Readings: Acts 15:1-2,22-29, Ps. 67:2-3,5-6,8, Rev. 21:10-14,22-23, John 14:23-29
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
We live in a troubled world. Jesus understands our troubled situation and seeks to console us. Last Sunday, we heard Jesus say: “I shall not be with you much longer… I give you a new commandment, love one another just as I have loved you.” (John 13:33-35). If we love one another as he loved us, our world would be less troubled.
Today, Jesus says to us: “Peace I give to you; not as the world gives… let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27). While we face troubles from the world around us in the form of persecution, injustice, and hatred, let us remember that the peace of Jesus is not of this world. This peace comes with knowing that we are just pilgrims on our way home.
This is why in our second reading today, St. John gives us a clear picture of our heavenly homeland; the place where we shall ultimately find peace – the city that has no need of the sun and moon because of the brightness of the glory of God. Let us now ponder some lessons in today’s readings:
1. The Holy Spirit Brings Us Peace.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit, the Counsellor, the Spirit of truth, the one who would teach us all things, the advocate, the one who would defend us in times of trouble and inspire us to make the right decisions. Are you troubled in any way? Call on the Holy Spirit. As we gradually approach the Feast of Pentecost, I encourage you to participate in the novena to the Holy Spirit and the “Life in the Spirit” seminar. Be devoted to the Holy Spirit, and you will survive this troubled world.
Surprisingly, troublesome elements delight in unsettling people’s minds, preaching heresies, and causing division within the church. In today’s first reading, some men came from Judea and were teaching the converts at Antioch (the first place where people were first addressed as Christians) that unless they were circumcised, they could not be saved. The apostles resolved the matter through dialogue (synodality) and prayerfully listening to the Holy Spirit. Luke tells us that as soon as the letter was read, “they rejoiced at the exhortation” (Acts 15:31), meaning their peace was restored.
2. Not all those who say ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of God.
Jesus once said: “A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.’ (Matthew 7:18-23)
Just as it was in the early church, many today teach false doctrines aimed at bringing division and confusion among Christians. These men who brought the issue of circumcision can only be described as wolves in sheep’s clothing; they aimed to divide the Jewish converts from the Gentile converts, thereby making some Christians feel superior to others.
As the apostles noted, “We have heard that some persons from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions…” This matter was resolved because Christians regarded the apostles’ authority at that time. Unfortunately, today, Christians are no longer united. Every pastor or church owner considers themselves the authority; we no longer take recourse to St. Peter's successor. This explains why there are crises among and between Christians.
3. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament
At the root of the issue of circumcision is the problem that many Christians still have today—the difficulty of reconciling the Old Testament and its requirements with the New Testament. The Jews considered Jesus a rebel because they saw Him as someone who had come to change the Old Testament. The way and manner He taught were very different and new. Jesus would say, “You have heard how it was said… but I say to you…”
At a point, Jesus had to clarify that He is not against the Old Testament but has come to take us to a higher level. “Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them.” (Matthew 5:17). Still, many Jews did not understand Jesus. Even after His death and resurrection, they were still trying to fully grasp the significance of His Paschal sacrifice. They did not know whether to continue or drop Old Testament practices. For instance, it might shock you that cutting one’s beard is forbidden in the Old Testament. (Cf. Leviticus 21:5)
What we must know is that, like circumcision, many things are no longer required of us, not because these things are wrong, but because our salvation no longer depends on the Law but on the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. St. Paul discusses this matter in chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of his Letter to the Romans. (Read it carefully to get complete insight.) His conclusion is this: “We are not under the Law anymore but under Grace.” (Cf. Romans 6:14) This is why circumcision, for instance, no longer matters.
However, St. Paul was quick to say: “Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” (Romans 6:15) It is based on this understanding that the apostles wrote to the Gentiles saying, in as much as you are free from the burden of circumcision, there are certain things you must do – you must not partake in idol worship, meat sacrificed to idols, blood, strangled meat, and unchastity. As such, even if we don’t do everything stated in the Old Testament, some things put a question mark on our Christian identity, which we must avoid.
4. If you love God, you will obey His Word
Christians often complain about how difficult it is to keep God’s words. Many believe that the Bible was not written for normal human beings and that it contains certain ideals that are impossible to maintain. For instance, the issue of unchastity. For the apostles to have told the Gentiles that circumcision was not necessary but that they must refrain from unchastity means keeping oneself pure (in thoughts, words, and deeds) is essential.
Of course, it is challenging to be chaste in our morally-derailed world of today, but we can conquer this difficulty and rise above the pervasive darkness around us if we deepen our love for God. Jesus said: “He who does not love me does not keep my words.” (John 14:24). Meanwhile, if we love God so much and obey His words, Jesus tells us that God will come to make his home inside our hearts. How beautiful is the heart where God makes His home! Nothing is complicated for you if you carry God with you. In this case, your body is the temple of God, and the devil flees from you.
I bet you will experience true bliss if God makes your heart His home. You will taste the sweetness of heaven even while still on earth, and you will have peace. Rather than spending your energy on fleeting pleasures, turn to God and deepen your love for God. Spend more time in prayer, ask for the Holy Spirit to come into your heart, and you will find peace. He who has God lacks nothing, but He who lacks God lacks everything.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, come into our hearts that we may find true peace of soul despite all the world’s troubles. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (6th Sunday of Easter Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 15:1-2,22-29, Ps. 67:2-3,5-6,8, Rev. 21:10-14,22-23, John 14:23-29).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu