Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Sixth Sunday of Easter:  May 14, 2023
 
Acts 8:5-8; 14-17: Contemplating on our Easter focus regarding the exciting development of the early Church after the Resurrection, can be of great benefit to us. Ponder the fact that rules and  policies had to be “fluid” at first; as there was no past experience on which to rely upon. Early Church leaders set a really good example for us, of total dependence upon the Holy Spirit, for guidance, inspiration and wisdom. Contemplate that new Christians first received baptism in Jesus’ Name; receiving the Word… and that, later they were prayed for by Peter and John from the Jerusalem community so that they would “receive the Holy Spirit.” Consider that the concept of the Sacrament of Confirmation had its beginnings in the earliest days of the Church! How carefully and intricately our God has provided for our         Sacramental needs!

Psalm 66: “Let all the Earth cry out to God with joy!” Continuing our contemplation of God’s tender and attentive care for us, let’s give ourselves whole-heartedly to participate in this joyful song of praise and adoration. The first verse is so true. God’s deeds are tremendous! Let’s celebrate them!

Next, the psalmist invites us to review and consider the works of God all through the ages; specifically mentioning the parting of the Red Sea. The power of God made a dry path for God’s people to walk, in order to escape captivity. Think about that powerful miracle, along with so many others throughout Salvation history; even to our own times. Our God is so great and all-powerful! Truly, we’re called to offer God glory, praise and thanks, now and forever! To conclude the psalm, the psalmist calls all to show   reverence for God and genuine appreciation and adoration.

1 Peter 3:15-18:  This passage from St. Peter harmonizes beautifully with the psalm we’ve just reflected upon. Peter poignantly exhorts us to “Sanctify Christ as Lord, in (our) hearts!” So… clearly, we need to consider how to sanctify Jesus in our hearts! Certainly, we sanctify Him by taking time to pray. We must be careful not to hurry prayers. Do we allow enough time for meditation and contemplation? Do we “listen as much as we   petition”… when we pray? Is Jesus reverenced, cherished and worshiped when we pray? These are some questions we might ask ourselves. The very idea of “sanctifying Jesus in my heart” convicts me to try harder to pray and worship more meaningfully. At times, I’ve prayed more like an auctioneer than a devout Christian… hurrying through the words. It’s a great gift to ourselves, as well as to God, when we pray more lovingly and reverently!

John 14:15-21:  In today’s Gospel, why does Jesus say: “If you love me, you will keep my Commandments.”? Why does keeping the Commandments demonstrate our love? Well, when we love   someone, we seek to please that person and try to do what’s   important to him or her. Uniquely and miraculously, in this case, the other Person is our God… our Redeemer and Savior! Let’s let ourselves be moved to obey and fulfill our God’s Will for us! Conforming to God’s Will reminds us that God is present among us and opens us to getting to know God better. Through obedience to God, we come to know and experience God’s own peace and   become more sensitive to hearing God’s words of comfort and inspiration.

Jesus is calling us, today, to a relationship and a unique sharing… an intimate experience of mutual love, sacrifice and companionship. Adoration and thanks be to Jesus!

Reverently,  
Deacon Matt