Sixth Sunday of Easter
In our reading, Paul and Barnabas, filled with the Holy Spirit, talked to the Jewish leaders. Even after the resurrection some people believed that salvation was only for the Jews. The letter indicates that all people are invited to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
In our gospel, Jesus told his disciples that he was going to prepare a place for them and then he will come back for them. Everything he has told them came from his Father who sent him. The Father is going to send the Holy Spirit who will teach them everything they need. He wants their hearts to be at peace. When this happens, believe in me.
Have you ever experienced a need to do something good for someone? It is the Holy Spirit that inspires us to do good things. We received the Holy Spirit when we were baptized. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will always be with us to help us.
Special Saints: St. Philip and St. James – May 3
Both of these saints were part of the original group of Jesus’ twelve apostles.
Philip was one of the first apostles chosen. He was born in Galilee. When Jesus met him, he said, “Follow me.” Philip was so happy to be with Jesus that he wanted his friend, Nathaniel to share in his happiness.
Nathaniel wasn’t excited at all since Jesus was from Nazareth which was just a small village.
Philip wasn’t angry with Nathaniel. He just said, “Come and see.” Nathaniel went to see Jesus and after speaking with him, he, too, became a follower of Jesus.
St. James was a cousin of Jesus. After Jesus ascended into heaven, James became bishop of Jerusalem.
He was called “James the Just”, which means “James the Holy One”. He is also called “James the Less”, because he was younger than the other apostle named James.
St. James was very gentle and forgiving. He prayed and kept asking God to forgive the people who persecuted the followers of Jesus. Even when he died as a martyr, he asked God to pardon them. He died in the year 62.
We can all be apostles of Jesus in our own way. We can show our faith in Jesus by the way we live. That’s how we can imitate St. Philip and St. James.