Sixth Sunday of Easter
Also Read: Mass Readings for 14 May 2023 Homily for 14 May 2023 – Sunday
First Reading: Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17
Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (17)
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Mt.10:5-6) Here, Christ forbids them from going to Samaria, possibly because it was not yet time. But at his ascension, he bids his apostles to witness in Samaria also. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
According to catholic commentaries, when Philip converts the Samaritans, it would have been seen by the apostles that it was now indeed “time”. Hence the strengthening or “confirmation” of their baptism was ensured. It is also seen as the administering of the sacrament of confirmation by Bishops as a strength to profess their faith publicly.
Thank You, LORD!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 66: 1-7, 16, 20
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. (1-2)
Let all our noise be joyful in thanksgiving for each moment of our day. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Second Reading: First Peter 3: 15-18
In your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you. (15)
The hope that is in us can be challenged in a variety of ways and not necessarily always a direct one! For e.g: an irritating co-worker can be making a demand on one’s patience! But the conduct of the redeemed one will be their defense without them having to speak a word.
Help us, O Lord. Amen!
Gospel: John 14: 15-21
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you. (15-17)
“In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.” (19)
“They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” (21)
Today’s gospel is so deep and enriching, that every time we contemplate it, we are blessed. Christ offers his apostles comfort, strength, and peace just before his passion. He promises the Holy Spirit here, through whom we see the apostles performing many miraculous signs and wonders later on.
But he asks us today to keep his commandments as a sign of our love for him. Mt. 22:37-40 teaches us the greatest commandments. If we strive to keep those two commandments, God has promised we will see him while here on earth!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
