7TH SUNDAY
OF EASTER, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR JUSTIN ADIELE
THEME: AWAITING THE HOLY SPIRIT IN UNITY
INTRODUCTION:
Today being the seventh Sunday of Easter is the Sunday
following the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord into heaven. While Jesus
was lifted up into heaven, the disciples gazed into the sky as if they are
awaiting his immediate return. But Jesus had earlier instructed them to stay in
Jerusalem and continue their waiting; but this time, not waiting for him, but
waiting for the Third person of the Blessed Trinity; the Holy Spirit. However,
they are to wait in love, in unity and in the communion of the Apostles.
THE FIRST READING
(ACTS. 1: 15 – 17. 20 – 26)
The first reading talked about preserving the ministry and
Apostleship of the Twelve. Mathias was later elected and consecrated to fill in
the gap/position left by Judas Iscariot. The Holy Spirit we await does not draw
us away from the Apostolic Church founded by Jesus, but wants us to remain in
communion with the Apostles and in communion with the Pope and Bishops of the
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
THE SECOND READING (1
JN. 4: 11 – 16)
The second reading enjoined us to abide in love while we
await the coming of the Holy Spirit. We must create an atmosphere of love of
God and neighbor. We must love one another for God to abide in us; we must love
one another for the Holy Spirit to descend on us; and we must love one another
for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit to come and make their home with
us. If we live up to our parish motor/slogan: “Family of Love; Family of Peace;
Family of Progress”; we are already prepared for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
THE GOSPEL READING
(JN. 17: 11 – 19)
In the Gospel reading, Jesus particularly prayed for an
atmosphere of unity and oneness among his disciples before leaving them. Unity
and oneness of purpose therefore become an essential and necessary condition we
must meet while waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit. To be One and
United, we must stop every discrimination, every envy and jealousy amongst us;
and we must stop every partiality in our exercise of love.
CONCLUSION
Following the instruction of Jesus and the tradition of the
Church, we have entered a special period of prayer and waiting for the Holy
Spirit. While we wait and pray, may we keep in mind the three necessary
conditions that entice the Holy Spirit: Apostolic fellowship, genuine Love of
God and neighbor, and the atmosphere of Unity. United in faith, love and hope,
we make our novena/petition to the Holy Spirit; praying for an outpour of the
Spirit and his heavenly gifts and virtues upon us at Pentecost!
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin
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