SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A
May 21, 2023
Acts 1:12-14; 1 Peter 4:13-16; John 17:1-11.
Today the gospel reading tells us that Eternal Life is to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. The knowledge of God through Jesus Christ is only possible through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the love that exists between the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit unites us to God through this love. The love of God is eternal life. Eternal life is not life in heaven but the love of God on earth. Eternal life is a life of love animated by the Holy Spirit.
Our weaknesses distract us from focusing on achieving eternal life. Our uncontrolled violent tendencies are our greatest obstacle. What the Holy Spirit does is to enable us tame our violent tendencies through the love of God. Our weakness is transformed by the power of God’s grace. The Holy Spirit enables us to allow ourselves to be transformed God’s divine grace in order to enjoy the Eternal life. Without the Holy Spirit our weaknesses will prevent us from gaining eternal life.
Therefore, let us join the apostles and Mary the Mother of our Lord at the upper room. Let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of love that will grant us eternal life.
Fr Anthony ekpunobi, CM.
