Sixth Sunday after Easter A cycle. May 29th.

Scripture: Lectionary # 56. Acts 8:5-8.14-17. Psalm 66:1-3.4-5.6-7.16.20.
I Peter 3:15-18. John 14:15-21:

"And they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they
will know we are Christians by our love!" These words of the hymn tell us
about our identity. The Priestly Prayer and Final Discourse is the
foundation for that thought and for us in a more profound manner the
inspired chapters of Jesus final words are how we are to be identified. We
have been within the realm and spirit of the Paschal Mysteries and the
central mystery of celebrating Christ's resurrection will now continue in
the Ascension and departure of Jesus and his glorification in heaven where
he is united to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

On our journey in this life we are guided by that same Holy Spirit and we
become "other Christs" living in these great and hopeful times. We carry
on as active agents of God's redeeming love seen in the love of Jesus for
us and for all peoples. Christians are to live his life and be his presence
by their witness and their love of one another and of each person--even
those who may not love them.

As we come to the feast of Ascension which is celebrated now more often on
the coming Sunday than on the actual forty days after Easter we rejoice
that Jesus has promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit--his love and that
of his Father. We will be confirmed in being "other Christs" through the
Spirit and the sevenfold gifts that we have received in our baptism. We
are never left alone as orphans for the love of Jesus continues within each
of us, the power of the Spirit purifies and sanctifies us, and the
provident care of a loving and merciful Father is always present for those
sensitive to the inspirations of the Spirit in God's word. This happens
even when we feel totally alone or isolated or marginal in our acceptance
by others.

The Acts of the Apostles will continue to be read as we enter into the
missionary journeys of St. Paul. Many will be baptized in the name of
Jesus, and many more in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit once they come to know there is a Holy Spirit! This Holy Spirit
will lead us through our daily routines of work, prayer, and relaxation.
In the spiritual realm we will grow more in tune with God's will through
the graces we receive. Like Paul we are being led to say, "For me to live,
is Christ." (Philippians 1:21). Remembering all of these mysteries of
Christ we will be grateful to our Heavenly Father. Gratitude is the memory
of faithful, hopeful, and loving hearts. Amen . Alleuiah!.