A reading from the Acts of the Apostles*
(Chapter 15:1-2, 22-29)
In the episode described in these passages, the leaders of the infant Church dismissed the idea that gentiles had to be circumcised in order to be followers of Christ. This decision reflects the revolutionary character of the New Testament, however self-evident it might seem to us from the vantage point of the 21st century. Christianity was the first religion—indeed, the first movement of any kind—to welcome people of all backgrounds. And the message Paul and Barnabas delivered to “the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia” was that the apostles and elders didn’t want to raise unnecessary hurdles for those who seeking to embrace the faith. This openness was in the spirit of Jesus’ earthly ministry in which he engaged Jews and gentiles, men and women, the healthy and the unwell—a model for us to imitate.
Responsorial Psalm
(Psalm 67)
The psalmist prays to the God of Israel, “may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.” That prayer is answered in the “catholic” nature of the Church which calls us to welcome people from everywhere as full members of the Body of Christ.
A reading from the book of Revelation
(Chapter 21:10-14, 22-23)
The author of the book of Revelation has a vision of “the holy city of Jerusalem” which he describes as gleaming and radiant. Unlike in the earthly Jerusalem, however, there is no temple, because the temple is God himself, Creator and Redeemer.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
(Chapter 14:23-29)
This passage clearly presents God as the Holy Trinity. This is perhaps the greatest mystery of our faith, but while we cannot fully comprehend the divine nature, we can appreciate the message in Jesus’ words in this passage that God is always with us. “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” God lives not only with us but in us. This promise can help us navigate both the opportunities and the challenges of everyday life, knowing that we are never alone.
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*When the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated the following Sunday, the second reading and Gospel from the Seventh Sunday of Easter may be read on the Sixth Sunday of Easter.
Painting: An image of Christ with the alpha and omega from the Roman Catacombs, fourth century AD.
Excerpts from the English translation of the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL). All rights reserved.
Charles Paolino is managing editor at RENEW International. He is a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Metuchen.