May 22, 2022
Sixth Sunday of Easter
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you.” These words of Jesus in today’s gospel move us forward. The movement forward is our work toward peace. You and I could view the call as a personal call toward peace in our lives but the responsorial psalm at today’s Mass draws that call (or desire) into a national realm. Every nation is different, but the Lord loves every nation even those throughout the world that enact laws that will harm human rights and promote economic policies that are unjust. We achieve peace through the aid of the Holy Spirit, our Guide, the presence of God on earth. The Holy Spirit brings peace, and the Holy Spirit is with us.
As Jesus offers His peace to the disciples, it is not a sentimental peace. Rather He offers a peace that comforts the afflicted and as some say afflicts the comfortable. This peace is shalom, the right relationship that flows from our union with God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. If we are open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, we will find how the Spirit assists in unlikely relationships, breaks down barriers between people to establish new partnerships. We join the Holy Spirit in becoming instruments of peace.
As Jesus tells the disciples he is going away, he alerts them that they will come to know and embrace of the Holy Spirit, their guide. How do you notice the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life?
This week the Eighth-Grade class will graduate on May 25th. This group of young people complete their time at Lourdes and look forward to the opportunities that await them in high school. Please hold these young people and their families in your prayer. The last day for classes for the remaining students is May 26th. Join me in thanking the faculty and staff for all their work this year. Pray with me that all have a wonderful summer break.
Pray for peace; for victims of shootings, domestic violence, war; and for the protection of life from conception to natural death. Have a blessed week! Fr. Len