Mass for the 6th Sunday Easter 2020
Channel: Jesuit Institute South Africa
Date: 2020-05-17

Join the Jesuit Institute South Africa as they celebrate the 6th Sunday of Easter. This morning's Mass is celebrated by Fr Matthew Charlesworth SJ.

Please join us in prayer today for Catholic Schools Sunday.
Read the message from the Catholic Schools Office “#TogetherInSpirit“ (https://www.jesuitinstitute.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CatholicSchoolsSundayMessage.pdf)
Also download their Devotional Calendar (https://www.jesuitinstitute.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DevotionalCalendarForTheMonthOfMayInHonourOfOurLady2020.pdf) 
and Saints Resource (https://www.jesuitinstitute.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TheLivesOfSaintsCelebratedInMay.pdf) for the Month of May.

Owing to COVID-19 and the suspensions of Mass in various parts of the country, we invite everyone to make a 'Spiritual Communion' with us during this Mass. More resources are available at https://www.jesuitinstitute.org.za/covid-19-resources/

You might want to light a candle, or do something to make this a prayerful time for you all. Our readings for this Mass are:

              First Reading                   Acts 8:5–8, 14–17
              Response                         Psalm 66:1
              Psalm                                Psalm 66:1–7, 16, 20
              Second Reading              1 Peter 3:15–18
              Gospel Acclamation       John 14:23
              Gospel                               John 14:15–21

Homily (begins at 10:16)

Before Jesus Ascends, he needs to explain to the apostles that they will not be left alone. That he will send his spirit to be with them.

In the first reading we see Philip fulfilling a prophecy of Jesus that the Good News would be preached in Samaria. Samaria was home to the Samaritans – the neighbours of the Jewish people who they thought were foreigners and heretics. Given their inherent opposition to each other, Philip is being very bold in entering ‘enemy territory’ to preach the Word of God. So it is interesting to see here the unity with which the message of Jesus Christ was received. They could not argue with the truth that was demonstrated before their very eyes, and there was much joy in that city as they were confirmed. Joy is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Can we recall the joy we felt at our confirmation? Or at some other time in our faith journey?

Peter teaches in the second reading that believers in Jesus must “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope”. Peter imagines a situation of open hostility to the Gospel in which Christians are being made to suffer for doing good. In a way, it could describe our current world, where believers are often dismissed or derided. Phillip shared the truth with the Samaritans. Truth is another characteristic of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not lie. That is the preserve of the Evil Spirit, whom, among his many titles, is called the Prince of Lies. This Spirit of Truth is often seen in the gifts of Knowledge, understanding and wisdom. To be open to the Spirit means being open to the truth as it is revealed to us. This is never a static event, but a continuous deepening of understanding and learning. For if we are in relationship with God, then God’s desire to deepen that relationship with us will entail us having to be always open and alert to what God is doing in our lives. Give thanks for those moments of insight and understanding.

In today’s Gospel Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit. He says “I will not leave you desolate… I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor, to be with you for ever.” This Counsellor is the Holy Spirit, a gift from the Father and the Son to us so that we are never alone.

You can listen to this homily at

https://www.jesuitinstitute.org.za/sunday-reflections/listen-reflection-for-the-6th-sunday-of-easter-year-a/

or download it to read here,
https://www.jesuitinstitute.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Homily-6th-Sunday-Year-A-Charlesworth.pdf