Weekly Scripture Reflections
May 16, 2007-Easter 6
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Cycle C
Readings: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29
Home alone?
In the popular Christmas movie ‘Home Alone,’ an inattentive family goes off on a vacation, oblivious of the absence of one of the children. Left with only his own ingenuity, the young boy fends off a pair of bungling burglars. Because we know that the story will have a happy ending, the movie probably does not leave us with the question: ‘How would I cope if I were left alone?’
In the gospel reading for this Sunday, Jesus tells his disciples that he will be leaving them. In a sense, they will be alone. They will have to fend for themselves and the enemy or enemies that they will face will not be bunglers. Though he announces his impending departure, he does promise to leave with them what they will need to continue. They will have “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name.” However, they probably do not understand the significance of this promise. It will take their experience on the day of Pentecost to realize the power that they will wield as a result of their being possessed by this Spirit. At this point, all they would know is loss.
Jesus encouraged his friends with a message: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Even this they probably misunderstood. They would have to face the challenges that awaited them before they would be able to grasp the nature of his peace.
The passage from Acts of the Apostles provides us with a sketch of the early Christian community. There we see that Jesus was faithful to his promise, the Holy Spirit was indeed present and active in the life of the church. The disciples had not been left alone. The ministry to the Gentiles had resulted in an increase in membership in the church. However, its diversity also spawned dissension and factions. Something had to be done lest these differences cause the church to splinter and collapse. But what? A church council was called. They would seek the strength and direction of the Holy Spirit. Thus they arrived at a decision: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us.” The church was clearly not alone.
The vision that was granted John revealed a city magnificent in the splendor of God. This vision is of the church today as well as the church of the future. It is the church that, through the power of the Spirit, we are becoming. Not unlike the community described in the reading from Acts, members vigorously disagree over diverse teachings and practices. Rather than enrich the fabric of the church, cultural differences often threaten to tear it apart. However, fortified by the power of the Holy Spirit we too can live lives of openness and compassion, of forgiveness and commitment. We can indeed make real the peace that Jesus promised. In the community of love, which is the true image of the church, no one is ever alone.
© 2007 Catholic Theological Union