Readings:
Acts 15: 7-21
John 15: 9-11
Reflection:
Barnabas, whose name meant “Son of Encouragement” and Paul share with those who listen to them, at what we call the Council of Jerusalem. They share that Jesus is indeed the Lord of life and the source of real joy and freedom. They talk about rebuilding the house of God and they want to assure their listeners that it is possible to listen to Jesus the risen One and to live without fear.
John in his gospel invites and encourages us to remain in his love. Easter is the great love story. And it is your story and my story. Jesus is now the risen One. He tells us why he has said the things he has shared with us so that his joy will be in each of us and that our joy will be filled up. Jesus always speak the language of plenty.
With all the mutual distrust and the confusing flood of words that clogs up our channels of communication it is hard to approach each day with some enthusiasm and hope. We need the presence of a Barnabas and a Paul in troubled times.
The present moment offers us the chance to grow into people of hope, even as the rest of the world seems to flounder in confusion with people shouting at each other. Easter did not happen on a calm and tranquil day with people smiling at other people. God’s love and the challenge is to rebuild the house of God now. So that suggest to me that the place is here and the time is now!
Fr. Kevin Dance CP lives at St.Brigid’s Retreat, Marrickville. He is very actively involved in ministries locally and at Passionist International, where he served as the Executive Director for many years.