter said, " In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him (Acts 10:34-35). The Holy Spirit blows wherever he wills. He descends on anybody he decides. God allows the rain to fall on the good and the bad alike (Matthew 5:45). God decides what to give to each and everyone of us.
St. John in our today's second reading reminds us that, God is love. Love is from God. God loves us and continues to show us his love in diverse ways. He sent us his only begotten son for our sake. We, as God's children, are expected to love God and one another. This will show that we really know God.
Friends, Jesus reminds us in our today's Gospel reading that we should keep God's commandment of love (love of God and love of neighbour). God lovingly, freely and generously gave his Son, Jesus. Out of love and obedience, Jesus came and laid down his life for us. The love shown to us is to help us to bear good fruits There is that strong link between Jesus and his father. Do I love God and my neighbour unconditionally? Jesus' love for us is unconditional. Jesus loves all of us. He tells us to love our friends and enemies alike (Matthew 5: 44, Luke 6: 27-36).Jesus loved us to the end (John 13:1). He calls us his friends, not servants, if we do what he commands us (John 15:14-15). Do I love God, my parents, children, coworkers, fellow worshippers, my work, etc? A Christian without love is poisonous. Let us pray for the grace to love God and one another, unconditionally. May we live as true friends of God and one another. BE BLESSED.
Fr. Gaa ( 0206854323/0240308878)