Scripture Reflection, May 25, 2025, 6th Sunday of Easter

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23 John 14:23-29

It may seem strange during Eastertide to have a gospel from John's version of the Last Supper. But in this farewell discourse Jesus says some things to his apostles that I think we need to hear again. Jesus tells them that he will not leave them orphaned, that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to them, that they need not be anxious or afraid. "Peace I leave you with; my peace I give to you…. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. “

Clearly, Jesus could read the room. He knew what they were thinking and feeling. They all knew that he and they were marked men. They must have been thinking, “How will we manage when he is gone? What does the future hold for us? Will we be OK?” And he does not promise them an easy future. .. Recall that most of them will be martyred…. only that they will not be left alone and that should bring them peace.

We, too, faithful followers of Jesus, are not promised an easy future . But we are promised that whatever challenges life holds we do not face them alone. We are in the hands of God who loves us beyond measure.

Individually, medical diagnoses and illnesses will come our way. The grief that follows the loss of loved ones will break our heart. We may be deeply troubled by the violence and suffering that nations, sometimes our own, inflict on the innocent.

The suffering that life brings does not disappear because of our faith. But it is changed by knowing that we too have not been left orphans. That in our grieving and in our struggles against the forces of evil we are supported by the Spirit of God.

The events of that Last Supper and those immediately following were undeniably tragic, and rightfully to be mourned. But we are not Good Friday people. We are Easter people. Hope is our calling. And “Alleluia” is our song.

by: Pat Schnee