Reflection for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2023

by Cindy Wenninghoff, Notre Dame Associate

I love the readings for this Sunday as they remind us of the wonderful love God has for us and how we can all be one with Him.  The first reading has Philip going into Samaria proclaiming Christ and performing many miracles which brought many into the faith.  But it didn’t end there, they were believers and had been baptized, but there is more. John and Peter were then sent and they prayed and laid hands upon them to receive the Holy Spirit.

The second reading from St Peter then asks them to use their faith and the gift of the Holy Spirit to reach out to others, doing good and sharing their faith.  As they were called back in the time of the apostles, we too are called to share hope with gentleness and reverence.

These actions were inspired by Christ, He promised that we were not left orphans – there is more.  He sent another Advocate, the Spirit of Truth to us.  It is this love that is shared and in all of us.  And since Christ’s death and resurrection, this has been shared through all generations.  It is truly amazing that the Spirit is always with us, and if we follow the commandments and love Him, He will reveal Himself to us.  Let us live this joy as we celebrate the Easter season and the coming Pentecost Sunday.