Listening To God’s Word Is A Blessing

 

Hearing God’s word is gracious.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, 6th Sunday of Easter, Year B, May 5th, 2024
Texts: Acts 10:25-26.34-35.44-48; Psalm 98:1-4; 1 John 4:7-10; John 15:9-17

Today’s first reading reveals how gracious is the moment of hearing God’s word. Listening to God’s word is a blessing and a gracious act. There are several moments in the Scripture that Holy Spirit came down. Holy Spirit came down at the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture says, “and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove” (Luke 3:22). 

Holy Spirit also came down when the disciples were praying. The Scripture says, “When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

Today’s first reading tells us that God poured out Holy Spirit on the Gentiles as they heard His word. We read, “While Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” What was the word Peter saying? He was saying this: "Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” God confirmed the word by giving the Gentiles Holy Spirit.  

God will confirm the word in our lives

God always confirms His word among His people if they live the word. Cornelius and his family were already in accord with the word Peter spoke to them. It is written about them thus: In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius ... He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God (Act. 10:1-2). If we live the word of God, He will confirm the word in our lives.  

God confirmed the word as they heard it. This teaches us to take seriously the period of homily; it is a moment God confirms His word. At this period there should be no noise, distractions. Every word the Priest says should not pass us by. Our focus should be on the word being spoken at the moment. During homily God shares graces; He heals, sets free, touches our souls and hearts (Luke 24:32); He renews and revives us (Psalm 19:7). 

Whoever receives the Holy Spirit praises God

The Jews knew the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit because they were praising God. We read, “And the believers from among the circumcised who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God”. Hence, whoever receives the Holy Spirit praises God.  

Apart from praising God, Holy Spirit inspires love in whoever receives Him. Holy Spirit is the Spirit of love. Hence, St. John says, “Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love”. If we love the Holy Spirit abides in us.  

Our Lord teaches us how to abide in the love of His Father. He says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.”  He adds, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” His commandment is to love one another.  

Prayer 

Grant, almighty God, that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy, which we keep in honour of the risen Lord, and that what we relive in remembrance we may always hold to in what we do. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke