Gospel Reflection May 25 – Fr. Lynch

Sunday, May 25

Sixth Sunday of Easter

John 14:23-29

Gospel:

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Whoever loves me will keep my word,

and my Father will love him,

and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;

yet the word you hear is not mine

but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you.

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,

whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you everything

and remind you of all that I told you.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give it to you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me tell you,

‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’

If you loved me,

you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;

for the Father is greater than I.

And now I have told you this before it happens,

so that when it happens you may believe.”

Gospel Reflection:

We are now celebrating the 6th Sunday of Easter; Pentecost is coming soon! This is my last Gospel Reflection as parochial vicar! May God continue to bless all you and please remember to pray for me!

In the Gospel today, Jesus teaches us all a very valuable lesson about love, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words.”

When you love someone like your spouse or children, you listen to them, to their words, because you love them. If you ask them to do a simple task or a big one, you trust that they will follow through with your request, not just because you are family, not just because you want them to help you, but because they love you and you love them.

In the same respect Jesus loves the Father who sent Jesus to us; Jesus loves us, and His words are everlasting, and He has come to restore the unconditional love of the Father which was damaged through the fault of original sin, and He promises us an Advocate, The Holy Spirit to assist us!

Do you make time to listen and let God’s word permeate in your heart, mind and soul? Are you open to the Holy Spirit guiding your thoughts, words, deeds and actions just as the Holy Spirit guides the Church? What another amazing blessing and gift Jesus showers us with, the promise of the Holy Spirit, who we see in action in the lives of the Apostles, and us, his disciples! St. Brigid of Kildare, pray for us.

Father Tim Lynch