The three readings speak to us of love. To them we might add the entry chant, which celebrates the liberty the Lord has won for his people: being redeemed, we are set free to love. Freedom that is focussed on self is diabolical, the worst slavery. In the first reading Cornelius, the centurion, had sent for Peter to hear the message of salvation. Peter allowed the messengers time to rest, and on the next day, accompanied by six companions, he set off with them, urged on by love. As he spoke the word of salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of love, fell upon the assembled company, even before they were baptised. There could be no denying the presence of the Holy Spirit, so they were baptised there and then. The witness of the six companions was of great importance at the Council of Jerusalem, when Peter’s action came under scrutiny. In every community there are those who are less able to adjust their ideas to changing circumstances. The ever increasing assaults of divine love on human weakness, ignorance, slowness of heart, on jealousy and sin, create new situations. At the council there could be no gainsaying the witness of seven brethren, of Peter and his six companions.
The mention of these obstacles to grace and to our growth in love invites us to consider the remedies that are available to us. Certainly the grace of conversion comes high on the list: to keep a watch on our hearts, so that no root of bitterness can dwell within us. To be positive is to be thankful. It is good to give thanks for all the gifts that are present in the community, because they show the presence of the Holy Spirit and are there for the benefit of us all, to bring joy to all. It is good to pray that they may inspire our emulation, rather as Moses wished all God’s people to be prophets. His wish is now fulfilled: we are all granted the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
All that Our Lord hears from the Father he makes known to us. In this Easter season, especially, we pray that all we do may be inspired by our knowledge of God. We learn of God from creation. In these days we learn to reverence and cherish creation: how much more we should reverence the work of redemption and sanctification which is taking place around us. God’s work in each one of us shows his patience. Historians and geologists have different timescales. God has his, which is different again. Our love for one another has to show respect and patience. Let us always recall the words we sang at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, and which we hope to sing again in chapter before a year is out: The love of Christ brought us together. May our love for Christ and for one another keeps us together in the joy of the Holy Spirit.