SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER - Gospel (John 14:23-29) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE
- NHA CHUA CHA
- May 26
- 6 min read
FIRST READING - Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,
“Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,
you cannot be saved.”
Because there arose no little dissension and debate
by Paul and Barnabas with them,
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others
should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders
about this question.
The apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:
“The apostles and the elders, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’”
SECOND READING from the Book of Revelation - Rev 21:10-14, 22-23
The angel took me in spirit to a great, high mountain
and showed me the holy city Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven from God.
It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone,
like jasper, clear as crystal.
It had a massive, high wall,
with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed
and on which names were inscribed,
the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.
There were three gates facing east,
three north, three south, and three west.
The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation,
on which were inscribed the twelve names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
I saw no temple in the city
for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it,
for the glory of God gave it light,
and its lamp was the Lamb.
GOSPEL OF THE DAY - 14:23-29
From the Gospel according to John
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.”
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER - Gospel (John 14:23-29)
THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE
Dear people of God,
Jesus loves all those whom God has chosen, that is, the shepherds and the sheep of God. People will have happiness and peace when they remain in God's love. Let's live and follow the invitation of Jesus Christ: "Remain in my love, as I remain in you. My Father and I will come and make our dwelling in you. Keep the commandments that I have given you."
Those who love God must submit and obey God's teachings, which is to live: "love", love as God loves. Whoever does not love God belongs to Satan; because Satan is always in opposition to God. Those who belong to God must give thanks and obey God's teachings.
All creatures created by God are good. Human beings are placed by God as the highest creatures, because the image of God resides in each person, and are chosen and invited by God to cooperate in the vocation that God has arranged to suit each person's role, so that they can fulfill the duties and bear the fruits that God has given. He calls all His children: to fulfill the duties that God has given; God has arranged each person with a different vocation, each a different state of life; but all people are children of God, are loved by God and embraced in His heart. Everyone should be happy, peaceful, and live according to the vocation that God has given, so that when God comes the second time, everyone will enjoy the glorious happiness in Heaven with Him. But even while still living on this earth, everyone should open their hearts to live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He calls all His children to truly live according to the fruits of the Holy Spirit that enlightens, guides and opens the heart of each person, which are: peace, love, joy, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, gentleness and patience, and the unnecessary things that belong to the laws of the world, do not need to pay attention to. Live according to the law of God, not according to the law of man. Whoever lives according to the law of God will enjoy the eternal happiness of the Kingdom of Heaven in the future, like John who was moved by the spirit of the Holy Spirit, allowing him to see the Holy City of Jerusalem. Before Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He gave the Holy Spirit to the Church. This era is the era of the Holy Spirit's activity, but it is not yet the end; when God comes the second time, God's work of salvation will be completed and ended. From the time of creation until the end of the work of salvation, the Trinity has never been separated from each other. God's work of salvation, He has prepared since the time of the Old Testament, when He began to choose the 12 Tribes of Israel. Until the time of Jesus Christ, He chose the 12 Apostles. And in this time, the time of the Holy Spirit, He chose 12 stones at the construction of the Father's House.
The House of God the Father is located in Bao Loc, a small province in Vietnam. This place, chosen by God, is called the Work of God, the second Holy City of Jerusalem, where the Holy Spirit is powerfully at work. The Holy Spirit has breathed life here and reigns over this place. He laid 12 stones as the foundation for God's plan, and while the Holy Spirit has been working since the creation of heaven and earth, in this era, His presence is most clearly manifested.
For over two thousand years, He has prepared this Plan, and now, in this new era, God has established His Plan in Bao Loc. This place, known as the House of God the Father, is called Heaven on Earth—a place marked by the presence and companionship of the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints. They reign together here, where God has placed the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy Land of the House of God the Father.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
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