6th Sunday of Easter, Year C
Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23 John 14: 23-29
Theme: The power of the Holy Spirit
Today is the Sixth Sunday of Easter Year C. One major theme that resounds in all our readings today is the power of the Holy Spirit in the resolution of human problems. Today from the First reading, we see how the followers of Christ, through their openness and proper disposition gave the Holy Spirit the opportunity to bring about the resolution of the crisis that emanated as a result of the issue of circumcision in the early Christian community. The Holy Spirit intervened and a resolution was reached which brought about a lasting solution to the challenge that the disciples faced at the time.
From the Gospel reading of today, we see Jesus preparing his followers to receive the Holy Spirit because his ascension was drawing near. He was basically encouraging them and also preparing them for the challenges ahead, telling them that even though He will no longer be present with them physically; his Father will send them the advocate, the Holy Spirit whose presence will be significant motivator to the task ahead. This is because the Holy Spirit serves as the unction and the ever presence of God in the lives of those who believe. This point to the fact that the Holy Spirit continues to dwell with us if only we remain in faith.
However, the big question then would be: do we have that openness; do we have that positive disposition to allow the Holy Spirit a place in our lives? In times of difficulties, do we give the Holy Spirit an opportunity to prove Himself to us? It should be noted here that God does not struggle with us; He gives us free will, so it is for us to give Him a chance to manifest His power in our lives and in our situations.
How do we then allow the Holy Spirit in our lives? This Jesus tells us in the Gospel reading; that if a man loves him he will keep his commandments. Therefore, let us ask ourselves: do you love Jesus? If yes, how much effort are we making to live it out in our daily lives? How much impact does the Word of God make in our lives? Is the Word of God positively helping us to become better persons? Is it helping us to impact heavenly values in the lives of those who encounter us, in our places of work, business, school, in the market and wherever we find ourselves? The Holy Spirit of God is ever ready to guide and direct all those who open themselves positively like the disciples in today’s first reading. Therefore, we should learn to be open to the Spirit by availing ourselves to the Divine Word of God. For through the Word, we remain connected with the Trinity. And this will bring peace, love, success, victory, and the necessary connectedness that we need for the Divine work on earth. For these to be achieved, we must desire to be close to God, sharpen our faith, and ensure that God continues to reign supreme in our lives.
Consequently, let us ask ourselves; what is the place of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What role is the Holy Spirit playing in issues that pertain to us and our families? These questions are very pertinent in the lives of all Christians. This because from experience, we seem to know more about the Person of God the Father, the Person of God the Son, but little or nothing of God the HOLY SPIRIT. So let us make out time today to reflect around the significance of the place of the Holy Spirit in our lives as Christians. We must make honest and sincere efforts to make the Holy Spirit part and parcel of our lives. In whatever we do, the Holy Spirit should be involved just as we involve God the Father and God the Son. As long as we continue to be cautious of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can be rest assured that the blessings of God will continually abound in our lives. Therefore, let us befriend the Holy Spirit and allow God to walk in our lives. Let us pray that God would grant us the graces we need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and to be guided and directed by Him. Peace be with you!