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 7^th Sunday of Easter, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Waiting on the Lord in Prayer and in One Heart

Readings: Acts 1:12–14; 1 Pt 4:13–16; Jn 17:1–11a

The first reading of this Sunday introduces two essential attitudes for anyone waiting for God’s grace or favour in their lives.

According to Acts, after Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and went straight to the upper room. There, they devoted themselves to prayer and to a life of unity as they waited for the Holy Spirit promised by Christ.

In our world today, we all experience different forms of waiting. Some wait for the arrival of loved ones from abroad, admission into school, exam results, the right spouse, the birth of a child, approval of job quotations, employment, promotions, business growth, or the maturity of a long‑term project. These expectations are good and are in harmony with God’s plan for us, as Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us.

However, what we do during our seasons of waiting matters greatly. Our actions can hasten the fulfilment of our expectations, delay them, or even make us lose what we have long prayed for.

The disciples in today’s first reading teach us two important lessons as they waited for the Holy Spirit promised to them.

1. The time of waiting must not be spiritually empty.

The disciples teach us that there should be no dull moment in the spiritual life of those who are waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promises in their lives. Such a wait should not be spent in idleness. Rather, it is a time to deepen our prayer life, to visit the Blessed Sacrament more frequently, and to take up some service in the Church. In their time of waiting on God, the disciples entered the upper room and committed themselves to an intensive nine‑day prayer, preparing their hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Because they prepared themselves spiritually, when the Spirit finally came, He found their hearts ready to receive His gifts.

2. Our lifestyle must be worthy of what we are expecting.

The book of Acts of the Apostles tells us that the disciples were united in one heart. Their unity matched the gift they were waiting for, because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of unity. He would not have descended upon a divided community. God does not pitch His tent in a house of chaos; He dwells where love and charity abide.

Jesus reinforces this in the parable of the servant waiting for his master (Mt 24:49). The bad servant spends his waiting time beating others and drinking with drunkards, and the master’s return caught him unprepared. Imagine if the disciples had spent their days after the Ascension drinking in the taverns of Jerusalem, fighting among themselves, and causing trouble. Obviously, they would have missed the coming of the Holy Spirit.

This teaches us to live in a way that aligns with what we are praying for—to adopt habits and attitudes that make us worthy to receive God’s blessings.

Dear friends, waiting is a time for goodness. It is a time to engage in acts of charity, to serve our families and communities, and to allow peace, harmony, and love to flourish in our relationships. Anyone waiting on God must remain united with God and in a good relationship with their neighbours.

As we enter these days of prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit, let us ask Him to rekindle in us the gifts, virtues, and talents that may have grown dormant. Let us adopt the best spiritual and moral disposition, so that this year’s Pentecost may bring something truly new into our lives.

Peace be with you.

Rev Fr. Isaac Chima