Seventh Sunday of Easter in Year C: Unity & Intercession

On June 1, 2025, the Seventh Sunday of Easter in Year C of the Catholic liturgical calendar, the readings invite us to reflect on themes of unity, intercession, and the enduring presence of Christ as we approach the culmination of the Easter season. This Sunday falls between the Ascension and Pentecost, a liminal time that calls us to contemplate our mission as disciples and the unity Christ desires for His Church, especially poignant as we consider the global Church under the new leadership of Pope Leo XIV, inaugurated just two weeks prior on May 18, 2025.

The Entrance Antiphon, taken from Psalm 27:7-9, sets a tone of longing and trust: “O Lord, hear my voice, for I have called to you; of you my heart has spoken: Seek his face; hide not your face from me, alleluia.” This plea for God’s presence resonates with the Easter season’s focus on Christ’s risen life and our call to seek Him in all things. The First Reading from Acts 7:55-60 presents the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As Stephen is filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazes into heaven and sees “the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Even as he is stoned, Stephen echoes Jesus’ forgiveness, praying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” before falling asleep in the Lord. This passage highlights the power of the Spirit to sustain us in persecution and the radical forgiveness that marks Christian witness—a powerful reminder of our call to love even in the face of hatred.

The Second Reading from Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 offers the closing words of the Book of Revelation, where Jesus declares, “Behold, I am coming soon,” promising to bring His recompense and identifying Himself as “the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride (the Church) respond with an invitation: “Come!” This passage is a call to hope and readiness, urging us to long for Christ’s return while living faithfully in the present. The imagery of washing robes to enter the city through its gates speaks to the purification and holiness required to dwell with God, a fitting reflection as we prepare for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

The Gospel from John 17:20-26, part of Jesus’ high priestly prayer at the Last Supper, is a profound meditation on unity. Jesus prays for His disciples and for all who will believe through their word, “that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you.” He desires that this unity be a witness to the world, “so that the world may know that you sent me and that you loved them even as you loved me.” Jesus also prays that His followers may be with Him where He is, to see His glory, and He declares that He has made the Father’s name known, continuing to do so “that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.” This prayer reveals the heart of Jesus’ mission: to draw all people into the communion of love that exists between the Father and the Son, a communion that transforms the world through its witness.

Reflecting on these readings, I’m struck by the deep connection between unity, witness, and the presence of Christ. Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts shows the cost of discipleship but also the power of the Spirit to sustain us in trial. His vision of Jesus at God’s right hand mirrors Jesus’ prayer in the Gospel that we may be with Him and see His glory—a reminder that our ultimate hope is eternal communion with God. Stephen’s forgiveness of his persecutors reflects the love Jesus speaks of in John, a love that flows from the Father and unites us as one. In a world often marked by division—whether in global conflicts like those ongoing in Ukraine or in the cultural polarization seen in recent debates over technology and ethics—this call to unity and love feels both urgent and challenging.

The Revelation reading adds a layer of eschatological hope. Jesus’ promise, “I am coming soon,” paired with the Church’s longing cry of “Come!” invites us to live with an eternal perspective. As we stand on the cusp of Pentecost, this reading reminds us that the Spirit empowers us to live as a people of hope, ready for Christ’s return, while actively inviting others into the life of grace. The image of washing our robes resonates with me personally—how am I preparing my heart for God’s presence? Am I living in a way that reflects the holiness to which I’m called?

Jesus’ prayer in the Gospel cuts to the core of what it means to be Church. His desire for unity “as you, Father, are in me and I in you” is a high calling, especially as the global Church navigates a new era under Pope Leo XIV. Just two weeks after his inauguration on May 18, 2025, Leo XIV has already emphasized dialogue and encounter, calling for the Church to “build bridges” in his first address. This echoes Jesus’ prayer for unity as a witness to the world. The fact that Leo XIV, the first American pope, has chosen to focus on peace and service to the marginalized—rooted in his decades of missionary work in Peru—feels like a living out of Jesus’ prayer that the Father’s love may dwell in us. In a time when the Church faces challenges like declining attendance in the West and persecution in parts of the Middle East, this call to unity and love is a reminder of our shared mission to make Christ’s love known.

As I reflect on June 1, 2025, these readings challenge me to examine my own role in fostering unity and love. Do I forgive as Stephen did, even when wronged? Am I living with the hope of Christ’s return, as Revelation calls me to? And am I contributing to the unity Jesus prays for, or am I allowing division to take root in my heart or community? The Seventh Sunday of Easter invites us to prepare for Pentecost by seeking God’s face, as the Entrance Antiphon urges, and by living as witnesses to the love and unity that Christ desires for His Church. May we, under the guidance of Pope Leo XIV and empowered by the coming Holy Spirit, be a people who reflect the Father’s love to a world in need of healing and hope.

Reflection for the 7th Sunday of Easter: Let Them Be One

As the Seventh Sunday of Easter approaches, Catholics around the world prepare to delve into the profound spiritual themes presented in the liturgy for Year B. This day offers a moment of reflection on the readings that speak to the heart of Christian faith and the journey towards unity with God.

The first reading from Acts 1:15-17, 20A, 20C-26, presents the narrative of the Apostles choosing Matthias to replace Judas, emphasizing the importance of apostolic witness and continuity in the Church's mission. It is a reminder of the Church's resilience and the unbroken line of witness that stretches back to the very beginnings of the Christian faith.

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 103, is a poetic expression of praise, acknowledging God's mercy and the vastness of His love. It is a call to remember the kindnesses of the Lord, who rules over all from His throne in heaven.

The second reading from 1 John 4:11-16 invites the faithful to reflect on the profound love of God and the call to love one another deeply. This mutual love confirms God's presence among us and perfects His love through our actions. It is a powerful message that challenges believers to live out the commandment of love in tangible ways.

The Gospel reading from John 17:11B-19 is particularly moving, as it recounts Jesus' prayer for His disciples. He prays not for their removal from the world but for their protection from evil. Jesus asks for their sanctification and unity, mirroring the unity between Him and the Father. This passage invites the faithful to consider their own place in the world and their commitment to living out the Gospel values.

The themes for this Sunday revolve around leadership, divine love, and Jesus' prayer for His disciples. They call for a commitment to reject evil and live lives of service, to be united with God in love, and to be consecrated to the Good News.

In reflection, the Seventh Sunday of Easter invites the faithful to ponder their relationship with God and their role in the world. It is a time to ask oneself: How does my life reflect my belonging to God? How do I embody the love that God has for me in my interactions with others? And how do I contribute to the unity and sanctification that Jesus prayed for?

The greatest scandal in Christianity may be the sex abuse scandal perpetuated by Catholics, Protestants and Eastern Non-Catholic Christians, however, in reality the biggest scandal is disunity. Yes, sex abuse is evil and sinful. It is a crime, but in context to today's Gospel we must concede that the greatest scandal is disuinty. Jesus wanted His followers to be ONE. To be sanctified in Truth. Unfortunately we do not see this today. Since the Great Schism and Protestant Reformation, there have been huge divides in Christianity that are inexcusable.  We have many rites in the Eastern Church who refuse to be united to Peter or the Papacy. They argue against the Holy Spirit proceding the Father and the Son and other details of doctrine that have been established since the first century. Then we have the numerous Protestant sects and denonminations each claiming to be the "One True Church" presenting different and contradicting doctrines. In many instances, they subtract main doctrines and Scripture in order to push their propaganda. 

This is not what Jesus Christ the Lord who is One with the Father and the Holy Spirit wanted.  He wanted unity!  One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism as Scripture says!  Because of this disunity we have seen a rise in secularism and other idealogies that defy reason. How can Christianity be true if it is divide? How can we trust a faith that has different groups with different views and interpretations of the Bible?  How can we believe groups that claim to be Christian why demoting Christ into "a god," editing John 1:1 to say Jesus is "a god" and that Jesus is Michael the archangel?  Jesus is the Truth. The Church is ONE body. She cannot be different bodies attached to each other.  We must work hard to be united again. The Eastern Christians who broke from Rome must reevaluate history, particular Church history and see that the Pope has always been Peter and the Vicar of Christ.  They must study theology deeply and see that the teachings of the Roman Church have never changed and are consistent since the first century.  Protestants must learn history and see that a rogue priest named Martin Luther fathered their divorce from the Catholic Church. They must learn that their sects were founded by European White men and that their views contradict the Bible and what Christians taught and believed since the first century.  

As we approach this sacred time, let us embrace the messages of the readings and carry them into our daily lives, striving to live in the image of the love and unity that Christ has shown us. May this reflection serve as a guide for personal meditation and communal worship, leading to a deeper understanding and a stronger commitment to our faith journey.

The Ascension of the Lord: I Go To Prepare A Mansion

The Ascension of the Lord: A Reflection on its Significance and Celebration

The Ascension of the Lord is a profound Christian feast that commemorates Jesus Christ's bodily ascent to heaven in the presence of His apostles, occurring 40 days after the resurrection. This event marks a pivotal moment in Christian theology, symbolizing the completion of Christ's earthly mission and the glorification of His divine nature.

