Acts 15:1–2, 22–29; Psalm 66 (67); Revelation 21:10–14, 22–23; John 14:23–29
The Universal Church
Dear friends,
Today is the sixth Sunday of Easter. In just two weeks, we will celebrate Pentecost, marking the end of the Easter season. In today’s Gospel, Jesus begins his farewell discourse to his disciples as he prepares to return to the Father. Having been with them for a long time, he had taught them many things about the Kingdom of God.
One distinctive lesson Jesus made clear was that the Kingdom of God was not meant only for the Jews, but for all people. Though it began with the Jews, it was always meant to embrace everyone—thus the word Catholic, from the Greek meaning “universal.”
In John chapter 6, we learn that not everyone followed Jesus for the right reasons. Some misunderstood his mission, expecting a political or militant messiah, and were disappointed by his death. Others followed him primarily because of the miracles, especially the multiplication of bread.
Today, many claim to be Christians, yet their actions and words often tell a different story. This contradiction prompted Mahatma Gandhi to say, “I like your Christ, but not your Christianity.” Jesus made it clear: the true measure of love for him is keeping his word. To keep someone’s word means to faithfully adhere to their teachings. Jesus taught not from himself but from the Father, and he found deep peace in doing the Father’s will—namely, that all might be one in him (Luke 4:16–20). When we do what is right, we enjoy peace, without fear of consequences. Doing wrong, on the other hand, brings anxiety, guilt, and fear of exposure.
Jesus came to sow the seed of peace in the world through justice, saying, “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). True peace only exists where justice reigns. Where people feel discriminated against or treated unfairly, peace is impossible. History has shown us that military power and weapons do not bring lasting peace. Bombs and threats only cause more harm. Real peace begins with justice and mutual respect.
In the first reading, we hear of some Jewish converts who, acting without the apostles’ authority, tried to impose Jewish customs on Gentile converts. They believed their traditions were essential for salvation. Paul strongly disagreed. As the issue grew more divisive, Paul and Barnabas took the matter to the apostles in Jerusalem, leading to the first Church council. The apostles decided not to impose these burdens on Gentiles, recognizing that salvation comes through grace, not law (Galatians 2:16).
The Gospel of Christ must not be confused with the cultural practices of any single people. In many places, Christianity has struggled to take root because it arrived intertwined with foreign customs. The Gospel should transform and purify every culture, correcting anything that contradicts God’s will. For example, cultures that permit polygamy do a great disservice to women. If polygamy were God’s ideal, he would have created one man and many women. But he didn’t—he created one man and one woman. Speak to women in polygamous marriages, and you’ll understand the pain many endure. Any tradition, policy, or system that favors one group at the expense of another is evil and not from God.
In the second reading, John’s vision of the Holy City symbolizes the unity of all peoples. The twelve gates represent the tribes of Israel, and the twelve foundation stones stand for the apostles, together forming the new and universal people of God. In Christ, faith is deeper than blood.
Dear friends, our world is home to billions of species, and humanity is one of them. Before we define ourselves by race, tribe, or nationality, we must recognize our shared human dignity. Peace begins when we learn to accept, respect, and share with others, regardless of their background.
I invite you to reflect today on your attitude toward those different from you—ethnically, nationally, or racially. On a scale of 0 to 10, how open, accepting, and just are you toward people outside your own group? Are you welcoming, or do you tend to be intolerant and biased?
Let us strive to become true disciples of Christ by loving one another and working for justice and peace.
Have a blessed Sunday,
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
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SVD JAMBO KENTAN 