May 17th 2020
6th Sunday of Easter
Jesus assured the disciples that he would not leave them orphaned
but would ask the Father to send “another Advocate” to be with
them always. Jesus said that he would still reveal himself to those
who love him.
but would ask the Father to send “another Advocate” to be with
them always. Jesus said that he would still reveal himself to those
who love him.
Bible Readings can be read: Here
First Reading: ACTS 8:5-8, 14-17
Responsorial Psalm: PSALMS 66:1-7, 16, 20
Second Reading: 1 PETER 3:15-18
Gospel: JOHN 14:15-21
Gospel: JOHN 14:15-21
There will be no Mass this Sunday, the 6th Sunday of Easter. We are looking forward to next week and live streaming the Mass for Ascension Sunday. Please join St. Mary's and St. Thomas for live streamed Masses this Sunday. See the following link: Live Streaming Mass
(The Promise of the Holy Spirit)
All three readings this Sunday speak of the Holy Spirit. When Peter and John lay hands upon Samaritans, the Spirit was conferred upon them. Peter says that if we follow Jesus’ example of innocent suffering for others, we have hope in our suffering. Even if we die in our suffering, we will be brought to life in the Spirit. Jesus says that if we love Him, we will keep his commandments. Then “I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate, the Spirit of Truth.” Jesus is the first Advocate, spiritual companion and defender. Another Advocate is the Holy Spirit who will continue Jesus’ work, and will be with us forever. If we love Jesus, we’ll have the inspiration and power to live as Jesus lives. We’ll be able to love one another, grounded in the self-sacrificing love of Jesus, who pours his divine love into us. Jesus assures his disciples that he will not leave them orphans. When he dies, he will still be with them, but in another way. He will be present to them in and through his Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who quickened the resurrected life of Jesus, enlivens us. The Spirit is our Advocate, our friend and companion, the reason for our hope. It is the Spirit who strengthens, comforts, and protects us, who guides and inspires us to work for the transformation of the world. Because the Spirit has already been given to us, we are able, now in the midst of our life’s journey, to live Christ’s promises in hope, as we await their fulfillment one day in heaven.
As we continue our journey toward Pentecost, pray for an end to this Pandemic. The
Ascension of the Lord will be celebrated on next Sunday.
