7th Sunday of Easter
1st June 2025
Lectionary Readings: Acts 7:55-60; Ps 34:1-8; Rv. 22:12-14.16-17. 20; John 17:20-26
Theme: Our lives proclaim Christ’s presence
This, the seventh Sunday after Easter, is celebrated between the feasts of Ascension commemorating Jesus’ physical rising into heaven in the presence of his disciples, and of Pentecost, fifty days after Easter which celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. After the crucifixion the disciples were fearful, lost and holding only on to their shattered hopes. They hid behind closed doors and saw no way to move on without Jesus.
It was utter disbelief when Mary Magdalene announced to them that she had seen the Lord (20:1 8). Then on the same day Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace be with you” (20:19). The disciples who left Jerusalem for Emmaus soon had a life-changing experience when they recognized Jesus sitting with them at table (Lk. 24:31). Even Peter when he announced, “I’m going fishing” was allowing the resurrection to be only a memory (21:3). Slowly and gently Jesus, through these many appearances, built up their faith so that they no longer needed these appearances.
We, too live in a post-resurrection time and can identify with these scripture appearances of Jesus to his disciples, but there is always the question – what do we do now? Does the resurrection of Jesus make a difference in our lives? Christ who is risen from the dead and now ascended no longer dwells as he once did in Galilee. Are we too, like the apostles who felt perhaps there is no meaning; perhaps Jesus’ earthly life belonged only to the past.
No, there is a power in the resurrection. Its power is to transform, to change our lives. Just as Peter was rehabilitated and then commissioned, so are we. “Faith in Christ’s resurrection is not a dogma, but a life-orientation that flows from the conviction that Christ’s new life is ours as well. The resurrection is not a mystery, but a practice to develop in ever new and deeper ways. As we live into it, our lives will proclaim Christ’s presence …This will make all the difference in the world.” (National Catholic) We are united with Christ in new life and He fills us with certitude that we, too are to share in the life that knows no end. “Resurrection is escape from every confine even of time and space!!” (Unfolding Light)
On the last night with his disciples, Jesus shared a meal with them, and prayed. He prayed to His Father for the disciples and for all those who would believe in him, through their word (17:20). He asked for those who believe and for those who do not yet believe that they may be one (17:21). This prayer, known as the Priestly Prayer, highlights the interconnectedness of believers across time and space. We are called to strive for unity among ourselves, just as Jesus prayed, and this can be achieved by oneness in purpose and love.
Jesus promised the disciples to send the Holy Spirit, the ruah, God’s energizing presence into the world who would come and teach them everything. The Spirit, similar to the wind and breath is invisible with the role of empowering and transforming human minds and hearts. The Spirit is a special gift to God’s people who animates and sustains all creation. The Father had sent his Son to humanity so that the Son may draw all humanity into the relationship that exists between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This was Jesus’ farewell message to his disciples and to us. He is entrusting us with a mission and we, like the disciples, share in the work of the Son.
For Reflection and Discussion:
1. Has the resurrection of Jesus made an impact on your life? In what way?
Bibliography: Mueggenborg, Daniel H., Discipleship Reflections on the Sunday Gospel, Herefordshire, United Kingdom, 2016., Holmes, Steven Garnass, Unfolding Light – Poems, www.unfoldinglight.net, National Catholic Report ‘s Easter Sunday, April 20/25.
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Rita Kammermayer, Jerusalem-Israel, Bat Kol Alumna 2001
[Copyright © 2025]
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