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Home  / News & Publications /  Michigan Catholic News / 2010 /  The Holy Spirit brings about new life

by Fr. Richard C. Macey special to The Michigan Catholic
Published April 30, 2010

First Reading: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
This chapter of the Acts of the Apostles is sometimes titled the Council of Jerusalem. Paul vigorously opposed those who attempted to make Gentile converts follow the Mosaic Law. The Letter to the Galatians is particularly emphatic about his opposition to these Judaizers. This passage contains an agreement among "the apostles and elders." They sided with Paul and Barnabas in their evangelization of the non-Jewish people.

The agreement was basically the Noahide Law. It constituted the requirements upon non-Jews, who live in Jewish communities. It was a moral code of conduct, rather than a cultic code. It was based on the nature of humanity, which stemmed from Noah and his family.

Second Reading: Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
This reading is a selection of verses from the chapter on the vision of the New Jerusalem. There is much more to this reading than just the description. The symbolism throughout the vision builds upon the books of the Bible, which precede it.

An angel is a messenger, usually from a high-ranking official, such as a king. To be "in spirit" reflects the prophetic trances of the Old Testament. Heaven was the dwelling place of God. It was considered to be up, so that God could oversee His creation. The gleaming and radiance suggest a divine appearance, like the Transfiguration in the Gospel narratives. The mountain was a place of revelation in the biblical world, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. The "holy city Jerusalem" didn't have to be set up, since it already existed with God.

The number "twelve" is repeated several times. There are "twelve tribes" and "twelve apostles of the Lamb." The "twelve tribes of the Israelites" is the restoration of the people, before they were exiled from the land. The four directions indicate a universal invitation. The fact that there are "three gates" facing in each of those directions emphasizes the opening to everyone who comes. The presence of the city was important for the entire land, not just a chosen few.

Even today, you can see how much real estate was covered by the Temple and its courtyards. It was a large part of the city proper. God had a large place that was big enough for everyone to present themselves before Him. This vision has "no temple in the city." God is everywhere! There is no need to localize Him to one dwelling. He is immediately present to everyone. The entire new city was a sanctuary, a sacred place that had been previously reserved only to the priests. Some scholars believe that this observation also reflected the Christian development of faith, which did not need a temple and its rituals for offering sacrifice. The scene echoes the prophecy of Isaiah 60:19-20: "No longer shall the sun be your light by day nor the brightness of the moon shine upon you at night … . For the Lord will be your light forever."

The lack of a sun or moon means that there was no cycle of days. There was no night, when evil could be done. There was only the one Day of the Lord, a time when the prophets said that God would restore justice to all. The lamp of the Lamb replaced the lamp stand in the Temple, which reminded the people of the divine presence.

Visions can remain with us long after they are over. I remember vividly my first visit to Rome and entering St. Peter's Square. We had a long day of travel, including a narrated bus tour. After dinner at our hotel, a couple of us set out toward St. Peter's Basilica, although we were dead tired. I followed the lead of one of the members of our tour, who had a map. After weaving among buildings and going through streets that were as narrow as alleyways, we entered a colonnade. As we exited, there it was! You can see it in pictures. You can anticipate what it would be like to be in that historic spot. But it is nothing like standing there in the night air, looking up at the quarters of the pope, where one window was still lit in the darkened palace, which overlooked the piazza. You may have your own remembered vision of an event, which still inspires and uplifts you.

Gospel: John 14:23-29
This scene comes during the Last Supper. Jesus is addressing His disciples. Obedience is tied to the love of God. A relationship with God ensures the presence of God, His "dwelling with him." "Dwelling" recalls the description of the Tent of Meeting during the 40 years in the wilderness. Some scholars identify the foundation of the Trinity in this passage – the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Remembrance is an important biblical concept that makes active a saving event of God on behalf of His people.

The Holy Spirit is connected with the message and mission of Jesus in this passage. The Spirit will be the connection with Jesus, when He is absent. It is also the guarantee that the message of Jesus will continue beyond the presence of the historical Jesus in the world. The spirit recalls the creative power of God. It is the means of bringing about "my peace," a peace that is not possible for "the world."

"Do not let your hearts be troubled …" repeats the same comforting words with which this chapter of the Gospel of John begins. It also suggests that there will still be struggles for the disciples. Jesus adds, "If you loved me … ." Despite this acknowledgment, Jesus does not make His gift of the Spirit and His peace conditional. It is only the rejoicing of the disciples, which is missed, when they are not in communion with Him. The invitation of Jesus is offered to all His disciples – then and now!

Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.