Homily: Sixth Tuesday of Easter

Sixth Tuesday of Easter (John 16:5-11) “What Now?”

We read of Jesus and the Apostles anticipating his death in the Gospel we share at Mass today. We read this Gospel before Easter and we read it again in the last days of the Easter season. When we read it the first time we anticipate Good Friday. When we read it now, we are anticipating the feast of the Ascension of the Lord.

Jesus seems to say that he must go. Why? It is because if he does not go the Spirit cannot come. The disciples need to put the teaching of Jesus into practice.

When I left the seminary, I had attended college and graduate school for eight or nine years. I had all kinds of knowledge in my head, but I found I really did not “know” what I thought I did. Then I started to teach high school religion, RCIA, bible study, etc. and when I did, I felt more confident about what I knew.

The disciples were the same way. They had been listening to Jesus’ sermons for several years and they had lived with him for the same period. They lacked confidence, however.

They had always looked to Jesus to lead the way. He made all the important decisions. He settled all arguments. They had always depended on him. Now it was time for them to take the lead and plot a course for the future. Until they did that they would not mature.

We need to make decisions about how we want to live our faith life. We live a life of constant discernment. Is our Christian vocation our primary vocation? Do we believe that the Holy Spirit can guide every step we take in life? If we learn to approach life with this belief, then we will grow constantly as Christians.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I feel the Holy Spirit acting in my life? How do I know?

2.   Have I ever taught anyone a new skill? Who taught me?

 Dear Parishioners,

             During the last week we have had archival material on display in the Damien Center. Have you stopped by to look? If you are a history nut, like I am, you would enjoy browsing through the materials that are on display. Take advantage of this opportunity.

            May Our Lady pray for peace in our world,

            Fr. Mark