Reflection for the 6th Sunday of Easter

     

        From the earliest times, different cultures have tried to contain the reality of God within structures of their own design.  They have created magnificent edifices of wood, stone and sun-baked brick — embellished with frescoes, carvings, mosaics, calligraphy, tapestries and stained glass.  The cost in time, material and human labor has been immeasurably large, and the results impressive.   Special places of worship make us aware that we are standing on holy ground.

 

        Yet, Jesus continues to stress that the presence of God cannot be so limited.  When Jesus gives his gift of “peace” to his disciples, he is saying something about the presence of God in our lives — the most sacred temple or holy ground of God’s presence is the human heart.

 

        As we prepare to celebrate Pentecost in a few weeks, grace is poured out to us to deepen our faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to make Jesus real to us — to give “flesh” to this divine presence that is so sacred.   Can we ever become quiet enough to discover the peace — the oneness — the love and life of our God within us?