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The Entrance Antiphon, drawn from Isaiah 48:20, sets the tone: “Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard; proclaim to the ends of the earth: The Lord has freed his people, alleluia.” This call to joyful proclamation echoes the Easter message of liberation and redemption, inviting us to share the good news with boldness and joy. The First Reading from Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 recounts the Council of Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in the early Church. The apostles and elders address a dispute about whether Gentile converts must follow the Mosaic law, particularly circumcision. After discernment, they decide, guided by the Holy Spirit, not to impose unnecessary burdens, stating, “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities.” This reading highlights the Church’s unity through the Spirit’s guidance, a unity that transcends cultural and legalistic divides. It’s a reminder that the essence of the Gospel is love and freedom in Christ, not rigid adherence to tradition for its own sake.
The Second Reading from Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23 offers a vision of the heavenly Jerusalem, descending from God, radiant with His glory. John describes the city’s foundations inscribed with the names of the twelve apostles, symbolizing the Church’s apostolic foundation. Notably, there is no temple, for “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple,” and its light comes not from the sun but from God’s glory. This vision speaks to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise—a world where God dwells directly with His people, illuminating all with His presence. It’s a powerful image of hope, especially in a world often marked by darkness and division, reminding us that our ultimate destiny is communion with God, where all is made new in His light.
The Gospel from John 14:23-29, part of Jesus’ farewell discourse at the Last Supper, brings a message of peace and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” He promises the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will teach and remind the disciples of all He has said. Jesus then offers His peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” This peace, rooted in God’s indwelling presence, is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of wholeness and trust in God’s plan. It’s a peace that sustains us amid life’s uncertainties, a peace that the world cannot give or take away.
Reflecting on these readings, I’m struck by the emphasis on the Holy Spirit as the source of unity, guidance, and peace. The Council of Jerusalem shows the Spirit at work in the early Church, resolving conflict through discernment and fostering unity across diverse communities. This resonates today as the Church, under the new leadership of Pope Leo XIV—who, as of his inauguration on May 18, 2025, has been emphasizing dialogue and encounter—continues to navigate complex issues like cultural differences and modern ethical challenges. The Spirit’s role in guiding the Church toward unity without unnecessary burdens feels like a call to focus on what truly matters: love of Christ and love of neighbor.
The vision of the heavenly Jerusalem in Revelation stirs a longing for the day when God’s glory will be our light, and all divisions will cease. It’s a reminder that our earthly journey, with all its struggles, is oriented toward this eternal communion. In a time when global tensions—such as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as reported in recent news—continue to sow division, this vision of a city where God is the temple offers hope and a challenge to work for peace and justice here and now, reflecting God’s light in our actions.
Jesus’ words in the Gospel hit me most deeply. His promise of peace feels like a balm for a world—and for my own heart—that often feels troubled and afraid. The peace He offers isn’t contingent on external circumstances but on the indwelling presence of God, made possible through the Holy Spirit. As I reflect on my own life, I’m challenged to ask: Do I truly keep Jesus’ word, allowing God to dwell in me? Do I trust in the peace He gives, even when life feels chaotic? The promise of the Holy Spirit as our Advocate is a reminder that we’re not alone—God continues to teach and guide us, just as He guided the apostles at the Council of Jerusalem.
On this Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 25, 2025, these readings call us to be a people of peace, unity, and hope, empowered by the Holy Spirit. They invite us to proclaim the joy of the Gospel, as the Entrance Antiphon urges, and to live as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, reflecting God’s light in a world that desperately needs it. As we continue the Easter journey toward Pentecost, may we open our hearts to the Spirit’s guidance, trusting in the peace that Christ gives, and working for unity in His Church and beyond.
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