Readings:
Acts 14:5-18
John: 14:21-26
Reflection:
This Easter season remains significant for us today. It reminds us of the foundations of our Christian community and its early formation. In many ways, the climate of that time mirrors what we see around us now—marked by suspicion, anger, and fear, often expressed through injustice and acts of hatred and aggression. Paul, Barnabas, and the early Church encountered this same reality, facing those who sought to undermine and distort the message of love and peace.
As people, we often struggle with change, particularly when it challenges established structures. Yet Jesus consistently presents a counter-cultural perspective. His message meets people in the ordinary circumstances of their lives, without reliance on status, wealth, or power. It calls for attentive listening and a genuine willingness to meet others where they are—engaging them with dignity, trust, and compassion.
The results of such encounters are deeply humbling. The blind see, the cripple walk, and those who are lost are found. Through simple acts of human connection, a transformative power is released—one that works from the inside out. People are moved and begin to recognise within themselves what was previously unseen. As Paul reminds us, we are ambassadors for Christ, representing God through our commitment to care, justice, and compassion for others.
This is how, as John suggests, we come to make a “home” in others—a place where each person is loved and accepted for who they are. This message is both an expression of gratitude and a call to return to the path of service to others.
Paul Traynor is married to Clare and has two children Sam and Lucy. He lives in Greytown which is in the Wairarapa Region on the North Island of New Zealand. Paul is currently working as the National Passionist Family Groups Coordinator for Aotearoa, New Zealand.