Thursday, May 17, 2018


Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

(Acts 22:30.23:6-11; John 17:20-26)

In today’s gospel Jesus tells his Father that he has made known His name to his disciples.  What is that name?  The answer is as evident as it is telling.  Jesus continually calls God “Father.”  He is making the same point as found in the parable of the “Prodigal Son.”  God is the loving father that seeks a change in his rebellious children’s hearts.  He wants to dress them in fine clothes -- the virtues – so that they stand out as exceptional people.  He intends to feed them a banquet -- the Eucharist – so that they have eternal life.

Jesus further says that he will continue to reveal his Father’s name.  He means that he will send the Holy Spirit to reveal the breadth and depth of the Father’s love.  The Spirit will uncover the meaning of the paschal mystery as giving his followers an eternal destiny.   It will also reveal the nature of reality and history so that their faith will be fortified.

We await the celebration of the Spirit’s coming this Sunday.  It will flood us with the peace and joy of knowing the Father’s love.  It will likewise move us to share that love with others.  After all God created humans to live together in harmony as His family.

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