Sixth Sunday of Easter
The Season of Easter ends on Pentecost Sunday, which is two weeks away. Pentecost is that incredible moment when the disciples were gathered together and tongues of fire came and burned above their head. They were filled with the intoxicating awareness of God's presence and love, the Holy Spirit. Filled with this joy, they began dancing and singing to the point that people must have thought they were nuts or at least having an incredibly party.
Dear brothers and sisters,
The Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter clearly prepare us for the upcoming Feast of Pentecost. In the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (8:5-8,14-17), we can see that the message Jesus came to share was not limited to just his disciples and those around them; it was to be shared with everyone from all over. From the very beginning, the Church recognized its obligation to go out and preach to the world the Good News of Jesus. And preach they did. Because whenever anyone discovers something that is so life-giving, so freeing - they have to tell others about it.
Clap Along
Thinking about this Pentecost scene reminds me of Pharrell Williams’ hit “Happy”. The video features all different kinds of people dancing to his song as they walk down the street or sidewalk. The melody is very cheerful with simple lyrics like: “Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.” Everyone who appears in this video seems to be so alive and filled with a spirit. They are all singing: “Because I’m happy!” Just listening to the song, watching the video makes me feel happy. It’s contagious. And that’s how it must have been for those first Christians. There were many converts from Judaism to the movement of Jesus’s disciples. This enthusiasm began to reach out to people of other beliefs and cultures, like the Samaritans.
Finding Beauty
In the Gospel (John 14:15-21), Jesus is preparing to leave his time here on earth to return to the Father. He uses some very fascinating language as he talks about the relationship he has with us, about the Trinity and how it is a way of understanding love. Love in the spiritual sense longs for goodness and beauty that is found in every soul. When we find this goodness and beauty, we are drawn to it. Some people are even willing to sacrifice for it – sacrifice things for something that is even more beautiful.
Two months ago, on Monday, March 16th, the Federal Council of the Swiss Government announced strict measures in order to slow the spread of the Corona virus. For the first time since 1942, our borders closed, and the country was put into lockdown. Unlike, larger more influential countries, the Swiss government didn’t politicize the situation, on the contrary. They thanked the people living in Switzerland for their cooperation, gave the credit to the people instead of patting themselves on the back. They promised to support us during this very difficult time. And you know what, nobody complained. What I have experienced is an outpouring of understanding and solidarity. The number of people who volunteered to go shopping or run errands for those who couldn’t, far outnumbered the people who needed help. Musicians have held Skype concerts, the FAITH Group has been making face masks to give away and we have reached out to each other simply to ask “How are you doing?”
All of these signs of kindness and compassion give me hope for a generation who often times appears to not need faith. Peter writes in our Second Reading (1 Peter 14:15-21) that we should “always be ready to give an explanation” for our hope. Well here is my explanation and I will try to connect it to what Peter writes: In their volunteering, people who give and share their time by helping strangers encounter beauty. This goodness and willingness to make a sacrifice for something or someone, well, that’s beautiful.
Our Ministry
I try to bring this beauty into my ministry and every day life. Jesus asks the Father to send the advocate and it longs for beauty and happiness. The work of the Advocate, (the Holy Spirit) is reflected when we share this beauty with others. It is the Spirit of truth, which lives in each and every one of us. It restores our faith, it gives us hope and makes us happy.
“Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.”
Amen, because I’m happy!
Stay safe, stay alert, protect others.
God bless.
Yours Fr. Urs