Greetings on this the Sixth Sunday of Easter
Readings: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48; PS 98:1, 2-3, 3-4; 1 Jn 4:7-10; Jn 15:9-17
Note: The gospel reading from Friday 5th Week Easter and Sunday 6th Week Easter share in common the same gospel reading (John ch 15) with the Sunday starting a bit earlier (v9) and ending at the same point (v17). It could be helpful to understand today’s homily in the context of Fridays reflection: God Says Let’s Be Friends.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Cornelius Event
The Cornelius Event is considered by Luke to be a major event in the formation of Christian truth. It receives several references including a contentious defense of it.
Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Cohort called the Italica, devout and God-fearing along with his whole household, who used to give alms generously to the Jewish people and pray to God constantly.
The Italica were a battalion sized auxiliary unit of archers (numbering 1,000 archers). Professional and skilled warriors.
Peter visits him.
- For Peter in fulfillment of his distinctive vision.
- For Cornelius in fulfillment of his distinctive and different vision.
In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
Peter and Cornelius, men from two different worlds, finding the divine will in the movement toward each other.
Responsorial Psalm
We can say with these two visions that: The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Second Reading
Beloved, let us love one another,
because love is of God.
For the the Lord there is no distinction between Love and Friendship. To be described as a Friend of God is the highest compliment a person can receive.
Love is perfect friendship.
A summary from Friday’s reflection:
- God created man in his image and established him in his friendship.
- The Law of Love is friendship and adoption as sons and heirs of the kingdom.
- God addresses men as his friends, and moves among them.
- Grace is God sharing his divine life and friendship.
- Salvation is the restoration of friendship with God.
- Heaven, is to live with Christ forever in the friendship and presence of God.
Gospel Portion
As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
The friendship of God is rooted in the commandment to love without reservation for even one’s own life. Such a relationship can only be encountered with faith and in the joy of friendship.
Neat paradox, no? Love, Friendship, and Joy being without separation even as love can be expressed as unreserved giving. Awesome!
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you
and your joy might be complete.
- Loving Friends
- Being Friends
- Joyfully
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 