Sixth Sunday of Easter May 17, 2009

Date: Sunday May 17, 2009
Readings: ACTS 10: 25-26,34-35, 44-48
Response: Psalm 98:1-4 Response: The Lord has revealed to the Nations His saving power.
1 John 4: 7-10 John 15: 9-17
The first formal Bible Study, in which I was a participant, was the Book of ACTS. All the seventy-three books of the Bible were revealed as inspired by the Council of Hippo in about 395 AD. The Book of ACTS was a revelation to me. I had read or listened to most of the books by celebrating daily Mass as a boy and even until today. However, I had never "studied" the Book.
Since 1983, I have never stopped studying the Books of the Bible and I pray I will be able to continue until God takes me home.
The reading from ACTS for today outlines the first venture by the Apostles into Gentile Territory. After all they were all Jews and thought Jesus' message was to go only to the Jews. They were to profess a New Way of Judaism.
What a surprise for Peter, the head of the Church and his other Jewish companions! These gentiles had received the Holy Spirit just as they had! Somehow, the disciples of Jesus, the risen Christ, were to go to "all the nations". Their mission was not to exclude anyone! As a result, the message was proclaimed, eventually, through all the earth. Because God does not discriminate, we all have the privilege of having Baptism, as our entrance into the one true Faith.
Psalm 98 is recited, daily, by every Pope, Bishop, Priest, Deacon and Religious as part of the divine office. God's justice and mercy goes out to all the earth.
John's first letter says again, the necessity of love in our lives. To remain part of Jesus, encompassed by His Divinity, we are enjoined to Love one another. The measure of our faith comes from the love we exhibit to all God's children.

The Gospel message reiterates the common theme. Love one another! We hear others praying to receive God's gifts in Jesus Name. Does that mean all we have to do is pray and end each prayer." In Jesus' Name!"
The phrase means we are to pray as Jesus would! Always meaning according to God's will, not ours. If we have the confidence of Christ, we will receive what is in the interest of all, the true measure of our oneness with God.
Multiplying words will not achieve God's Will.