Sunday, 25 May

Liturgy of the Word Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Ps. 67:2-3, 5, 6-8; Rev. 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn. 14:23-29.

1. 1st Reading, Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 -- Decision of the Council of Jerusalem on circumcision.

In Antioch, Jewish converts insist that Gentile converts should follow the Mosaic law of circumcision. Paul and Barnabas hold otherwise. Paul and Barnabas bring the matter to Jerusalem for Peter and the presbyters to decide (vv. 1-2). The apostles and presbyters answer by letter, brought to Antioch by Paul, Barnabas, Judas (Barsabas), and Silas (v. 22).

2. "The apostles and presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings" (v. 23). "It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell" (vv. 28; see Gal. 2:1-10 which explicitly deals with the issue of circumcision). This decision in effect expresses the fundamental meaning of the Gospel: that all are invited to be saved, not through the Mosaic Law, but through faith in the power of Christ.

3. Resp. Ps. 67:2-3, 5, 6-8 -- A Petition for a bountiful harvest (v. 7) and for God's blessings. Israel's prosperity will persuade the nations to revere Israel's God (v. 8). "May God be gracious to us and bless us; may his face shine upon us" (v. 2). The people's petition echoes the priestly blessing in Nm. 6:22-27. May God's blessings, his rule of justice, and his guidance gladden the nations (vv. 3-5). May all the peoples praise you!" (v. 6). "The earth has yielded its harvest.... May God bless us still; that the ends of the earth may revere him" (vv. 7-8).

4. 2nd Reading, Rev. 21:10-14, 22-23 -- The New Jerusalem, the Church, the Bride of the Lamb (see Gal. 4:26). John sees a vision of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, gleaming "with the splendor of God," with a radiance "like jasper, clear as crystal" (vv. 10-11). The Church is radiant with God's glory. "It had a massive high wall" to prevent evil from entering it. It had "12 gates, bearing the names of the 12 tribes of Israel" The Church in heaven shares a heritage with Israel. "It had 3 gates facing east, 3 north, 3 south, and 3 west (see Num. 2). The gates facing four directions are a sign of the openness of the Church to the whole world, to all nations and peoples, all cultures and beliefs.

5. The walls of the city had 12 foundational stones, "inscribed with the names of 12 apostles of the Lamb" (vv. 10-14). The Church is founded on the Apostles, with Christ as the cornerstone. There is no temple in the city. "Its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb." The holy city is filled with God's. It is God's dwelling place. "It had no need of sun or moon. "The glory of God gave its light, and its lamp is the Lamb" (vv. 20-23). "The nations will walk by its light, and to it the kings of the earth will bring their treasure" (v. 23).

6. Gospel, Jn. 14: 23-29 -- Part of the Last Supper Discourse. On Love, Peace, and the Holy Spirit. "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.... the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me" (vv. 23-24). Love of God has to be demonstrated by lived obedience to the word of God.

The person becomes God's dwelling place.

7. "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name -- he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you" (v. 26). "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you" (v. 27). Jesus "shalom" is a messianic blessing of salvation, a gift the Holy Spirit.

Hence, "Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid" (v. 27). "I am going away and I will come back to you. If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I" (v. 28).

8. Prayer -- Ever-living God, help us to celebrate our joy in the resurrection of the Lord and to express in our lives the love we celebrate. Grant this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. Amen.

Halleluiah! Halleluiah!

Prayerful Easter greetings and best wishes, God bless!