Sixth Sunday of Easter, 22nd May, 2022

Gospel: John 14:23-29     

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we shall come to him
and make our home with him.
Those who do not love me do not keep my words.
And my word is not my own:
it is the word of the one who sent me.

I have said these things to you
while still with you;
but 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.

Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,
a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.
If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father,
for the Father is greater than I.
I have told you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe.

The Gospel of the Lord      Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Donal Neary S.J.
Gospel reflections
www.messenger.ie/bookshop/

God's Home

Making a home is a big opportunity of love for a husband, a wife and a family.They try to make it their own: pictures and memorabilia here and there make a home out a house. I doesn't have to be perfect. The want others to be able to feel at home in their home also.

It is the same with Jesus. In our hearts and the depths of our personality he makes a home for himself and the father. He asks for a loving and welcoming heart, not a place that is perfect. tidy and clean. To make a home is a work of love. Jesus' making of a home in us comes through our growth in development and love. The loving marriage and family, the loving friendship, the heart that cares for others, these are what make Jesus feel at home.

Is this a strange way of looking on God? . We think of God in the power of nature and almost the maker of history. God seems to reject all this all powerful view of himself and makes himself accessible in the home of our hearts.

Home is a place of help. We look out for each other and the contented home is where each cares for the other. St Ignatius used say each day, 'Who can I help today?' Maybe we can make that part of the music of our homes. This is God helping through you, and it is God finding us and each other in love.

Lord, open my heart  to prayer and care this day.
Open my eyes to the beauty and problems of others.
Open m heart yo your love for me.

Gospel and Gosple Reflection are taken from  Mass Readings and Sunday Homily - Catholicireland.net