Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 6th Sunday of Easter :  May 22, 2022
 
Acts 15:1-2,22-29: In this passage, we witness conflict in the early Church. Some members wanted to impose “pre-conditions” like being circumcised, before would-be believers would be welcomed into the Church. We’re told that these “pre-conditions for acceptance” upset others and “destroyed their peace of mind.” In response, Church leaders reassured the   people that only very minimal and inarguably reasonable conditions for acceptance were expected by the Holy Spirit. These included avoiding meat that had been sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of    strangled animals and from unlawful marriages. Church members could only accept these rules as reasonable and expectations were further clarified over time, as the Church evolved to accommodate ever more diverse members. Ponder this week how the Holy Spirit has guided and inspired the Church all through its history. There are a lot of “miracles of Spirit-guided     wisdom” to contemplate!
 
Psalm 67: “O God, let all the nations praise You!” This song  extends an open    invitation to ALL the nations… to avail themselves of God’s mercy and forgiveness and to accept the offer of forgiveness and salvation that our God offers to all,  without exception.  This psalm calls us to do our part in evangelizing others. The crescendo of this psalm is a joyful invitation to all, to worship, adore and praise God and to give Him the glory that is due Him. The content of this psalm reflects recent Gospel themes of God’s universal invitation to all; Jews, Gentiles and all of God’s people. Ponder this week that we’re not called to be exclusive or to be an obstacle to others’ embracing the faith. Again, we’re called to be evangelists and to help others to find a welcoming entry point into the Christian faith!
 
Rev 21:10-14, 22-23: In this awe-inspiring vision, we see the dwelling-place of God; the new Jerusalem or “Heaven,” being brought to Earth. Note the references to the preciousness of the building’s material parts: “gleaming with splendor,” and “massive… (with a…) radiance like a precious stone like jasper.” Notice also that the building has many “entrances”; suggesting that many diverse people will enter Heaven; with a vast array of virtues and talents and abilities and life experiences. In Scripture, Jesus explicitly proclaims His Father’s wish that “none should be lost.” Ponder this week that when we say “no” to doing God’s Will and serving Him, we exclude ourselves from dwelling with Him as the center of our lives!
 
John 14:23-29: In this tender message of love, Jesus begins my reminding us that when we love someone; we strive to please that person and conform ourselves to that person’s wishes. Hence, we show God our love for Him by keeping His Word and obeying His Commandments. Then, God will come and dwell with us, as we’re then living lives that recognize and welcome God’s Presence. Those living in sin are choosing to ignore God’s Presence or to use their free wills to push God away. Let’s ponder this week how  gentle our God is. God isn’t forcing His/Her Presence upon us, but gives us a choice. Do we give our assent and let God in, or have we built up obstacles to God’s Presence and dwelling with us, via our stubborn sinfulness and/or refusal to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? If we have built up obstacles, let’s pray for the grace this week to remove all barriers to our dwelling with God in harmony, freedom and peace of conscience. The consequent  serenity we experience will be worth it! 
 
Ponder this. 
Deacon Matt Wenke