Monday of the
Fifth Week of Easter
(Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26)
Western theology speaks a lot of grace. It is famous for describing how grace transforms
the human person to love unselfishly.
Eastern theology is more effusive about divine indwelling. Although its effects are similar to those of
grace, its implications are more suggestive.
Divine indwelling is the presence of the Holy Trinity within the
person. It fills the person like
ecstatic music moving her to do beautiful things. The Greek Fathers of the Church had no qualms
in stating that this indwelling divinizes the person. In today’s gospel Jesus speaks of coming with
the Father and the Holy Spirit to dwell within those who keep his commandments.
One woman after raising her family and burying her
husband dedicated herself to her church community. Assisting in the parish office, she knew
everyone within the community. When the
neighborhood began to change both economically and racially, she remained a
resident for many years. She became
acquainted with her new neighbors and participated in the newly formed block club. She kept Jesus’ commandments to believe in
him and to love another. Perceptive
people could notice the indwelling of Father, Son, and Spirit in her.
All of us probably have met people like this woman in
whom God dwells. They are observant but always
kind. They pursue justice in ways we
hardly imagine without making us uncomfortable.
They do not make much of themselves but bring out the best in us. We should be imminently grateful for these vessels
of God in our midst.
