Fifth Sunday of Easter: Acts 6:1-7, 1 Pt 2:4-9, Jn 14:1-12

05-07-2023Weekly ReflectionThe Faithful Disciple

GROW: Recently, I went through a period of spiritual dryness, and I questioned my ability to make faith the central tenet of my life. Although I had always loved reading Scripture, I felt I needed reassurance that God was truly present with me. So I did what many people do: I asked God for a sign that he was real. Nothing happened. The sky didn’t open; doves and rays of light didn’t magically appear announcing God’s presence.

Although I didn’t receive what I envisioned as a “heavenly sign,” I looked down at the Bible in my hands and realized that God’s word, handed down through the millennia, had been my companion all this time and was indeed the “sign” I was looking for. Which is why Jesus’ question to Philip in today’s Gospel struck a chord with me: “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me?” If Jesus asked me this same question, I want to be able to answer, “Yes, Lord, I know you through your sacred word, through partaking of the Eucharist and through the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit who is with me each and every day.”

GO: What does “knowing Jesus” mean for me in my everyday life? It means hearing his words and acting on them: “I am the way and the truth and the life … If you know me, then you will also know my Father.” In following Christ, we know that Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in him. Jesus Christ is God! And as we heard in the second reading from Peter, we are not Christians on a lonely road; we are living stones that form a spiritual house. We are “called out of darkness into his wonderful light,” as he describes it. Therefore, let us not be afraid to lean on our fellow Christians when we need support. And then, of course, we turn to Jesus, the cornerstone, the bedrock of our faith, and rejoice in his love for us.

ACTION: Faith is rarely a straight path – sometimes there are sharp curves, steep hills, or roadblocks. If you feel lost or could use someone to talk to about faith, reach out to your parish and ask about contacting a spiritual director. Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me with your grace.