Fr. Martin ALI KEKE NDEMSOU sx
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Before returning to his Father, Jesus promised his disciples the Holy Spirit who would teach them everything and remind them of all he had said to them. In fact, he says, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.”
The Holy Spirit in this case has two important characteristics: teaching and reminding. He will teach and remind them to love Jesus. What does it mean to love Jesus? Loving Jesus is first of all keeping his word. The blessing of the one who keeps the word of Jesus is to be loved by his Father and to be a home for the Holy Trinity. From this blessing come happiness and peace that the world cannot give.
Similarly, the one who keeps the word of God resembles the city which is described in the second reading: “The city did not need the sun or the moon for light, since it was lit by the radiant glory of God and the lamb was a lighted torch for it.” The Virgin Mary is for us the great model of keeping the word of God. We should imitate her and ask her to help us to keep the word of God which is the source of life.
In addition, loving Jesus is to help the needy. For that, let us always remember what Jesus says in the gospel according to Mt 25: 40c: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Today’s needy may be the refugees. They are many who leave their homeland seeking a better life. Welcoming them, sheltering them is a corporal work of mercy. This is why, Pope Francis urges us: “Open your hearts to refugees: they are a gift, not a burden.”
Today’s needy are also the Ebola survivors; they need our consolation, our proximity and our warmness. Today’s needy are orphans who lost their parents because of Ebola or other circumstances. We need to be closer to them spiritually as well as materially.
Let us be open to the Holy Spirit “the Lord, giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” May He be always with us in order to teach and remind us to love Jesus in loving our brothers and sisters who are in need!
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Before returning to his Father, Jesus promised his disciples the Holy Spirit who would teach them everything and remind them of all he had said to them. In fact, he says, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.”
The Holy Spirit in this case has two important characteristics: teaching and reminding. He will teach and remind them to love Jesus. What does it mean to love Jesus? Loving Jesus is first of all keeping his word. The blessing of the one who keeps the word of Jesus is to be loved by his Father and to be a home for the Holy Trinity. From this blessing come happiness and peace that the world cannot give.
Similarly, the one who keeps the word of God resembles the city which is described in the second reading: “The city did not need the sun or the moon for light, since it was lit by the radiant glory of God and the lamb was a lighted torch for it.” The Virgin Mary is for us the great model of keeping the word of God. We should imitate her and ask her to help us to keep the word of God which is the source of life.
In addition, loving Jesus is to help the needy. For that, let us always remember what Jesus says in the gospel according to Mt 25: 40c: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Today’s needy may be the refugees. They are many who leave their homeland seeking a better life. Welcoming them, sheltering them is a corporal work of mercy. This is why, Pope Francis urges us: “Open your hearts to refugees: they are a gift, not a burden.”
Today’s needy are also the Ebola survivors; they need our consolation, our proximity and our warmness. Today’s needy are orphans who lost their parents because of Ebola or other circumstances. We need to be closer to them spiritually as well as materially.
Let us be open to the Holy Spirit “the Lord, giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” May He be always with us in order to teach and remind us to love Jesus in loving our brothers and sisters who are in need!