Reflection for the 7th Sunday of Easter
Written on: May 12, 2021
First Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
Second Reading: 1 John 4:11-16
Gospel: John 17:11b-19
Just days ago, at the Ascension, we heard the messengers chide the apostles for standing and looking up as Jesus ascended into the heavens. They seemed to be implying –
there is still work to be done – look around you.
The first reading indicates they did just that. They refilled their ranks and got on with the mission Jesus began. Through our baptism, we are called to be that replenishment in our time, to look around our world and to act.
The psalm reminds us to appreciate the blessings of each day so that prayer becomes the bedrock of a solid commitment to act.
The second reading reminds us why we act- out of love– and how to act- lovingly. The Gospel missions us to continue the great love story, to embrace the cosmic dimension of God’s love for all.
So, what do we see as we look around?
Do we see what Jesus and the apostles saw in their time?
Do we see those in pain, grieving?
Do we see what is in danger of being destroyed – Earth, the dignity of its inhabitants?
Do we see those who have been left out, ignored, forgotten?
Do we see those imprisoned in mind and body, those different from us?
Are we ready to embrace the marginalized, include the forgotten and disenfranchised?
Are we willing to speak the truth, as Jesus did, that God’s love is all encompassing?
Will we take action?
As we live out our baptism, the continuation of Jesus’ mission, may we live in ways that God’s love is truly manifest in us and through us. May God’s love ease the discomfort we may feel of stepping into those different spaces so that we can joyfully share God’s loving presence.
Submitted by Sr. Dolores O’Dowd, GNSH
Click here to download and print the reflection
10 thoughts on “Reflection for the 7th Sunday of Easter”
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Thank you Sister Dolores for your patience and excellent manners, because of you I learned so much of the Bible, you asked me to help you to translate the Bible from English to Spanish and I enjoyed this work very much, I felt happy working with you since then I haven’t seen you for many years but ido remember you as it was yesterday the last day I saw you. God is so good he puts people in our path like you to learn the meaning of patience, love and discipline Thank you Sister
thank you Sr. Dolores for that inspiring reflection, Come Holy Spirit and guide us to do what the Lord has asked us , with love and faith!
Delores
Thanks for your thoughtful insight.
Joan
Many thanks, Dolores, for sharing your reflections on this week’s Easter readings. The questions you lifted up as well as a few of my own will guide my steps to Pentecost Come, Holy Spirit, come with the fire of your love for all.
Thank you. You have given me so many thoughts and questions to think about.
Thank you, Dolores, for so beautifully reflecting on these readings.and for reminding us that prayer is the bedrock for action.
Thanks for the thought-filled questions, Dolores. Bless you.
Paul highlights the importance of Christ’s ongoing intercession for each of us. Comfort, indeed, and one of the clear messages of this feast.
Dolores, thank you. Many things to ponder. Thanks for your thoughtful sharing.
Thanks, Dolores, for sharing your prayerful insights. So much to ponder.❤️
Dolores, thank you for your challenging questions: what do we see and will we take action? I feel invited to respond to both with my Sisters and colleagues! Your reflection has me standing with those apostles trying to figure it all out. Come Holy Spirit!! Nudge us forward!