Spread Peace, Joy, Love

Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 5, 2024

SCRIPTURE
Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48
1 Jn 4:7-10
Jn 15:9-17

PREACHING
As I prepared this refection for May 5, Cinco de Mayo is the first thought that came to mind. During my years of being on mission at Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, Texas, celebrations of Mexican Independence Day were a new and welcome annual exposure to music, dance, and foods that my upper Midwest self had never experienced.

This year a disruption/distraction arose as I read “when the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated on the Sunday following the Sixth Sunday of Easter, the second reading and the Gospel from the Seventh Sunday of Easter may be read on the Sixth Sunday of Easter.” This year, the feast of the Ascension will be celebrated on May 12.

In the First Reading, as Peter was preaching to the gathered crowds, the Holy Spirit was being poured out on everyone. The Spirit was being poured out on all because “God shows no partiality.” All are welcome. John, in his letter and Gospel, calls all to “remain in God’s Love.” God’s Spirit fills each and all of us with the call and the grace to love one another.

May I/We spread peace, joy, and love wherever we go.
May I/We listen, listen, listen.
May I/We strive to live peacefully, joyfully, lovingly.
May I/We remember to welcome all . . . peace, joy, and love.

by Sister Sarah Naughton, OP