LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
1st Reading: Acts 1: 15- 17.20.20-26
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 103: 1-2.11- 12.19-20 (R. 19)
2nd Reading: 1John 4: 11-16
Gospel Reading: John 17: 11-19
Denis UkangeMY REFLECTION
Jesus foresaw the divisions among us His followers today that's why one of his prayers always was that we should love one another even as the Father has loved Him, we should be ONE.
Unfortunately there's so much division in the world today. The Muslims against Christians and Christians against themselves. Even among us Catholic there's division, no unity. Those who belongs to some certain societies believe they're more closer to God by doing His work than other members of the church that did not belong to the same society. But does these divisions matters before God? The answer is no. God is only concern about our attitudes, what we have done today and what we going to do tomorrow.
As St John as stated in his first letter, God so loved Us, so we too ought to love one another. And how do we love one another?
(a) We love one another by doing those good things to people that we would want them to do to us.
(b) by supporting one another in their good and bad times.
(c) by being the preacher of peace no matter the circumstances we face. The list is endless.
Just as John mentioned, no man as ever seen God, but if we love one another God abides in us and his love is perfected in us, because we are God's Image and likeness.
If we love and support one another even today in our country we would not be faced with the difficulties we are experiencing today. Because our leaders have refused to show love to one another because of tribal, religious and geo- political differences. Those who are not feet enough or qualified to rule refuses to support those who are qualified to win. Those who lost elections refuses to support those who won to govern well. Now, how can we call ourselves children of God when we don't love one another. You can be a good leader when you're a good follower. Joseph and Barsabbas were good followers by following Jesus as his apostles from the beginning to the end of Jesus earthly ministry and led by the holy Spirit one of them were chosen to fill the post of Judas Iscariot.
Therefore, let us love one another, support one another, encourage one another so that people will see the reflection of God in Us.
Nneka UkatuThe last Sunday reading John chapter 15:9, "As the father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love". This Sunday second reading 1John4:11 " if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" To love is to wish well towards another, to be benevolent towards another, we are indebted to the generosity of God and we must be good to others and all creatures. God is love and he who abides in love abides in God and God abides in him. Love is patient, kind, not jealous, not boastful or arrogant, not rude, not selfish, not irritable, not resentful, does not rejoice in wrong doing but rejoices in spiritual growth, love protects, love goes for the best, love is always optimistic, love always bears good fruits and love abides in God. Love is sacrifice and love is pain.
It is the will of Christ in the gospel of today as He prayed "Holy father keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one" can oneness exist without love? The answer is NO. " I do not pray that you should take them out of the world but that you should keep them from evil one" This is your certificate to go on to love and fill the earth with goodness because you will be protected from the evil one. Keep showing love, keep doing good because you will be covered from the evil one.
Chris-Marie ObiMy Reflection
The process the apostles used in electing a replacement to Judas is an insight on how our Church elections should be.
Firstly, it is made clear that one who will replace Judas must be one who have been with them; one who understands the call and have witnessed Christ's Resurrection.
Secondly, they put forward two qualified individuals, Joseph who is called Barsabbas and Mathias. They did not just look at one person whom they think is qualified gave him the position, but two persons were brought forward .
And thirdly, they allowed the Holy Spirit to choose. It was not like one voting for his favourite candidate, but lots was casts to know who it shall be. But one interesting thing before the casting of lots was the prayer they made. And they prayed and said, "Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own way." Not the one they themselves chose but one God has chosen.
How many of our church societies do we consider this things. Rather, we campaigning and lobby for positions like in political arenas. I witnessed CCRN election last year and I must give it to them. There you see pure election: allowing the Holy Spirit to choose leaders.
It is a call to go back and see how we've gotten it wrong in the past. We have leaders who don't even know the group they're leading to start with. Leaders who don't understand their job description; leaders who are not ready to work and those who are there for personal interests.
Let us therefore reflect on this and start doing it the right way.
Irene Tesa EgbuniweThe gospel was like a handover note to the disciples , a farewell speech
Just like how one strives to keep or fulfil the last words of a dying/dead loved one
Today Jesus Christ tells us
SEEK UNITY
Another is
SEEK TRUTH
BE CONSECRATED TO THE TRUTH
We then must always strive to always be people of TRUTH
We may ask how do I know the truth and stand in the truth - ask the help of the Holy Spirit man's friend and guide
Being consecrated in the TRUTH may cost us a lot
BUT
The ONE who is TOO FAITHFUL TO FAIL, PROMISE KEEPER UNCHANGEABLE CHANGER, DEPENDABLE RELIABLE INTENTIONAL has promised that
HE WOULD NEVER EVER LEAVE US ORPHANS
These words have been a source of strength for me personally especially when life harsh realities arise
SEEK TRUTH
REMAIN IN THE TRUTH
Do not be pushed about
JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY , TRUTH AND LIFE
Holy Spirit help us amen amen amen
Nwamara AngelicaThe second reading encourages us to show love to one another.
Sometimes when we show love to another person, he or she may not reciprocate the love we show to the person. Let us not be discouraged.
Despite our transgressions, God still loves us and is always willing to welcome us back when we sin and truly repent of our sins.
So let us always show love wherever we find ourselves.
Nathaniel OnwuasoegwuMy reflection is on the first reading.
Bringing God into all our decision making.
Don't ever take any decision in life without consulting the Lord God of host.
Never walk alone always walk with the Lord so that when we are tired the Lord carries us
When we are faced with decision making let us always seek the face of God.
Don't trust yourself.
Trust God.
Remember how David was anointed king.
Man look at physical appearance God looks at our heart.
By human standard David would not have qualified as king over his brothers
When faced with choices let's always go to the Lord.
The apostles had to seek God in order to replace Judas.
Are we faced with Choices of marriage.
Are we confused about whom to choose?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we faced with Choices of relocating take it to the Lord in prayer.
Whatever it maybe let us take it the Lord in prayer.
Again we must learn to hear the Lord and do His will only.
Hearing God is one thing and doing His will another.
When we hear him let's not harden our hearts.
Ave!
