SIXTH SUNDAY OF FASTER (cycle C)*

Our first reading from Acts tells of the conviction Of the early disciples of the action of the Holy Spirit in the community. Difficulties were resolved under the guidance Of the Holy Spirit through discussion and dialogue. Early Church leaders needed to be open to the ways that the spirit of God

moved in the early days of the Church, as the message of the gospel spread out into the then known world from Jerusalem, from a rather strictly regulated religious culture to a variety of civilizations and cultures. Prudent adaptability made the spread of christianity a reality, and set the tone for future centuries.

What happened in the early decades is proof of the blessings of God to the whole world. Psalm 67 is called a "missionary psalm" because it clearly anticipates the universal spread of the knowledge of God. This psalm begins with words that are familiar to us from the blessing of Aaron in the Book of Numbers (6:24), which asks the care ("pity") and blessing of God , as a sign that will make him known among all nations (vs-2-3). "The blessing of Israel will gain the attention of the nations" (J.L. Mays) This anticipates the recognition that the Church will experience throughout her history. The Church continues to make known the rule of God throughout the world, as she continues to preach the good news to the ends of the earth, so that all peoples will praise God and be blessed by him (vs. 6 & 8). The blessing of the Church in her missionary activity is for the salvation of the nations (Cf. J.L. Mays).

In our passage from Revelation, the new or heavenly Jerusalem reflects the glory of God. The radiance described signifies the holiness of the city where the righteous and faithful dwell. The radiance and light come from the presence of God and the Lamb -- the victorious risen Christ. There are many meanings to the symbolism of the number 12 in this reading. The whole of Israel is symbolized by the names of the tribes written on the gates of the city; the whole world is symbolized by names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb inscribed on the foundation of the wall of the city.

Keep in mind that the Book of Revelation was about the present condition and understanding of the Church, of its universal character, and in the final section of the book it is a"description of the Church when it understands and lives out its call to holiness" (Helen Doohan).

Our gospel is another lesson in spiritual theology. The text is again from the final address of Jesus to his disciples, placed by John at the Last Supper. In reality it summarizes the teaching of Jesus as the disciples learned from Jesus throughout their time with him. Jesus identifies God's dwelling place within the believers. We recall words like, "The kingdom of God is within you." God is also present in the community--the Church.

Love characterizes or sums up the essence of life in God. It is love that moves us to follow the say of Jesus. Love guides our faith; love is the motivating principle of obedience to what Jesus taught as the way to God Love opens us to further inspiration of the Spirit, to a deeper knowledge and understanding of Jesus as the way to the Father. Love is the unifying principle uniting Father and Son, and uniting us to God and to one another.

To keep alive this lesson Jesus taught he promised that he would send us the gift of his Spirit so that we continue to know and experience his presence among us. From the Spirit we will receive the gifts of wisdom, understanding and knowledge, and much more. We will have an abiding sense of peace and joy . Guided by the Spirit of Jesus, the Church will continue her mission to the world. Empowered by the Spirit of Jesus, the Church, i.e., all of us, will continue to effectively make Christ known in the world

* ©Resurrection of Lazarus by Herman Falke, scj (CA)