Reflection on the Word of God
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 15:1-29. Some Jewish Christians insisted that the provisions of the Israelite law should be observed by the Gentile converts. The leaders of the Gentile “sector” of the church – Paul, Barnabas and other representatives, carried the concerns to the authorities of the mother church in Jerusalem. After considerable debate, peaceful agreement is reached between Jew and Gentile. The proponents of the law who had disturbed the Gentile community were unauthorized. The present decision was authenticated by the church in Jerusalem. It was decided that, in general, the Gentile church is not obligated to observe the Mosaic law. However, a few legal provisions within the Jewish Christian community – warrant observance in the entire church.
Psalm 67:2-8. In this “universal” hymn of blessing, all the nations are exhorted to bless and praise the Lord! The metaphor of Yahweh’s shining face refers to the favorable disposition a smiling face reflects. The psalmist asks that God look favorably upon the people and be benevolent to them. Yahweh’s goodness to Israel is noticed by other nations; His divine governance is universal. “May your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.” One nation is the source of blessing for all.
Revelation 21:10-23. John of Patmos sees the new Jerusalem, the church, as a city without a temple, signifying that the believers themselves are the new temple of God. The “new and old Israel” merge with the symbolism of the Twelve Tribes (the gates) and the Twelve Apostles (the twelve stones of the foundation). The radiance of precious stones draws on Isaiah’s depiction of the restored Zion (referring to the city of Jerusalem or the entire nation of Israel). Since God and the Lamb are all-present, there is no need for a “physical” temple. Localized cult, so much a part of Israelite tradition, is superseded in Christianity by a new, deeply internal form of worship, not dependent on place. The risen Lord Jesus, our Paschal Lamb, radiates in the hearts of His disciples with redeeming and abiding presence!
John 14:23-29. In this farewell discourse, Jesus makes it clear that we cannot “live in God” and disregard His commandments. Our heavenly Father is present with those who truly love and do God’s will. “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will make our dwelling with him.” Love is the fundamental message of Jesus. However, He calls for a “demanding” kind of love, one that is as self-sacrificing as Jesus Himself taught us. Like Jesus, the Holy Spirit is our “advocate” who defends and pleads our cause. As Jesus’ emissary, the Spirit reminds and teaches us the redeeming message of Jesus. The believers are given the gift of peace, which arises not from elusive earthly powers, but from the salvific restoration of harmony between God and the faithful.