Sunday, May 5, 2024
This week’s Gospel follows last week’s reading of the vine and branches from the same chapter of St. John’s Gospel, Chapter 15. In Chapters 14-17, known as the Farewell Discourse, Jesus addresses His disciples after the Last Supper and before his arrest and crucifixion to prepare them for what was to come. He reasserts His unity with God and the believers and gives them His final instructions on what to do when He leaves them.
Social media was in the news again recently when lawmakers signed a law banning TikTok, a Chinese-owned video-sharing platform unless the company is sold within a year. Putting aside the political and national security reasons this law was passed, it is astonishing to see the number of users web-based social media companies amassed in just a few decades. There are six social media networks with over one billion monthly active users on each platform. While active users may not represent unique individuals, it is still astonishing to see numbers this high. According to the Pew Research Center, many Americans use these platforms not only for entertainment and news but also to connect and engage with others. I watched a young Australian Catholic, active in her church and Youth Choir, explain on a YouTube video that she loves TikTok and is almost addicted to it because it allows her to connect and share with others. This is not to say that these platforms are inherently evil; their number of monthly active users and immense popularity point to a worldwide hunger for people to know that they belong, are heard, and loved. This is the void that many feel when seeking fulfillment by connecting and sharing with others on social platforms.
Have they heard? God is Love! Did anyone tell them?
The Sunday readings chosen by the Church for today remind us of God’s gift and sacrifice for us. St. Peter tells us that Jesus dwells with us, and God pours out His love and the Holy Spirit on the people of all nations. He desires that we remain in Him as He remains in us. The readings are glorious and worthy of reflection. Make time to read and carefully examine the assertions, prophecies, and commandments Jesus gives His disciples and followers in them. St. John says, “Everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7). In his Gospel, he adds that we remain in God’s love and experience complete joy when we keep His commandments. People must know that God loves them individually, wants to abide in them, and brings them complete joy.
This Thursday, May 9th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. It is a joyful celebration marking our Lord Jesus’ completion of God’s promise of salvation for us, His ascension into heaven, and the gifting of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Where is God calling you to bring His kingdom and the Good News?
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.