According to the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles (1:9-11), after Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to His disciples, teaching them and speaking of the kingdom of God. On the day of His ascension, He blessed them and was lifted up before their eyes, disappearing into a cloud, signifying His return to the Father and His inauguration as the eternal high priest, interceding on behalf of humanity.

The Ascension is not merely a historical event but also a theological milestone that has significant implications for Christian faith and practice. It affirms Jesus' divinity, His triumph over death, and His promise of the Holy Spirit to empower the apostles for their mission. It also assures believers of the hope of their own ascension and eternal life in the presence of God.

The celebration of the Ascension varies among different Christian denominations. In the Catholic Church, Ascension Day is traditionally observed on a Thursday, the fortieth day after Easter Sunday. However, in many regions, the solemnity is transferred to the following Sunday to allow more faithful to participate in the commemoration.

The liturgy on Ascension Day is rich with symbolism and meaning. The readings from Scripture recount the events of Jesus' ascension and His final instructions to His disciples. The prayers and hymns express joy and hope, acknowledging Christ's kingship and His abiding presence through the Church and the sacraments.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Ascension is also celebrated with great solemnity, often including an all-night vigil and the blessing of bread and wine, which are distributed to the congregation as a reminder of Christ's enduring presence.

The Ascension invites Christians to reflect on the mystery of Jesus' departure from earth and His ongoing presence in the Church. It is a time to renew faith in the promises of Christ, to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to commit to the mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations.

As believers around the world observe the Ascension of the Lord, they are reminded of the words of the angels to the apostles, "This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way as you have seen Him go to heaven" (Acts 1:11). This assurance fuels the Christian hope for the second coming of Christ and the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.

The Ascension of the Lord is not only a historical event to be remembered; it is a living reality that continues to inspire and shape the life of the Church. It calls upon the faithful to live with an awareness of Christ's heavenly reign and to work diligently for the coming of His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. As the liturgical year progresses, the Ascension leads into the celebration of Pentecost, where the gift of the Holy Spirit empowers the Church to carry on the mission entrusted by Christ.

For Year B in the Catholic Mass, the readings for the Ascension of the Lord provide a rich tapestry of scriptural insight and inspiration. The first reading is typically from the Acts of the Apostles (ACTS 1:1-11), where Luke recounts the final moments of Jesus with his disciples and his ascension into heaven. This passage emphasizes the promise of the Holy Spirit and the mission of the apostles to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalms 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9) echoes the theme of God's kingship and sovereignty, with the refrain "God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord." It is a psalm of praise that celebrates God's rule over the earth and his ascension to his throne.

The second reading offers options from the Letter to the Ephesians. Ephesians 1:17-23 speaks of the hope and inheritance that believers have in Christ, emphasizing the power of God that raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand. Alternatively, Ephesians 4:1-13 (or the shorter form, Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13) focuses on unity in the body of Christ and the diversity of gifts given for the building up of the church.

The Gospel reading for Year B comes from Mark (Mark 16:15-20), where Jesus gives the Great Commission to his disciples, instructing them to go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation. It concludes with Jesus' ascension and the disciples going forth to proclaim the message, accompanied by signs.

These readings collectively underscore the central themes of mission, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and the exaltation of Christ. They serve as a reminder to the faithful of their call to witness and spread the Good News, as well as the assurance of Christ's lordship and his abiding presence through the Spirit.

In conclusion, the Ascension of the Lord is a celebration of hope, a reminder of Christ's victory, and an invitation to live a life of faith and witness. It is a day to look upward to heaven and forward to the future, knowing that Christ has paved the way for humanity's ultimate redemption and union with God. Jesus did not orphan His Catholic Church.  In John 14:3 He said: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

He will return again. Have faith, hope, and love Him and One Another!

+++This post is dedicated to my beloved sister who was called home an hour or so after this was published.+++

Ascension - The Pandemic

Let’s reflect on these readings in the context of the global lockdown and pandemic of 2020, a time that indeed called for deep reflection on life and what comes next.

Readings for the Solemnity of the Ascension (May 24, 2020)

• First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
• Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
• Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 (Year A)

Reflection on the Readings

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 – A Mission in a Time of Uncertainty

In Acts, Luke recounts Jesus’ ascension, describing how, after 40 days of appearing to His disciples and speaking about the Kingdom of God, Jesus commissions them: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). As He ascends, a cloud hides Him from their sight, and two men in white assure the disciples that He will return.

