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Sunday Scripture Study

Sixth Sunday of Easter - Cycle A

May 25, 2014

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Opening Prayer

First Reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17

Psalm: 66:1-7,16,20

Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18

Gospel Reading: John 14:15-21

This Sunday’s reading takes place at the Last Supper (John chapters 13—17), and is a continuation of last week’s reading.

Now that Jesus is about “to pass from this world to the Father” (John 13:1), he explains to his own how he will continue to reveal himself to them. He promises them that he will send the Holy Spirit, “another Advocate,” or Paraclete. The Greek word, paracletos, means one who stands beside and defends. It can also mean consoler, comforter, intercessor, mediator or spokesman.

Jesus had often promised to send the Spirit (John 14:26; 15:36; 16:7-14; Matthew 10:20), and he does so in a limited way on the evening of Easter (John 20:22).

The fullness of the Holy Spirit, however, will be sent by Jesus to his disciples 50 days after his Resurrection on Pentecost. Through the Holy Spirit Jesus will be with his Church always until he comes again in glory (verse 18).

QUESTIONS:

In the 1st Reading, how do we see the Holy Spirit acting in the lives of the early believers? What Sacrament is anticipated in verses 14-17 (see CCC 1287-1288)?

In the 2nd Reading, St. Peter instructs us that we are to be ready to defend and explain our Faith at any time. In what way are we to do this (verse 16a)? What is the immediate reason for doing so (verse 16b-17)? What is the ultimate purpose for doing so (verse 18)?

In the Gospel Reading, how are the disciples to show love to each other (John 13:34)? To Jesus (John 14:15)? Why is this idea repeated four times (verses 15:21, 23—24)?

What do you learn about the Holy Spirit in verses 16-17 and 25-27? What is the relationship of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to the Christian? To each other? How has the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus in your life?

What is the difference between how Jesus gives peace and how the world does?

Where do you need Jesus’ peace? How can you find peace in this reading?

How at home are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in your life? Are they more like owners or temporary guests?

Of all the promise made here (verses 16-18, 21, 23, 26-27), which means the most to you? Why?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 243, 687, 692, 729, 788, 2466, 2615, 2671

Those who are led by the Holy Spirit have true ideas; that is why so many ignorant people are wiser than the learned. The Holy Spirit is light and strength. --St. John Vianney

How Do I Know If I Love God?

Pastor’s Column

6th Sunday of Easter

May 25, 2014

(Scripture verses from John 14:15-21) If you love me, you will keep my commandments

Here Christ gives us an objective barometer as to how we might know if we really love him. If I tell someone I love them, but never do anything they ask, but think only about what I want to do, do I really love them? So, in fact, if we really want to love Christ more, we study the commandments so that we can get better at knowing and keeping them.

Far from being demanding, Jesus makes obedience to his word voluntary. But the consequences of not loving him are grave indeed. If we truly choose a life of self-centeredness, this is, in fact, a kind of hell.

Because I live you will live

Jesus alone has life within himself. He is free to grant eternal life to anyone he wishes. He may not be visible to our eyes, but he gave us his Holy Spirit to guide us while he is away; and even if we die, we have no fear because we live and are loved by the author of life himself.

I will come back to you

Jesus is going away from the disciples. Doesn't this verse imply that Jesus is also going to go away from us for a while, too? Well, he did promise to be with us in hidden ways, but he is also leaving us in the midst of the world so that we can finish our lives, our exam, as all those who have gone before us have done. He also promised a certain kind of help for us while he is away and that help is precisely the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me In this consists our test in life. How have I loved others? We hear it over and over but this is the key that unlocks most of the doors of life. Jesus in effect says to us, "While I go away, you are going to be tested. That is why I am leaving, so that you can receive the Holy Spirit and experience spiritual growth, and then I will come back and reward you.” These lessons are very valuable to us because they teach us how to guide the individual actions of our lives.

And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father. And I will love him and reveal myself to him. If I love God, he will reciprocate my love. I will be loved in return. This is the process by how we get to know God, that somehow, everything he does is motivated by love... not human love, but divine love. Keeping his commandments is the Rule of Life for every Christian! Father Gary