Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Homily – May 4, 2010 – Fifth Week of Easter - Tuesday

+ As the feast of the Ascension of Jesus is remotely approaching, the Church has us reflect already on Jesus' parting gift to his Apostles, his friends, his flock, his Church – and that parting gift is peace – a peace that the world cannot give. This is a kind of peace that is deep and abiding no matter what may be happening at the surface; it is a peace that encourages us to have untroubled, fearless hearts. That very gift of peace was indeed given by Jesus many times over after his resurrection from the dead – from the very night of the resurrection to the mount of the Ascension – and beyond. The promised gift of the Holy Spirit and peace were combined – and it would be on Pentecost that a full dose of Spirit and peace would pervade the whole world – and any with faith who wanted to accept it.

In the first reading today we see the price that was paid at the very beginning of the foundation of our Christian faith community – how Paul, Barnabas and the rest suffered great hardships including beatings and stonings. But it was the deep and interior peace of knowing the person of Christ Jesus that sustained these early evangelists and apostles. And the grace of God flourished among the early Church.

May we today accept the hardships that still exist in evangelizing the world; may we let our hearts be untroubled and unafraid, as we take the peace and promise of Easter night and proclaim it wherever we go.

I am with you always until the end of the world. Thank you Lord for your presence and your gifts of courage and fortitude each day – as we live out our baptismal calling to be priests, prophets and kings in your name!

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

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