In May 2020, the world was deep in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns were in place across the globe, with many churches closed, and Catholics attending Mass virtually. The uncertainty of the pandemic—hospitals overwhelmed, economies faltering, and millions isolated—might have made the disciples’ experience feel relatable. They, too, faced an uncertain future as Jesus left them, yet He gave them a mission. For Catholics in 2020, this reading was a call to witness to Christ’s love in new ways, even amidst lockdown. Perhaps it meant reaching out to a lonely neighbor, praying for healthcare workers, or sharing faith online. The Ascension reminded us that, even in a pandemic, we are called to act, not just wait passively. Reflecting on this now, it’s a chance to ask: What did the lockdown teach me about my purpose? What comes next for my faith in a post-pandemic world?

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47 – Joy Amidst Sorrow

Psalm 47 sings, “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord” (v. 6). It’s a celebration of God’s kingship, with all peoples called to “clap your hands” and “shout to God with cries of gladness” (v. 2). The Ascension is a moment of triumph—Jesus returns to the Father, victorious over death.

Yet, in May 2020, joy might have felt distant for many. The pandemic had claimed hundreds of thousands of lives globally, with the U.S. alone reporting over 97,000 deaths by late May. Families couldn’t gather to mourn, and the isolation of lockdown weighed heavily. In this context, Psalm 47’s call to rejoice was both a challenge and a comfort. Christ’s ascension assures us that He reigns, even over a world in crisis. This invites deep reflection on life: Where do I find joy when the world is suffering? The pandemic stripped away many distractions, forcing us to confront what truly matters—faith, family, and love. As we move forward, this psalm calls me to hold onto that clarity, to praise God’s kingship, and to live with a renewed sense of purpose.

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 – Hope in Christ’s Reign

Paul prays that the Ephesians may know the hope of their calling and the “immeasurable greatness” of God’s power (Ephesians 1:19). He describes Christ’s exaltation: God seated Him at His right hand, “far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,” making Him head of the Church (v. 21-22).

During the lockdown of 2020, this reading offered a lifeline of hope. The pandemic revealed the fragility of human systems—governments struggled to respond, economies teetered, and science raced for solutions. In contrast, Paul’s words proclaim Christ’s ultimate authority. For Catholics unable to attend Mass in person, this reminder of Christ’s reign was a source of strength. It also prompted reflection on what comes next. The pandemic exposed inequalities, like access to healthcare and the struggles of essential workers. As Christ’s body, the Church is called to reflect His authority by advocating for justice and serving the vulnerable. Looking back, I’m challenged to consider: How can I live out this hope today, ensuring the lessons of 2020 aren’t forgotten?

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 – Christ’s Presence in a Time of Absence

In Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples meet Jesus on a mountain in Galilee, where some worship Him while others doubt (Matthew 28:17). Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” and sends them to “make disciples of all nations” (v. 18-19). He promises, “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (v. 20).

In May 2020, this Gospel would have resonated deeply. The physical absence of Jesus from the disciples mirrors the absence many Catholics felt during the lockdown—absence from the Eucharist, from community, from normalcy. Yet Jesus’ promise to be “always” with us was a profound comfort. During the pandemic, many discovered new ways to encounter Christ—through livestreamed Masses, family prayer, or acts of charity. The Great Commission to “make disciples” took on new meaning as Catholics found creative ways to evangelize, even from home. Reflecting on this now, the lockdown was a time to reassess priorities. What comes next? For me, it’s a call to remain connected to Christ’s presence, especially in the Eucharist, and to continue sharing His love in a world that still longs for healing.

Personal Reflection

The readings for the Ascension on May 24, 2020, speak powerfully to the experience of the pandemic and lockdown. Acts calls me to be a witness, even in isolation. Psalm 47 invites me to find joy in Christ’s reign, despite sorrow. Ephesians assures me of His authority, giving me hope. And Matthew reminds me that Jesus is with me, even when I can’t feel Him. The lockdown was a stark reminder of life’s fragility—it forced me to reflect on what truly matters: my relationship with God, my loved ones, and my purpose. As we move forward in 2025, these lessons remain relevant. The pandemic taught us resilience, but also revealed where we need to grow—in faith, in community, in service. The Ascension assures me that Christ reigns, and I’m called to live out His mission with renewed clarity and hope.

Conclusion

The Ascension readings on May 24, 2020, offered Catholics a message of hope and purpose during the lockdown. In a time of isolation and fear, they reminded us of Christ’s triumph, His presence, and our mission. Reflecting on this now, the pandemic was a turning point—a chance on life and what comes next. May we continue to live as witnesses to Christ’s love, trusting in His promise to be with us always.

Readings:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052420-ascension.cfm