Everything else is less

Greetings on this the Sixth Sunday of Easter
Readings: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29
Notes: It is the Holy Spirit who helps us keep to a right path.

Far too frequently we are tempted to over-manage and over-correct every and any error of thought or practice. We are not to place on you any burden beyond necessities.

Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.” (Jn 7:50-52).

Ever hear this one? A guy describes his philosophy of driving this way:

• Anyone who drives faster than me is a jerk.
• Anyone who drives slower than me is an idiot.

First reading
It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities.

Responsorial Psalm
O God, let all the nations praise you!

May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.

Second reading
I saw no temple in the city
for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it,
for the glory of God gave it light,
and its lamp was the Lamb.

Much if not all of what we hold onto tightly liturgically in this age will become moot in the life to come. But no doubt there will be some who complain.

Alleluia Verse
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and my Father will love him and we will come to him.

Gospel Portion
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

• Teach (the Gospel values of Jesus).
• Remind (of the Gospel life of Jesus).
• Peace (Living in the Gospel of Jesus).

Everything else is less.

Jesus ascends to the Father and we should rejoice!

Since in a very real way Jesus never left the Father so it’s not like he misses him.
Since in a very real way Jesus is leaving us, why rejoice?

Why should we rejoice?

• Because Jesus brings the incarnation to the Father. Jesus brings our flesh and blood with him. He makes it possible for us to be presence of the Father.
• Because Jesus never leaves us either. In his Eucharistic gift he makes it possible for us to be in his presence unto the end of time.

The manner of our indwelling in him through the sacrament of his body and blood is evident from the Lord’s own words: This world will see me no longer but you shall see me (Hilary: Treatise on the Trinity).

He is in the Father by reason of his divine nature, we are in him by reason of his human birth, and he is in us through the mystery of the sacraments (Hilary: Treatise on the Trinity).

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry