The Guidance of the Holy Spirit
May 25, 2025 | sixth sunday of easter, Year C
Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; John 14: 23-29
As we approach the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, the Liturgy of the Church begins to focus our attention on the promise of the Holy Spirit and its role in our lives. Jesus in today’s Gospel tells his disciples that, the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in his name, will teach them everything and remind them of all that he told them. The Holy Spirit will continue God’s presence in our lives and in the Church and he will also be the principle of unity in diversity.
The Holy Spirit as the Guide of the Church.
In the first reading from Acts 15, we find the description of the Council of Jerusalem (49-50 AD). It was convened to resolve a major dispute. Should gentiles who converted into Christianity, be required to observe Jewish customs, particularly circumcision?
The Holy Spirit as the was there
We see that, as the Apostles were about to make important decisions, they rely on the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s guidance was crucial in resolving issues and uniting the early Church. The Holy Spirit provided clarity and direction, helping the apostles stay true to Jesus’ teachings, which is: salvation is through grace and Faith in Jesus Christ and not by a mere observance of rules and rituals. At the same time, this gathering of the early church teaches us that true unity is not about erasing differences but embracing diversity under shared principles of peace and mutual respect. The Gentiles are not forced to be circumcised, but they are gently invited to believe in Jesus Christ while refraining from immorality and avoid certain practices that can cause scandal in the church. What are the contradictory practices to the faith that I need to avoid?
Lessons of Peace and Unity
This passage of the Acts of the Apostles invites us to seek peace and unity by using dialogue and listening to each other. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we become apostles of peace who seek unity even in the face of longstanding divisions. In this way, Christianity is about becoming bridge builders instead of wall builders. The Holy Spirit continues to guide us and Christ’s church today, especially in this challenging era. Let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit so that we can find the strength and wisdom needed to make good decisions. Let us trust in the Holy Spirit to lead us, just as it led the apostles, and continue to guide the Church in truth and unity.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide us and fill our hearts with your love. Help us to follow your will and stay true to Jesus’ teachings. Be our comfort and strength in all we do.
Amen.
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Living the Gospel this week. The anointing with Sacred Chrism
In this month of May, our parish has been blessed with very important and powerful events, these include our children's first holy communion, the May crowning by the CCW and by our youth and our children. Coming up soon on this same month of May, the sacrament of confirmation for our candidates. During the celebration of that sacrament, there will be one of the most beautiful rites, the anointing of the candidates with sacred Sacred Chrism by the Bishop. What is its meaning for us? According to the Compendium of the Catholic Church, “The post-baptismal anointing with the sacred chrism in confirmation … is the sign of consecration … those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ” (CCC, no. 1294). This beautiful gesture of anointing symbolizes the gift of the Holy Spirit. It seals the person and empowers them to live out their faith boldly. The anointing with the sacred chrism, consecrates, that is setting the person apart for a special purpose and mission in the Christian life. The Sacrament confirmation, what a beautiful gift of God to us!
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC