SCRIPTURE FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
                                 6th Sunday of Easter

FIRST READING: ACTS 15:1-2, 22-29
     Today's First Reading begins with the early Church leaders in Antioch sending representatives-Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and Barsabbas-to Jerusalem.  The issue in question at that time was: what was required of the Gentiles in order for them to become members of the Christian community.  There were those in the early Church who felt that Gentiles would have to meet strict Jewish standards first in order to become followers of Christ.  Some of the converted Jews held that the Gentiles, as new Christians, should be obliged to be circumcised as a rite of initiation.  St. Paul, Barnabas and others who were sent down from Antioch disagreed.
     The Jewish people, as prescribed by their father in faith, Abraham, practiced circumcision; whereas the Gentiles did not follow the practice.  St. Paul, his companions and the elders in Jerusalem formed a council to resolve this important issue.  The decision was that circumcision would not be required of the Gentile converts.  There were, however, a few provisions within the Jewish Christian community that were important.
     Abstentions from meat offered up in pagan sacrifices, or meat from an animal which had not be slaughtered according to Mosaic practices, as well as meat with blood in it was prohibited.  Also prohibited was marriage with a close relative.  Thus the only requirements handed down dealt with dietary and marital issues.  This was a very important ruling for the early Church.  Had the requirement of circumcision been upheld for new converts, Christianity would have simply been another sect of the Jewish religion.  In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, nor male or female.  All are one.  Paul and Barnabas argued strongly that all peoples are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and that salvation is open to all.
     Present throughout all the decisions in these discussions was the Holy Spirit.  "It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond the necessities (v. 28)."  It is the Holy Spirit who continues to guide the Church and upon whom we must rely to guide us in our daily lives.  Growth can be a painful process, whether in the life of the Church, our faith community or in our personal lives.  Let us pray for the Holy Spirit of the Risen Christ to guide us in all that we do, that the Lord may bless all the decisions we make in this life.

SECOND READING: REVELATION 21:10-14, 22-23
     The passage from the Book of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem, or as we call it, the kingdom of Heaven.  An angel took John high up to a mountain.  John could see the New Jerusalem coming down out of the sky.  John is shown God's plan for salvation flowing out from the twelve tribes of Israel, through the twelve Apostles and to all the peoples of God's creation.   This new Jerusalem, or place called heaven, is the dwelling place of God.  There is no need for lamps, for God is the almighty source of goodness, joy, and peace.  There is no sadness or pain, and hurtful things of the past are no longer remembered.  It is like walking in the garden of Paradise.
     The author of Revelation is speaking to a people suffering in persecution.  He presents a vision of hope in the midst of their trials and anxieties.  Those who persevere in their faith have an unending kingdom of peace awaiting them.  Through the prayers of our faith community and our own heartfelt prayers, we continue forward in our journey of faith to arrive safely in the New Jerusalem, a world of unending joy.

GOSPEL: JOHN 14: 23-29
     In the Gospel, we hear Jesus' last words to his disciples before his crucifixion and death; his farewell wish of peace and love.  Love was the fundamental message of Jesus.  It was a demanding, self-sacrificing love.  He is telling them that he will soon be leaving them and that obedience to his teachings is one way of proving their love for him and for each other.  "Whoever loves me will keep my word... (v. 23)."  When his earthly mission is complete and he has returned to his Father, he promises that the Holy spirit will be sent to them to help them remember all that he taught them.
     This Sunday is Mother's Day.  A mother's love for her children knows no bounds.  It is an all-encompassing, self-sacrificing and limitless love.  Such is the love of God the Father for all humankind.  Just as an infant feels secure it its mother's womb, so should we feel secure in the Father's warm embrace, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus sent us his spirit so that we feel secure in the Father's warm embrace, through the power of the Holy spirit.  Jesus sent us his Spirit so that we may abide in his peace, despite the trials and challenges of this life.  He asks us not to lose heart: "Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid...I will come back to you (v. 27 & 28)."  May the thought of Jesus' return encourage us to remain faithful to his teachings, especially to his command to "love one another as I have loved you."

-Sunday, May 9, 2010