Homily for the 7th Sunday of Easter year A

Theme: Praying, and waiting in joyful hope

On this 7th Sunday of Easter year, A, we also celebrate world communication day. It is an opportunity and a reminder for us, to reflect on other means through which we can communicate the message of Christ in our world today, especially during this era of the use of the social media in the disseminating of information. The church is already exploring these available opportunities, and we are all encouraged to also see what we can do to continue to promote the good news of the kingdom of God.

In the 1st reading of today from the Acts of the Apostles, we are told that after the Ascension of Jesus, the Apostles, and some other women (Including Mary the mother of Jesus), went back to Jerusalem, and stayed in the upper room praying and waiting in hope for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They were preparing with the right disposition as they await the coming of the holy spirit. In the same way dearly beloved in Christ, we are all encouraged to be steadfast in prayer as we await the coming of the holy spirit at Pentecost. Now the novena to the holy spirit is on, be part of it as you continue to pray and await the coming of the spirit. Remember, good preparation for the coming of the holy spirit, maybe what differentiates one person from the other. The fact that Jesus told his Apostles to remain in Jerusalem until the holy spirit comes, shows that there is need for prayer, preparation, and the right disposition as we await the holy spirit. This may go a long way towards helping us to have a unique experience of the coming of the holy spirit at Pentecost this year.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, in the 2nd reading of today from 1st Peter, we are encouraged to rejoice and be happy, when we partake of the suffering of Christ, or go through humiliation because of our call to discipleship. Todays 2nd reading should be a source of great strength to us as children of God when we are faced with humiliation or suffering because of our option for Christ. Sometimes such situations can be very difficult and challenging, but the consciousness that Jesus went through a worse situation should always strengthen our resolve to stand firm for the gospel imperatives and be through ambassadors for Christ. In our life, from time to time we may find ourselves in such a situation, especially when we are serious with the teachings of our faith. When this happens, we are encouraged today to rejoice and be happy, because we are partaking in the suffering of Christ and will be rewarded by Christ who knows how best to reward us. However, it needs a lot of faith and courage, lest we begin to grumble and react in a way we should not. The consciousness of the teaching of Peter in today’s 2nd reading should always strengthen our faith.

The love of Jesus for his children, is never in doubt. We see it clearly in the gospel reading for this Sunday, when Jesus calls on his father to glorify him, while he prays for those the father has given to him. Jesus continues to pray for you and I at any given opportunity. The question today is, are you also making effort to pray for yourself? It is quite clear and obvious that prayer is a necessity in our lives as children of God, so we must continue to make effort to be connected to Christ in prayer at all times. As we continue to prepare for the coming of the holy spirit, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.

Homily for the 7th Sunday of Easter year A, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp