6th Sunday of Easter
Reading I:
Acts 15:1-2,22-29 II:
Rev 21:10-14,22-23
Gospel
John 14:23-29
23Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
24He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
25"These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you.
26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
28You heard me say to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.
29And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe.
Interesting Details
- This section is Jesus' answer to a disciple's question(v. 22): "Lord, how can it be that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world ?" Jesus had touched on the answer previously in the Beautitudes(Mt 5:8)-- Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God! Here, Jesus explains further.
- (vv.23-24) Jesus identifies his disciples (the ones who love him) as those who keep his words. He further identifies the world (those who do not love him) as the ones who do not keep his word. The reward for those of us who keep his word includes:
1. (v.23) The Father and the Son will make a dwelling in us; God's temple will be within us, that is, spiritual rather than physical.
2. (v.26) The Holy Spirit will come to us. Verse 26 makes it clear that the Holy Spirit does not bring teaching that is independent of the revelation in Jesus. Rather, the Holy Spirit gives us understanding of what Jesus had taught and done. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a "Paraclete", which means "an advocate", who will guide us.
3. (v.27) We will have peace: " not as the word gives peace" , but an inner peace that comes from the indwelling presence of God.
One Main Point
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make their dwelling in us, teach us, and give us peace.
Reflections
- Jesus said, "if anyone loves me, he will keep my word". I pray that my love of Jesus wil push me to meditate on his words, letting his words take root in my soul, and putting his words into practice in my life.
- Peace can mean no war, no conflicts. Or peace can be despite wars and conficts. Which type of peace do I want ? How do I reach this state?
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A synthesis by the Vietnamese Christian Life (Dong Hanh) Community