Sixth Sunday of Easter

Readings of the Day 

As we move towards the end of the Easter season, Jesus is giving instructions to his disciples about the mission in front of them and the resources they have at their disposal. Not surprisingly, the disciples are focusing on the fact that Jesus is leaving. But Christ is focusing on the future and the need to spread the good news the ends of the earth.

Jesus reminds them that he is not to be found in some distant place, far, far away – but rather planted inside each one of them; he will never leave them to face their perils alone. And more than that, he asks the Father to send them an Advocate to give them strength and encouragement for the days when their human strength simply comes up short. That Advocate is the Holy Spirit; they are being invited into an intimate communion with our triune God.  What a blessing.

We too are invited into that communion. The same Spirit that was a catalyst to the Apostles’ ministry is given to us, in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.  We are given the gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, right judgment, knowledge, courage, reverence and wonder and awe.  And with those gifts, we share in the great commission – working in our specific “end of the earth." 

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”  The greatest of these are loving God and loving our neighbor.  Our work at Catholic Charities does just that.  Our work, whether feeding or sheltering or welcoming or counseling, brings God’s love to our neighbors on the streets, one relationship at a time.  We are continuing Jesus’ work and making a song of hope resound in the midst of the world’s trials.

St. Peter encourages us: “Always be ready to share the reason for your hope”, with gentleness and reverence.  Some clients are difficult, some act entitled, some hurl insults even as we are trying to help – just as they did when Jesus walked on the earth.  The natural tendency is to strike back with a quick retort or snarky comment. But the more powerful response is to show by our actions that hope has transformed and sustained us.  Let’s remember: the Holy Spirit is always with us, working through us – a Spirit more powerful than any earthly tumult, persecution, or insult.

Come Holy Spirit come – enliven our hearts to serve!  Help us to see Christ in all our clients, and give us the humility and compassion to serve in a way that allows our clients to see Christ in us.

Deacon Scott Haner serves at the Catholic Community of Saint Patrick in Louisville, KY, and serves as the Board Chair of Catholic Charities of Louisville.

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