The Pastor's Desk

The 6th Sunday of Easter, Year A

The Spirit of Christ Confirms Us

As we approach the feast of Pentecost, the Church invites us to celebrate the coming of the Advocate. She calls us to celebrate the Spirit of truth, which strengthens us in the proclamation of the good news. The message we bear is not false. Instead, it comes from the Advocate.

In the first reading we learn that the disciples of Christ continue to bear testimony to the risen Lord. Through their efforts, the Samaritans received their Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Peter performed his episcopal function on this day by laying hands upon the new converts.

In the second reading, Peter encouraged us to have reverence for Christ. Also, he admonished us to treat others with respect, even those who despise the gospel we preach. Therefore, he reminds us of the animating power of the Holy Spirit even in the life of Christ: “In the body, he was put to death; in the spirit, he was raised to life.” The same spirit that raised Jesus sustains us in the truth. This means that once the Spirit of God comes upon us, we become active for Christ because: “What gives life is the spirit of God”

(John 6, 63).

In the Gospel, Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. However, He gives a condition for receiving the Advocate: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” When we do this, he adds: “I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, that spirit of truth…I will not leave you, orphans.”. We are called to love one another as Jesus loves us. Thereafter, “Go into the whole world and preach the good news to all creation (Mk 16: 15). It is also a command to love both God and our neighbor (Luke 10, 25-27). When we do these, we are certainly preaching the good news of truth.

Each one in our parish family has an opportunity to preach and witness the presence of love of God among us. Whether participate in the choir, making Perogies, help with Bingo, cleaning the church, food sale or any kind of parish activity, is a clear outside sign of our unity and love. The advocate will come to strength-en us in all these and in many other ways. He will also come to confirm that, indeed, we are sons and daughters of God. So, let us pray: Come, O Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the earth, alleluia alleluia!

Rev. Barnabas Shayo A.J.- Pastor-All Saints Parish