We must share God’s blessings with others.
On this 6th Sunday of Easter we reflect on Jesus’ words in the Gospel,
“Whoever loves me will keep my word.” These words emphasize the importance
of living a life grounded in love and God’s Word. When we gather at Mass, we
seek spiritual nourishment through the Scriptures and also engage in the sacred
act of uniting ourselves with Jesus in Holy Communion. Our participation is a
response to God’s call and commitment to live out His love and peace. Despite
our flaws and the times we sin, God’s Word is a source of renewal, enabling us
to rise, love, and share the goodness that flows from Him with peace.
Pope Leo XIV’s greeting “Peace be with you,” echoes the initial words
spoken by the Risen Christ. These words offer reassurance and affirm Christ’s
safeguarding presence among us. We live in a world filled with turmoil, where
fear and negativity often dominate the narrative. Nevertheless, Pope Leo XIV
envisions peace radiating from our hearts, our families, and our communities,
extending to all humanity. It is our duty as God ‘s people to be bearers of love
and peace, confronting the shadows of our world through the light of the Gospel.
In his first teachings, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Christ precedes us,
serving as a beacon in these challenging times. The moral imperative presented
by Jesus challenges us to reject vengeance and embrace a spirit of
reconciliation, illustrating that goodness can triumph over evil. As disciples of
Christ, we draw strength from His example, empowering us to build bridges of
understanding and foster compassionate encounters that unite us as one people.
Additionally, the words expressed in our responsorial psalm, “O God, let all
the nations praise you,” summarizes our collective yearning for unity and the
acknowledgment of God’s greatness across every corner of the world. God’s
Word of Love instills a sense of peace that transcends our human condition.
Happiness does not emerge from the absence of challenges but from our ability
to perceive the goodness inherent in all circumstances. Jesus’ words, “Peace I
leave with you; my peace I give to you,” challenges us to cultivate an inner calm
that is distinct from the transient peace offered by the world.
Dear brothers and sisters, on this Easter journey, let us commit to keeping
God’s Word in our hearts, serving as instruments of His love. By doing so, we
can navigate the complexities of life with peace and hope, actively contributing to
the harmony that our world so desperately needs. In this season of Easter, let us
rise with faith and love, emboldened to share the peace of Christ with everyone
we encounter.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor