The readings of the Easter Season begin now to make a shift to the upcoming two special feasts that will occur in the next two weeks: the feast of the Ascension this coming Thursday, and the Feast of Pentecost, two weeks from today. Jesus is busy preparing his Apostles to take over for him when he leaves us – not as orphans – but to prepare a place for us – and to be our Advocate/Intercessor always with the Father. He also assures us that he himself would still be with us in the Church that would be launched into the deep of the world on the day that the Holy Spirit would fall on the Apostles and a crowd of three thousand.
Jesus tells us in the gospel passage that a key to accessing all that God wants to give us is obedience to his commandments. "If you love me you will keep my commandments!" He goes on further and tells them that for the faithful, obedient flock, a very special experience of his presence and his Father's presence would be in store for them until the end of time. It would be by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (in their souls) that would be transmitted by the prayer and action of the apostles, their successors and priest helpers. Baptism and Confirmation would qualify the candidate for an amazing newness of life that was just not there before the waters are poured, the oil is applied and hands are imposed.
While this is going on, Jesus himself would also be in heaven preparing rooms for us – preparing special places for each of us. He knows us! He knows what we like! He knows how to plan for our arrival! And, for all of the prayers that we offer to him for help and guidance as we make our way to him and his Father – he stands at the Father's right hand to intercede for us! Imagine that! Jesus, right next to God the Father praying for us!
And it is when we pray rightly that we can have every confidence that we will be heard: and the proper prayer is very simple: Jesus prayed it first in the Garden of Gethsemane – he prayed it by his death on the Cross – he prayed it by his glorious Resurrection: THY WILL BE DONE, FATHER! by the working of the Holy Spirit, THY-WILL-BE-DONE! When we pray that God's will be done in and through us we cannot not be heard!
And so this day let us sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts (as we heard in the second reading) – and always be ready to give a simple, direct uplifting answer to any who question why we have hope, why we have joy, why we have peace in our life! "It's the LORD!" It's the Lord Jesus whom we have given permission to take control of our lives! How could one not have hope and joy and peace when all is in God's hands, and all is well!
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy!
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