6TH SUNDAY HOMILY OF THE EASTER — YEAR C
6TH SUNDAY HOMILY OF THE EASTER — YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: PEACE, I BEQUEATH TO YOU!
BY: Fr. Casmir Nkamuke
Acts 15,1-2,22-29; Revelation 21,10-14, 22-23; John 14, 23-29
Today is the Sunday before the Ascension of the Lord. As we prepare to celebrate this feast, the liturgy of today reminds us of the need to embrace peace, which is Jesus´ parting gift to his followers.
In the first reading, the apostles resolved the crisis between the Jewish Christians and their Gentile counterparts. In resolving this dispute, it was emphasized that it is not necessary to impose on Christian burdens beyond essentials. Rather, the important thing is the need to avoid attitudes contrary to the Christian values and striving to live and act rightly.
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In describing his revelation, John describes the beauty and tranquility of God´s city. The beauty of the city lies not in physical structures, but rather in the glory of God who illumines it both at night and day and is point of reference.
In the gospel, Jesus gives his followers peace as his parting gift. This peace is not just a mere absence of war, but the presence of God´s love and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. With peace, the Christian gladly keeps God´s commandment of God, becomes assured of God´s ever abiding presence, and models his life according to such assurance.
Beloved in the Lord, peace is one value that is increasingly becoming scarce in our society today. Whether it is in our families, workplaces, and even among nations, there exist one form of hatred or the other. The reason for wars and violence in most cases is usually intolerance and certain frivolous differences that can be resolved amicably.
War has never resolved any misunderstanding. The results of war are usually destruction of lives and property and more hatred. Just as was the case with the early Christians, problems and misunderstandings are best resolved through negotiations and deliberations than through violence. We achieved true peace when we do not always impose our opinions on others but rather make accommodation for understanding and tolerating individual and communal differences. The easiest route to this true peace is the keeping of the commandment of God to love him as Christ loved us and to express same love through the love of our neighbour. When we do this, we become God´s true children and citizens of his holy city illumined by his radiant glory and inspired by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
May God grant us the grace to work for peace in the world, a peace that is not just the absence of violence and war, but the presence of justice, tolerance and understanding. May he also come to the aid of all experiencing violence and war in the world. May our society once more feel the impact of God´s peace and love.
Happy Sunday!
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