6th Sunday of Easter - Cycle C

John 14:23-29

“If you loved me, you would rejoice…” (John 14:28)

At the beginning of this week, the Holy Spirit showed me that I hadn’t fully given my future over to God. I had been developing ideas of what my future could or should be, until He broke in and gave me fresh eyes to envision new possibilities. He also gave me the grace to more fully understand and accept that my life is God’s, not my own; if I love Him and want to give myself for his Kingdom, then I must be willing to say “yes” to whatever his plans for me are. Even if they scare me. Even if it’s not my natural choice. Even if it means stepping into unknowns, being stretched, challenged, and changed.  

In today’s readings there’s a lot of stretching and change going on, as the 12 disciples and the early Church respond to God’s plans as they unfold. 

In the Gospel reading, Jesus, at the end of an intimate evening with the 12 during which he reclined with them and knelt down to tenderly wash their feet, prepared them for his departure. I imagine the tone in the room as one of intimate affection mixed with deep sorrow and grief–how can they live without Him whom they love? 

In the full chapter of the first reading, the early Church, after Pentecost, discerned how to respond to the Holy Spirit’s activity in the world. The Spirit had fallen upon the gentiles, purifying them and working signs and wonders through them. Therefore the Church had to adapt, letting go of old ways and expectations, and creatively responding to the direction of the Spirit, with an understanding of God’s prophecy and gift of salvation. 

God’s plans are always bigger than our own. We, like the 12 disciples and the early Church, need to hold our desires and ideals loosely so we can be free to work with God to further his plans. Even if God’s way means the loss of what’s familiar and comfortable, it’s worth it. His plans are always made for the sake of love. 

Jesus told his disciples, “If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father.” 

Lord, please give us the grace to love you wholeheartedly, in a way that doesn’t hold on to our comforts, but rather trustingly follows your direction and will.